Our Story | Wild Oats X & Oatley Family Sailing Heritage

The Oatley family in sailing

For decades, the Oatley family has helped shape Australian sailing. Guided by the late Bob Oatley AO BEM, and today under the stewardship of his family, their sailing program values precision, performance, and a deep respect for the ocean. The family’s philosophy is simple: surround yourself with talented, committed sailors, learn from every race, and never stop refining the craft. It’s a mindset that still guides their journey. That mindset has powered record-breaking campaigns and enduring partnerships.

Wild Oats XI: A Record Breaking Legacy

The Oatley family’s 100 foot Supermaxi Wild Oats XI remains one of the most successful yachts in Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race history. Launched in 2005, she stunned the sailing world with a rare triple crown on debut — line honours, overall handicap and a race record — then went on to claim nine line honours victories, the most in the race’s history. Under longtime skipper Mark “Ricko” Richards, she has become an icon of performance, teamwork and endurance. In October 2025, Wild Oats XI entered a new chapter with her ownership passing to Ricko and his team at Palm Beach Motor Yachts. Renamed Palm Beach XI she will relaunch with major performance upgrades ahead of the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in December 2025.

Wild Oats X: The Legacy Continues

The Oatley family’s sailing legacy continues with the 66-foot Wild Oats X – agile, fast and built originally to compete in the Admirals Cup. As the family’s active campaign, Wild Oats X is a continuing platform for performance and progression, refining ideas born from years at the front of the fleet.

Rolex Sydney Hobart: A Defining Stage

Few races capture the imagination like the Rolex Sydney Hobart. Wild Oats XI became one of its defining yachts, claiming nine line honours victories – a record that speaks to world-class seamanship and unwavering determination. The race remains a defining part of the Oatley family’s story – a stage on which records were set, milestones reached, and Australian sailing history made.

Hamilton Island

While sailing through the Whitsundays, the late Bob Oatley fell in love with the beauty and potential of Hamilton Island. During Hamilton Island Race Week in 2003, he famously acquired the island, ensuring it would remain a cornerstone of Australian sailing and a destination that celebrates life on the water.

Hamilton Island Race Week

Under the Oatley family’s leadership, Hamilton Island Race Week has grown into Australia’s premier offshore sailing regatta, welcoming sailors and spectators from all over the world. In 2025, Hamilton Island Race Week marked its 40th anniversary.

Championing Australia’s Sailing Future

The Oatley family’s commitment to sailing extends to nurturing the next generation of Australian sailors. Sandy Oatley has served as Patron of the Australian Sailing Team across five Olympic Games, continuing the legacy of his late father, Bob Oatley AO, whose patronage spanned five. Through Hamilton Island’s sponsorship and the AST Patrons Program, the family has helped create opportunities for emerging athletes – most recently hosting the inaugural Palm Beach Motor Yachts Trans-Tasman 49er Exhibition Series during Hamilton Island Race Week 2025.

The Legacy Continues

From historic wins to mentoring tomorrow’s champions, the Oatley family’s sailing legacy endures – alive on the water with Wild Oats X and their continued support for future elite sailing talent.