Sydney, Australia – Legendary Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race winning skipper and champion sailor Mark Richards, and the company he founded in 1995 have joined forces with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) to help power and inspire the next generation of offshore sailors.

Palm Beach Motor Yachts which recently acquired the newly reborn 100ft Supermaxi Palm Beach XI have become the latest partner of the CYCA’s world renowned Youth Sailing Academy (YSA), signing on for the next three years.

The partnership will see Palm Beach Motor Yachts sponsor one of the CYCA’s Elliott 7’s, while Richards will provide guidance and sailing opportunities for the YSA’s up and coming sailors, including training sessions on Palm Beach XI.

This announcement comes just days after Palm Beach XI successfully validated her radical new C-foil configuration, flying up Sydney Harbour at almost 30 knots.

A nine-time Rolex Sydney Hobart Line Honours winner, Richards has long been at the forefront of yachting innovation, as a skipper and owner of competitive racing yachts, alongside his role as founder and CEO of one of the world’s leading luxury motor yacht brands.

CYCA Commodore Dr. Sam Haynes welcomed the partnership and the involvement of Richards.

“Mark Richards is one of sailing’s most iconic figures and to have him partner with the CYCA and our Youth Sailing Academy is an incredible opportunity and one that will no doubt leave a legacy on the next generation of young offshore sailors,” Dr. Haynes said.

“Mark’s record as a sailor and skipper speaks for itself, but his commitment to innovation with Palm Beach Motor Yachts is something everyone in the industry can learn from and we are grateful to have his experience and knowledge behind the YSA.”