From its inception in 1925 and in the years prior to 1947 the chief criticism of The R.O.R.C. rating rule was that relative to the old classes of boats that carried large spreads of canvas it produced slow boats. Initially there were two classes: Class I and Class II with a handicap rule calculated to provide a more even playing field for boats of varying types and sizes. 1948 bought changes to the formula and the fleet was to be divided into three classes to give yachts that had not been designed or built as ocean racers the opportunity of competing with some chance of winning prizes. It was in Class II that a radical new phenomenon was to emerge.

John Illingworth telephoned Jack Giles towards the end of 1947 and Giles is quoted after that telephone conversation “John is back and wants a ‘flat-out’ for the Fastnet; minimum size, rather light displacement, no sheer or doghouse and very short overhangs”.

Myth of Malham was conceived with long overhangs however later in the design stages and to the disappointment of the designer Captain Illingworth insisted that Laurent Giles cut these off at the extremities of the waterline.