It would be interesting to compare the costs of rebuilding the Volvo Ocean 65 'Vestas Wind' which was wrecked on a reef near Mauritius early this year, with the multi million dollar facelift of Bob Oatleys Wild Oats XI. One was rebuild out of necessity, the other was rebuilt in pursuit of an extra 1%.

The story of Wild Oats XI this year has been far from secret. Images emerged of it motoring from the Hamilton Island Marina with the entire bow section cut off entirely, so the sailing world knew that a major redesign was in store. Considering the yachts sub-par performance in light winds, it was expected that the boat would be lightened, with maybe a wider stern added (like her main rival, Comanche) and possible, yet more hydrofoils! But just what tweaks and changes did the design team make to the 100ft yacht, in the hope that this year, on the 26th of December, they could break the coveted Sydney to Hobart race record?

We've got six of the big ones lined up for you like a bowsprit on a mega-yacht. Check them out!

1: Wild Oats XI went on a diet.

Shedding almost a full ton through the redesign, Wild Oats XI will be sitting a lot higher in the water this Sydney to Hobart! With new sails saving 300kg, and the lightening of key hull components saving a further 500kg, her light wind performance is going to be stellar.

2: Wild Oats XI may have told a little lie.

How else could you explain the bowsprit that now protrudes waaaaay out in front of its nose? Actually, it could be explained by saying that the extra length gets the enormous spinnakers further away from the main, improving efficiency.

3: Wild Oats XI has a new wardrobe.

Aside from the slimmed down sail set to save weight, the sails that Wild Oats XI can now carry are quite simply gigantic. With nearly 1000sm of sail area, the largest spinnaker she carries will improve light wind performance considerably.

4: Wild Oats XI did in fact get a face-lift, and a butt tuck.

An entirely new bow was grafted on to Wild Oats XI, which is 2m longer. This improved downwind performance (and safety), but broke the 100ft rule for the Sydney to Hobart. Not to worry said the designers, taking 2m off the stern to compensate.

5: Wild Oats XI looks more like a Swiss Army Knife than ever.

Cartoonists already joked about the maxi yacht looking like a swiss army knife, with daggerboards and foils sticking out all over the place. Now, she's got yet another foil to add to the collection, improving downwind performance by providing lift to the nose.

6: Wild Oats XI has all of Australia rooting for her.

After being named the most successful yacht in Sydney to Hobart History, the 11 year old Wild Oats XI is getting on in life, but the Australian sailing community is rallying behind her in the hope that this recent modification spree will keep her going another few years. Against brand new competition Comanche and Rambler 88, it won't be easy, but if Wild Oats XI goes as fast as she looks, expect to see her first onto the dock in Hobart this year.

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