Palm Beach XI is spruiking groundbreaking upgrades aimed at making the most successful yacht in Sydney to Hobart history better than ever.
But her closest competition remains skeptical the 100-foot super maxi, formerly Wild Oats XI, is truly in contention for line honours in her long-awaited Hobart comeback.
The champion yacht has been sold by longtime owners the Oatley family and undergone a complete rebrand and refurbishment since last racing the Hobart in 2022.
Skipper on Palm Beach XI (formerly Wild Oats XI) Mark Richards (left) has only sailed on the refurbished vessel three times.Credit: Louise Kennerley
New owner Mark Richards, who skippered Wild Oats XI to a record-breaking nine line honours wins, has fitted her with a new keel, bulb and daggerboards in the hope of reducing drag and maximising righting moment.
But the extensive modifications have curtailed Palm Beach XI’s preparation for the 80th running of the iconic yacht race that begins today.
As of Christmas Day, the crew had sailed together just three times, one of those after the official race briefing on Christmas Eve.
“We’ve spent a lot of time on the boat, but it’s been in the shed,” Richards quipped.
The mammoth upgrade project left the crew to push back the yacht’s christening earlier this month; she hit the water for the first time on December 10.
Wild Oats XI in the 2022 Sydney to Hobart. Credit: Getty Images
Palm Beach XI has also opted against fitting the revolutionary c-foils that she’d planned to carry down to Hobart to further reduce drag through the ocean.
“We’re just not quite ready, which is a real shame,” Richards said.
Matt Allen, co-skipper of line honours heavyweight Master Lock Comanche, doubted whether Palm Beach XI could push for line honours.
“You wouldn’t write them off, but it’s probably not their ideal forecast.”
AAP
