Lets get to the bottom of this.

[bearmcnally]

This is the article from Power Boat & Yachting January 1964

Regards Bear

[bearmcnally]

Timber Top Hat on Port Phillip Bay in the 1970's may help the discussion

[surrealbass]

just found one of the Illingworth sources, Rob Mundles book Fatal storm p27 on has the bit about Illingworths involvement in the Sydney Hobart and a bit of his impact here. books everywhere here still looking for the myth of Malham lines- definite similarities

[Tales]

Might have a bit more info soon, but in the mean time have a look at this;

http://sailboatdata.com/view_builder.asp?builder_id=124

Particularly Alpa A7 and Alpa A9

Also under Illingworth there is a link to Top Hat and Primrose

Cheers,

Tom

[Tales]

I have just finished reading John Illingworth's book "The Malham Story".

An amazing story about an amazing man and well worth the read.

He doesn't write a lot about the design but it does appear that he was most involved in the rig and accomodation at I&P and he does mention that Angus drew up the lines for one particular boat, which I guess supports Dan Primrose's statement.

The Alpa 7 from 1964 is really a FRP Top Hat. The Australian MkII from many years later looks like a copy of it.

I have had communication with Norm Baker, Geoff's brother and he has helped a bit clearing up the picture.
Norm was responsible for drawing up the cabin top for the Australian MkI when Geoff put the MkI into production.

Cheers,

Tom