After an extraordinary five-month sprint, Mark Richards and his team are nearing completion of a transformation few would attempt on a yacht of this pedigree.
Sydney, Australia. More than 300 guests gathered at the historic Woolwich Dock on Sydney Harbour to witness the christening of the newly modified Supermaxi Palm Beach XI, formerly known as Wild Oats XI. The christening of Palm Beach XI was done by venerable Australian yachtsman and longtime friend and Palm Beach Motor Yacht owner, Colin O’Neil.
The event marked the culmination of a 165-day global transformation of the 20-year-old Supermaxi designed to return her back to the world stage of ocean racing starting with the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race taking place on 26th December. Palm Beach XI is close to getting ready to join the international fleet of 133 entries — the second-largest starting lineup this century for the 628 nautical mile race — to contend with 5 other World-Class 100-foot Supermaxis for the line honours trophy.
“It’s a full-circle moment,” said Richards. “I’m deeply grateful to the Oatley family for their amazing support and friendship over the past 26 years. Twenty years ago, we made Wild Oats XI a benchmark in global ocean racing. To now carry that legacy forward as Palm Beach XI — under new ownership and as a global brand ambassador for Palm Beach Motor Yachts — is both an honour and a responsibility I’m proud to lead.”
PALM BEACH XI 2.5 YEAR GLOBAL SAILING CALENDAR
Palm Beach XI’s global roadshow will include the next three Rolex Sydney Hobarts, the Newport (Rhode Island) Bermuda Race, the Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angelesto Hawaii and Hamilton Island Race Week in 2027 to wrap up the campaign.
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