UPDATE: Palm Beach XI, the newly rebranded yacht formerly known as Wild Oats XI, is making waves with groundbreaking upgrades as it prepares for the 80th running of the Sydney to Hobart race, starting on December 26, 2023. The yacht’s new owner, Mark Richards, aims to enhance its performance against fierce competition, but doubts linger among rivals about its readiness for line honours.
The legendary supermaxi, which dominated the Sydney to Hobart race in previous years, has undergone a complete transformation, including a new keel, bulb, and daggerboards designed to reduce drag and improve righting moment. Richards, who has a storied history with the yacht, stated, “It’s more about what changes we haven’t done, really. It’s been crazy.” These upgrades are touted as the most significant in the yacht’s two-decade history, but time is running out for adequate preparation.
With the race just hours away, the crew has only sailed together on three occasions since the vessel was relaunched on December 10, 2023. Due to extensive modifications, the team has struggled to complete necessary training, and Richards jokingly remarked, “We’ve spent a lot of time on the boat, but it’s been in the shed.”
While Palm Beach XI completed a mandatory qualifying passage last weekend, returning to Sydney Harbour after 24 hours at sea, the team faces an uphill battle against six other 100-foot supermaxis, including the reigning champion, LawConnect. Other competitors like Comanche and SHK Scallywag 100 are also expected to be strong contenders for line honours.
Richards remains optimistic about the yacht’s new capabilities, asserting, “We’re pretty confident the upwind performance will be better than we’ve ever had before.” However, critics like Comanche’s co-skipper, Matt Allen, caution that the forecast for heavier upwind conditions may hinder Palm Beach XI’s chances. “They might come into calculations a bit later on in the race,” Allen noted, indicating that the tactical dynamics of the race will be crucial.
As the countdown to the iconic yacht race continues, the excitement surrounding Palm Beach XI’s return is palpable. Richards emphasizes that this race is just the beginning of an ambitious campaign for the yacht. “It’s going to be very exciting in the future, not just in this race,” he said, hinting at a renewed legacy for one of Australia’s most famous yachts.
With the race set to commence on Boxing Day, all eyes will be on Palm Beach XI as it seeks to reclaim its former glory on the water. The world awaits to see if this newly upgraded supermaxi can resume its status as a formidable contender in the Sydney to Hobart history books.
