Wild Oats XI

Wild Oats XI was a shock retirement from the 2015 Hobart when early on, her main split in half, her only retirement to-date, leaving the gate open for Comanche. On taking line honours in the 2015 Transpac Race, radical modifications were made to the yacht – virtually cut in half, she has a longer bow and shorter stern. Further tweaks were made after the Hobart and the super maxi took line honours in the 2016 Sydney Gold Coast race and then wiped over seven hours off her 2011 record in the Brisbane Keppel race.

The abnormally light airs of Bass Strait in 2014 provided Wild Oats XI with her getaway from a new Comanche and she sailed to a record eighth Hobart line honours victory, outdoing Kurrewa IV/Morna’s seven record, held since 1960. Other achievements include triple victories of line/race record/overall win in the 2005 and 2012 Hobarts. Her record of 1day 18hrs, 23mins 12secs still holds and she’s only been beaten three times for line honours - Alfa Romeo in 2009, Investec Loyal in 2011 and Comanche in 2015. She also holds the Sydney Gold Coast Open race record (set in 2012), the Cabbage Tree Island record (2012), the Port Hacking Bird Islet record (2013). Crew Steve Jarvin lines up for his 29^th Hobart and a hopeful 14^th line honours victory (his 13 are unprecedented) including two triple victories. Daniel Oatley, Bob’s grandson, joins the crew for the first time.

Competitor Details