Sydney Hobart: No go for Wild Oats XI

Few events and yachts have such a connection as does the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Oatley Family’s Wild Oats yachts.

As a former race record holder and a nine-times line honors winner, the 30-metre (100ft) supermaxi yacht Wild Oats XI is undisputedly the most successful yacht in the 75-year history of the arduous event.

But when the 76th edition gets underway on December 26, this thoroughbred will remain in the stable. Here’s an update from the team:

Since 2005, Wild Oats XI has proudly been on the starting line each year for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. 2020 has been no ordinary year for our employees and business interests, and as such our family has made the decision not to enter Wild Oats XI in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Our best wishes are with all crews who are racing and it is our hope that Wild Oats XI will return to the starting line on Boxing Day in 2021. We would like to extend our deepest thanks and gratitude to Skipper Mark Richards, the Wild Oats XI crew and our supporters.

Race details – Entry list – Facebook

The 628nm Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will be the 76th edition when it gets underway on December 26, 2020. From Sydney Harbour, the fleet sails out into the Tasman Sea, down the south-east coast of mainland Australia, across Bass Strait (which divides the mainland from the island State of Tasmania), then down the east coast of Tasmania. At Tasman Island the fleet turns right into Storm Bay for the final sail up the Derwent River to the historic port city of Hobart.