Supermaxi Palm Beach XI Joins 2026 Newport Bermuda Race!

Supermaxi Palm Beach XI Joins 2026 Newport Bermuda Race!

In exciting news for sailing enthusiasts, Mark Richards’s supermaxi, Palm Beach XI, will be making its mark in the upcoming 2026 Newport Bermuda Race. This prestigious event features a competitive fleet that embarks on a challenging 636-nautical mile journey from Newport, Rhode Island, to the stunning shores of St. David’s, Bermuda. What’s more, Palm Beach XI has the honor of being the 100th boat registered for this biennial race.

Formerly known as Wild Oats XI, this 100-foot canting keel supermaxi has quite the pedigree. To its credit, the yacht has notched up an impressive nine line honors and two overall victories in the renowned Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Mark Richards expressed his enthusiasm for the Newport Bermuda Race, emphasizing the challenge it entails and the thrill of competing in such a storied event.

Marking a Milestone

The inclusion of Palm Beach XI is especially significant this year, as it coincides with a century of collaboration between the Cruising Club of America and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. Race chairman Andrew Kallfelz highlighted this historic partnership, noting it enhances the race’s legacy. It’s not just about the yachts; it’s about the community and the history ingrained in the Newport Bermuda Race.

As excitement builds, it’s worth noting that the 2026 fleet boasts a variety of entries, including Swan 56 Azaha, Baltic 50 Crazy Horse, and Nielsen 59 Hound. The diversity in the fleet speaks to the race’s wide appeal, drawing competitors from various backgrounds and experiences. With the race set to set sail on June 19, 2026, the registration deadline looms just around the corner—April 5, 2026, is the last call for new entrants.

A Rich Tradition

The Newport Bermuda Race has a rich history, often referred to simply as the Bermuda Race. According to Wikipedia, it’s the oldest regularly occurring offshore race in the world, having first launched in 1906. With 635 miles of ocean separating the start and finish, it offers a unique sailing experience that’s almost entirely out of sight of land, making for breathtaking ocean sailing.

Participants include many active and former members of the United States Coast Guard, drawn to the race’s adventurous spirit. Conditions can be rough, as the race course takes sailors through the challenging Atlantic and Gulf Stream, earning it a colorful nickname—“The Thrash to the Onion Patch.” The ultimate prize, crossing the finish line at St. David’s Lighthouse, signals not just the end of a grueling race, but the achievement of navigating one of the sea’s most demanding routes.

Over the years, the race has seen significant milestones, such as its 50th edition in 2016, which welcomed over 195 qualified boats. However, it hasn’t been without tragedy; the 2022 race marked the second recorded death in its history—an unfortunate reminder of the race’s inherent risks.

With Palm Beach XI leading the charge, and a rich fleet ready to compete, the 2026 Newport Bermuda Race promises to be an event filled with excitement and camaraderie, as sailors prepare for another thrilling adventure on the high seas.