Palm Beach Motor Yachts Rebuilds Iconic Regatta Winner Wild Oats XI
Palm Beach Motor Yachts, a leading Malaysian superyacht builder, has acquired and is rebuilding the former Wild Oats XI, a 30.5-metre McConaghy sailing yacht now renamed Palm Beach XI.
The rebuild project is led by the yard's founder and CEO, Mark Richards, who has skippered Palm Beach XI for 20 years and secured nine Rolex Sydney Hobart victories with the yacht.
The transformation aims to "redefine what's possible for a 20-year-old Supermaxi on the world stage" and involves collaboration with Juan K. Naval Architects, McConaghy Boats, and North Sails. The yacht is scheduled for redelivery in time for the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race later this year.
"Palm Beach XI is the ultimate team effort. We have worked collaboratively to bring this vision to life in a very short time frame," said Richards. "This project embodies everything Palm Beach Motor Yacht stands for – our relentless passion for innovation, powered by a team culture that thrives on discipline, precision and shared purpose."
A major update includes a new appendage package, described as "the most significant transformation" in the yacht’s 20-year history, designed to return Palm Beach XI to the forefront of the Rolex Sydney Hobart fleet.
Project Highlights
- Acquisition and rebuild of former Wild Oats XI, now Palm Beach XI
- Led by CEO and skipper Mark Richards
- Collaboration with Juan K. Naval Architects, McConaghy Boats, and North Sails
- Redelivery planned before the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
- New appendage package to enhance performance and competitiveness
Summary: Palm Beach Motor Yachts undertakes a comprehensive rebuild of the legendary Wild Oats XI, combining innovation and teamwork to revive the yacht's competitive edge for upcoming races.