Oceanco’s 106.7-meter sailing yacht Black Pearl has kept her secrets close since her delivery in 2018. Recently joining the charter market, this exceptionally gifted icon has revealed why she is held in such high regard by seafaring gentlemen the world over.
Top-of-industry naval architecture gives Black Pearl a stunning profile. Hybrid propulsion and automation paired with energy regeneration and highly advanced materials to raise the bar for every large sailing yacht built in her wake. She is, quite simply, the epitome of technology, comfort, and luxury in one beautiful package.
Black Pearl by the Numbers
Launched in September of 2016, Black Pearl started out as Project Solar in 2010 with construction beginning in 2013. Built by Oceanco, the design engaged Dykstra Naval Architects, Nuvolari Lenard, Ken Frievokh Design, Village Design, Lateral Naval Architects, and BMT Nigel Gee to bring her to completion for a 2016 launch and extended sea trials. She was delivered in the spring of 2018. She was designed and constructed in agreement with Lloyds Register technical standards.
Black Pearl measures 106.7 meters, with a 15-meter beam and a 7.23 meter draft. She accommodates 12 guests and 27 crew. Black Pearl has a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure embracing three decks and around 2,900 GT. Her wave-piercing bow, long waterline, and narrow beam-to-length ratio contribute to her impressive efficiency, stability, and unmistakably purposeful silhouette.
A Traditional Silhouette With Futuristic Engineering
Her three free-standing, rotating carbon-fiber DynaRig masts carry 2900 square meters of sail area, enabling a top sailing speed of 30 knots. Black Pearl’s masts reach upward to 70 meters from the waterline. From push-button controls, the sails can be fully deployed via a fully automated system in under seven minutes. The system can be operated by one person, trimming or rotating masts from bridge deck touch screen controls.
Similar to the DynaRig system proven by Maltese Falcon, Black Pearl’s system is larger in scale, with improved aerodynamics and automation, assisted by energy integration.
Variable pitch propellers work to reduce drag or perform as turbines to produce electricity that charges battery banks under sail, supporting hotel loads. Silent operation without the use of engines makes for pleasant itineraries on long passages. Solar panels integrated into the spars, yards, and superstructure, and eventually sails, are capable of delivering more than 160 kilowatt-hours/day.
Energy management is optimized by a central interface that constantly assesses energy generation and load distribution. Adjustable propeller pitch, changing between propulsion and regeneration according to need, and use of a waste heat recovery system, Black Pearl has proven extremely efficient.
Designed to make ocean crossings without the use of fossil fuels, Black Pearl made a 2023 passage from Montenegro to St. Barths using just 32,000 liters of fuel. Comparable superyachts would require about 200,000 liters to make that same 5,600-mile passage. A more recent crossing from Tenerife to Antigua used just 16,000 liters of fuel, an enviable amount for any comparable motor yacht.
Not only does Black Pearl illustrate the viability of sustainable sailing on a large, luxury superyacht, she is graced with a long list of amenities that make such passages thoroughly enjoyable. The beach club, spa pool, hammam, sauna, massage room, jet flow swimming pool, hot tub, indoor and outdoor cinemas are outfitted in beautiful style. Toys and tenders, such as the Pascoe limo tender, Williams tender, jet skis, SeaBobs, kayaks, wakeboards, and fliteboards ensure a plethora of options.
The Lower Deck
Embracing guest accommodations and a wellness spa, the lower deck announces the intent of the yacht to treat guests to a full range of luxury details. The full beam beach club opens with terrace doors creating a strong connection with the sea. By day, the hammam, massage suite, gym, and relaxation lounge attend to guests’ health and wellness. By night, the space transforms into a club-like space with a ceiling lit like the night sky.
A flexible layout with five cabins, convertible to seven, balances privacy, elegance, and rich artisanal detail. Inspired by 18th-century French decor, two large VIP suites provide every luxury, while a double and a twin guest cabin allow a variety of arrangements to accommodate guest needs.
The master suite sits low on the yacht to reduce motion and secure privacy. It features a private lounge, large marble en-suite bath, quiet acoustics, and waterline windows that further connect to the ocean environment. The king size berth and convertible layout make it very comfortable for long voyages.
The VIP suites also feature king size beds, private lounges, and marble baths. In keeping with the French decor, the suites find silk carpets underfoot, exquisite mahogany joinery, and a classical style with intricate hardwood details and gold accents throughout, imparting a posh residential atmosphere.
The Main Deck
Aft on the main deck, a swimming pool allows either saltwater or freshwater, and a counter-current jet to encourage exercise. The pool converts to a dance floor, event platform, or even shallow pool, by raising and lowering the floor. A pair of stairs to port and starboard connect to the sea level beach club.
Forward of the aft deck, the main salon has remarkable 100-meter sightlines, extending fore to aft. A 2.5- meter ceiling height enhances the gracious space. Large windows supply ample natural light. Authentic Louis XVI details come to life through burled mahogany, satin and silk fabrics, gold accents, and glasswork. Rich textures and details give the yacht an old world feel amid her state-of-the-art technology.
Forward of the salon, the formal dining room seats 18 guests in an estate-like setting. Dramatic lighting and sculptural details further embellish the neoclassical style.
The Sun Deck and Outdoor Spaces
As with so much aboard Black Pearl, the sun deck is conceived on a grand scale. It features the largest exterior cinema screen ever placed on a yacht. Facilitated by the entire portion of the bottom sail on one of the masts, it is a sight to behold.
The large aft decks and pools and a very large foredeck give guests the opportunity to sail the seas like never before. The foredeck can be used as a sunset lounge, even under sail.
The Guest Experience
Sailing on Black Pearl, guests are encouraged to participate in a number of ways, but perhaps the most interesting is that of taking the helm and steering the ship. Charter firm IYC is managing Black Pearl’s charter schedule, while Captain Chris Gardner presents 34 years of solid credentials aboard such iconic yachts as Maltese Falcon and Koru.
Guests will find themselves enveloped in luxury throughout the yacht, but perhaps the most appreciated is the silent operation Black Pearl can offer. With nothing but the sun, sea, and wind whispering messages of the day, guests can truly relax, enjoying time on board one of the most extraordinary vessels on the water today.
Photos: Oceanco Media | Words: KL Turner
