Silencing their critics, the team on Wild Oats XI won line honours for the third consecutive time in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race equalling the long standing record held by Morna since 1948.

The much anticipated battle with mammoth super maxi, City Index Leopard certainly drew a lot of attention before the race but Wild Oats XI blasted along the shore to be first boat out of Sydney Heads getting that all important psychological advantage before the long offshore leg to Hobart.

Leading the way down the coast, Wild Oats XI was the first to cross Bass Strait. However the notorious light conditions in the Derwent saw City Index Leopard creep up on Wild Oats XI eating away at her enviable lead. The crews experience and determination paid off and Wild Oats XI crossed the line just 27 minutes ahead of City Index Leopard.

The jubilant crew celebrated dockside. Skipper Mark Richards said it was a tough tactical race. “There were a lot of sail changes and I’ve got to say the Derwent was unbelievably tough. The guys are over the moon! To equal an historical record is sensational”.

Over the years, Mark has played an integral role in the development of the Wild Oats campaign. He was pivotal to the implementation and construction of the revolutionary canting keel yachts. First came the 60’ Wild Oats IX who shocked the sailing world, winning the Admirals Cup in 2003 and now the current 98’ super maxi is setting records only other yachts can aspire to.

This experience has seen him at the forefront of the latest design technology and construction techniques for the world’s most advanced racing yachts.

Mark applies this same level of commitment and fervour to the construction of his own range of Palm Beach Motor Yachts. The design of each model is absolute; from the hull to the interior design. These classic motor launches set the benchmark in the power boat industry and are the envy of boat builders and owners alike.