Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2025 | Mark Richards Interview

Ever since Mark Richards acquired the famous Wild Oats XI -following a three year hiatus from the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - the challenge to complete the major upgrades to what is now named Palm Beach XI has made for a race against time to the starting gun on Boxing Day. We spoke to Mark Richards at Woolwich Dock, one week prior to the race start and shortly after Palm Beach XI had been christened and relaunched. Mark explained the rationale behind the new daggerboards, the lengthened keel, the dramatic C foils, stern elevator foils and the flatter sails. He also described the two year campaign program for the boat (both overseas and back in Australia) after this year’s race south. In closing the overview he acknowledged the vital role that Wild Oats XI’s owner Bob Oatley had played in the opportunity to realise this new dream for a world famous yacht.