Celebrating the rebirth of a champion

Palm Beach XI was christened in Sydney, celebrating the rebirth of a legend ahead of the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

After an extraordinary five-month sprint, Mark Richards and his team are nearing completion of a transformation few would attempt on a yacht of this pedigree.

More than 300 guests gathered at the historic Woolwich Dock on Sydney Harbour to witness the christening of the newly modified Supermaxi Palm Beach XI, formerly known as Wild Oats XI.

The christening of Palm Beach XI was done by venerable Australian yachtsman and longtime friend and Palm Beach Motor Yacht owner Colin O’Neil.

The event marked the culmination of a 165-day global transformation of the 20-yearold supermaxi designed to return her back to the world stage of ocean racing starting with the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race taking place on 26 December.

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