Maluka: restored relic from 1932

Things from days gone by

The Maluka was designed by amateur designer Cliff Gale. Interestingly, naval architect A.S. came to Gale’s aid. Barbera. This is interesting because Barbera already had a hand in creating the legendary yacht. This boat was Rani - winner of the first ever Sydney Hobart Regatta! 

Photo: Maluka after restoration

Work on the yacht ended in 1932. The customers were brothers William and George Clarke. Initially it was supposed to be a yacht for a quiet retirement. However, after their first trips to Sydney harbor, the brothers realized what kind of specimen they had got into their hands. The Maluka was good in everything: from its stylish appearance to its driving performance. 

Photo: Maluka after restoration

The Clarks soon decided it was time to do something more serious than fishing around Sydney. So, in 1933, the brothers set off on a five-month voyage to the northeast - from Sydney to Queensland. Over the course of five months, Maluka demonstrated the strength of her hull and sails, giving the Clark brothers confidence that this yacht was something completely special. 

The further fate of Maluka

1934 was also a very successful year for the Clark brothers. They were able to calmly reach the remote Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea. For some time after this, the brothers went about their business, until on Christmas Eve 1935, Maluka suffered the brunt of the elements. 

William and George were walking near the city of Eden, Australia (southeast of the continent), when a strong storm suddenly began. For several days the Maluka team walked on the sea without rest. When the storm subsided, all the crew members (except for the brothers that day, their friend was also on board) were simply exhausted. They secured the tiller and went to bed. However, the current had its own plans for the boat.

Photo: Maluka washed ashore. From the ANMM collection

The waters carried Maluka along the coast of Australia and early in the morning the yacht washed up on the rocks off Cape Cornan. Fortunately, the damage was minor, and the yacht itself was high enough above the water to prevent water from getting inside. However, this did not stop the brothers. They repaired the boat and a year later they traveled the same route, but this time successfully. 

Interestingly, the brothers unintentionally became participants in the Sydney Hobart Regatta 10 years before the start of the regatta itself. After repairing the Maluka, William and George unknowingly sailed the Sydney to Hobart route.

Years later

In 1939 the brothers sold Maluka. Until 2005, she passed from hand to hand: she was seen fishing, on some kind of charter, and as an exhibit. However, one man, an avid yachtsman and enthusiast, changed everything. Sean Langman had a passion for boats of this type, and therefore first bought the Maluka and then became actively involved in its restoration. 

Photo: Suellen Hurling/Live Sail Die

Sean says the yacht was in poor condition when purchased. However, this was an additional incentive to restore Maluka to its former glory. The second important person during the restoration work was Bill Gale - the son of Cliff Bale, the yacht's original designer. 

Restoration and triumphant return of Maluka

The Maluka restoration was a case where modern navigation equipment had to be added, but the yacht itself retained its charm, its true spirit. Traditional lanterns, old barometers, wooden lockers, carved plaques commemorating race victories, round portholes and much more have either remained in place or been restored. 

In total, it took about 10,000 hours to restore the yacht. To meet safety standards for yachts of this size, the salon had to be extended by one frame. The sails and rigging have also been redesigned to improve sail handling efficiency. 

In 2006, Maluka was spotted again in Sydney. But this time not as an old charter boat. That day, the 80-year-old yacht entered the Sydney-Hobart race at the regatta of the same name. 

Maluka was the smallest yacht that year. And although the yacht crossed the finish line last, it was still greeted with applause.

Technical characteristics of Maluka

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25.01.2024