From the drafting board of the legendary John G. Alden, the Malabar schooners became icons of early 20th-century yachting, combining the power of the American fishing schooner with the grace and comfort of an ocean-going cruiser. Now, in a small coastal village in Cornwall, a new chapter of that story is being written: the faithful recreation of Alden’s celebrated schooner design – the Malabar IV – under construction by Ben Harris Boats. Occupying 47 ft on deck, with a sweeping counter stern, twin masts, and wheel steering, this build represents a bold step beyond our previous cutter rigged designs.

This project is already well underway. With her hull and backbone rising proudly from the workshop floor, the schooner represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a discerning buyer to acquire a vessel with pedigree and well proven performance, and to influence her completion to personal taste.

At Ben Harris Boats, every vessel is a work of passion and precision. Known internationally for traditional wooden boatbuilding, the team combines age-old techniques with the finest materials to produce yachts of enduring quality.

This schooner is being built to Alden’s original lines, ensuring authenticity in every curve. The backbone and frames are of seasoned English oak, carefully chosen for strength and curve of grain. Every component of the build is executed with respect for tradition, so the boat will not only sail as Alden intended, but stand as a piece of craftsmanship in her own right.

The slideshow below showcases the project at its current stage of completion
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Much of the structural work is already complete, giving her form and presence. Yet the stage at which she now stands is precisely what makes this opportunity unique: the buyer can guide decisions on interior layout, rig, deck details, and finish – tailoring the vessel to a personal vision while inheriting the solid foundations already laid.

You can follow the build progress via a series of short videos and interviews on Classic Yacht TV. The project is also being documented through a series of articles in Classic Boat Magazine.

John Alden (1884-1962) was one of the most influential yacht designers of his era, best known for creating yachts that were fast, seaworthy, and beautiful. The Malabar schooners established his reputation when they dominated ocean racing in the 1920s and 1930s, including successive victories in the Bermuda Race.

The Malabar IV (1923) in particular epitomised Alden’s genius: blending the rugged reliability of working schooners with the finesse needed for competitive racing. The Malabar’s elegant sheerlines, generous freeboard, and balanced rigs made them both practical and breathtakingly beautiful.

To own a Malabar today is to inherit not just a boat, but a slice of yacht-racing history – a living link to the golden age of sail.

Photograph of the first Malabar IV 

In the legendary 1927 Fastnet Race, a Malabar-class schooner, La Goleta, stood resilient when nearly all competitors were forced to withdraw. Racing side by side with Tally Ho for over 600 miles, La Goleta crossed first on the water, though the win went to Tally Ho on corrected time.

Could a brand-new Malabar IV revive that legacy – racing Tally Ho in 2027, exactly 100 years later? The challenge is set… and the race is ON.

Martyn Mackrill’s painting of the infamous 1927 Fastnet race, showing the Malabar schooner ‘La Goleta’ (Left) and ‘Tally Ho’ battling to the finish line.

We welcome enquiries from serious parties who share our passion for Alden’s work and for traditional boatbuilding.

• Arrange a Visit: View the schooner in our Cornwall yard and see the craftsmanship first-hand.

• Discuss Completion: We can provide detailed estimates for the remaining work, and discuss how the project can be tailored to your requirements.

• Secure Ownership: Ensure that you are part of the next chapter of this remarkable schooner’s story. 

To discuss this opportunity, please contact Ben Harris Boats directly.

Want to get involved by volunteering in the workshop?

Email info@benharrisboats.co.uk highlighting your boatbuilding experience and if possible, photographs of your previous work.