1986 Alden Malabar tribute

For those aficionados of classic sailing yachts the name John Alden is no stranger, and his Malabar sloops and Yawls are renowned for their enduring style and performance.

This boat was built as a tribute to the last Malabar yacht in John Alden’s Malabar line of yachts.  She was originally built mahogany planking over oak frames in 1938.  The original hull was stripped of mast, original bronze portholes and fittings, to include original bronze hanging knees and flipped upside down, cast iron keel removed and faired to be used as a male mold for the hand layer fiberglass hull.  This was done over a two year period between 1984-86.  Once fiberglass hull was complete the cast iron keel was reattached using original keel bolts and encapsulated in multiple layers of fiberglass.  The hull is 4”-6” thick where keel is attached and 1 1/2” thick of hand layer fiberglass at waterline.  Once righted again, the interior and engine installation was begun.  The interior exactly mirrors the original with several notable exceptions.  The galley was extended to accommodate a larger stainless steel sink and refrigerator/freezer and the folding dining table centerline was replaced with u-shaped seating arrangement which makes into a 3/4 double bed.  The mahogany planking was removed from the original hull material used in finishing out the interior as well as all original bronze hanging knees, portholes and fixtures.  Between the time the hull was removed from the mold and the yacht was completed and considered ship right another ten years transpired.  She was fitted out with new aluminum (twin spreader) mast, standing rigging (with sta-lock fittings), winches, windless, ground tackle and sail.  All to the highest possible standard.

A little background concerning the Alden Malabar line of yachts.  Malabar XII is universally considered the last of the Malabar line as it was the last of the Bermuda Race series of yachts which were all built personally for the designer and racer.  All Malabar yachts were personally built for John.  Then there was the curious fact that a Malabar XV was built in 1955.  Malabar XV was a yawl version of this yacht (Design No. 0675 and designated Design No. 0901A) becoming a tribute yacht to the last Malabar ever to be built.  This tribute yacht has 100% new/upgraded electrics, rebuilt diesel engine but religiously adheres to the aesthetic and sailing qualities of the original yacht.  Anyone who is a true John Alden aficionado of Classic yachts who wouldn’t cherish the maintenance and upkeep of an 85 year old yacht could proudly sail this yacht into any harbor, anchorage or Classic Yacht Event with pride.

If you want a true classic yacht without the constant maintenance of the wood hull, then this is the boat for you.