Formerly Wild Oats XI, one of the world’s most celebrated ocean-racing yachts, will race as Palm Beach XI under the new ownership of Palm Beach Motor Yachts

Photo: Wild Oats XI in 2023 by Craig Greenhill / Salty Dingo

NEWPORT, R.I.— The legendary 100-ft. canting keel supermaxi yacht Palm Beach XI is the 100th boat to register for the 2026 Newport Bermuda Race. Formerly known as Wild Oats XI, the yacht has won nine line honors and two overall victories in the storied Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race with new owner Mark Richards at the helm. Now with a fleet numbering in the triple digits, the 2026 Bermuda Race marks 100 years of partnership between the Cruising Club of America (CCA) and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC) in organizing one of North America’s most iconic offshore races.

“My crew and I love racing, and Newport Bermuda is known as a challenging race. Currents are tricky, it’s almost 650 miles long, and it sounds like a few other big boats like ours will make for a competitive fleet,” Richards said of his decision to enter the race. “When the gun goes we’ll be pushing hard towards the finish line and the challenge is what excites us.”

Palm Beach XI joins an impressive list of registered entries, including international entries such as Mallorca-based Swan 56 Azaha, local youth sailing teams like New Bedford Community Boating Center’s Baltic 50 Crazy Horse, and returning Bermuda Race favorites like Nielsen 59 Hound.

“We could not be more excited for Palm Beach XI to take on this especially historic edition of the Newport Bermuda Race,” added Race Chair Andrew Kallfelz. “A century of successful partnership between the CCA and RBYC has helped the race attract one of the most competitive fleets in the 2026 offshore racing season.”

After a brief hiatus, Palm Beach XI is also sailing in yet another Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race this December. Following that, the yacht will be disassembled and shipped to New York and eventually delivered to Newport in preparation for the Bermuda Race in June of next year. The boat was recently purchased from its longtime owners—the Oatley family—by Richards and Bermuda Race sponsor, Palm Beach Motor Yachts.

Registration remains open for the 2026 race. The deadline for entry is April 5, 2026. More information, including the Notice of Race, competitor resources, and information for first-time entrants, can be found on BermudaRace.com.

The 2026 Newport Bermuda Race will begin on Friday, June 19, 2026 at the starting line off Newport’s Fort Adams. Ashore, the public is welcome to view the race start at the 2026 Starting Line Festival held at Fort Adams State Park.