Mark Richards is an Australian sailor and boatbuilder, known for his achievements as the long-time skipper of Wild Oats XI, 9 times line honours winner[1] of the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht race.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/Wild_Oats_XI_about_to_finish_2011_Sydney_to_Hobart.jpg/220px-Wild_Oats_XI_about_to_finish_2011_Sydney_to_Hobart.jpg)
In 1995, Richards founded Palm Beach Motor Yachts in Australia, which was acquired by Grand Banks Yachts in 2014. Richards is currently CEO of Grand Banks as a result of the acquisition.
As a professional sailor, Richards has sailed in 2 Americas Cup challenges, has achieved World Match Racing victories,[2] has won the Sydney to Gold Coast yacht race,[3] the 2003 Admirals Cup,[4] and has taken out line honours and handicap honours in the prestigious Rolex Sydney to Hobart races.
Notable victories
editYear | Title | Vessel | Position |
---|---|---|---|
2003 | Admiral's Cup | Wild Oats IX | Principal Helmsman |
2005 | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | Wild Oats XI | Skipper |
2006 | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | Wild Oats XI | Skipper |
2007 | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | Wild Oats XI | Skipper |
2008 | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | Wild Oats XI | Skipper |
2010 | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | Wild Oats XI | Skipper |
2012 | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | Wild Oats XI | Skipper |
2013 | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | Wild Oats XI | Skipper |
2014 | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | Wild Oats XI | Skipper |
2018 | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | Wild Oats XI | Skipper |
References
edit- ^ "Historical Facts - Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2016". www.rolexsydneyhobart.com. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
- ^ "Wild Oats XI - Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2016". www.rolexsydneyhobart.com. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
- ^ "Wild Oats XI wins Sydney to GC yacht race". News. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
- ^ "Australians sink Spanish to win Admiral's Cup - smh.com.au". www.smh.com.au. Retrieved 26 March 2017.