The Oatley family’s Sydney-Hobart yacht race record holder, the 30-metre long supermaxi Wild Oats XI, will make her return to ocean racing this weekend after a six month break. She will be competing in the annual Land Rover Sydney-Gold Coast race, which starts on Sydney Harbour at 1pm on Saturday. A near-record fleet of 76 yachts will participate.
The 30-metre long supermaxi Wild Oats XI, arguably the world’s most successful ocean racing yacht, has been confirmed as a starter in the 33rd edition of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week next August. As entries for Race Week soar at a record rate towards 100, Wild Oats XI is in Sydney being prepared for a return to racing after being forced to retire from the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race last December. Wild Oats XI is now being campaigned by the Oatley family – Sandy, Ian and Ros – as a tribute to their father, sailing legend Bob Oatley AO, who passed away in January. “It’s wonderful to know that Wild Oats XI will continue racing under the Oatley banner,” said…
If the initial burst of entries for the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 is an indicator, this year’s regatta will once again be something very special. Near 40 yachts representing a diverse cross-section of the sport have already nominated for what will be the 33rd staging of the high-profile series. Should this momentum continue, the number of entries will soon surge past 50, a milestone that would indicate a final fleet of around 200 is likely for the series which is scheduled from August 20 to 27. Race Week at Hamilton Island is recognised as Australia’s premier offshore regatta; an event that stands among the best in the world when it comes to excellent racing on courses that weave…
