A rebuilt Supermaxi lines up for the 80th Sydney Hobart with serious intent and a global campaign ahead
Palm Beach XI was formally unveiled in Sydney on 16 December 2025, marking a decisive new chapter for one of offshore racing’s most successful yachts. Formerly Wild Oats XI, the 100-foot Supermaxi was christened at Woolwich Dock on Sydney Harbour, with more than 300 guests gathering to see the yacht reintroduced under her new name.
The christening was carried out by Australian yachtsman and Palm Beach Motor Yacht owner Colin O’Neil. The project has been led by Mark Richards, whose long involvement with the boat stretches back over two decades and now continues under new ownership.
The refit has been extensive. Over 165 days, Palm Beach XI was stripped back and rebuilt with a clear aim: return the yacht to the front of international ocean racing. Many of the original team came back on board, bringing with them years of hard-earned knowledge of the boat. As the Sydney Hobart start approached, the work intensified, with the final months focused on delivering race readiness rather than refinement for its own sake.
That effort will be tested immediately. Palm Beach XI is preparing to start the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on 26 December, joining a fleet of 133 boats, the second-largest entry this century. Line honours will be contested against five other 100-foot Supermaxis over the 628-nautical-mile course to Hobart.
The most significant gains come from a completely reworked appendage package, the largest performance change in the yacht’s 20-year history. A deeper keel fin and bulb increase righting moment while reducing drag. New upwind daggerboards sharpen pointing ability and limit leeway. Radical C-foils add lift and efficiency, particularly on reaching and downwind angles, expanding the yacht’s performance range.
Beyond competition, Palm Beach XI has a second role. The yacht will operate as a working development platform, with data and experience feeding directly into future Palm Beach Motor Yachts designs.
The campaign extends well beyond this season. A 2.5-year international programme is planned, including multiple Sydney Hobarts, the Newport to Bermuda Race, the Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Hawaii, and Hamilton Island Race Week in 2027, placing Palm Beach XI firmly back into the global offshore circuit.
