The three deck 350ft (106.7m) sailing superyacht Black Pearl can reach speeds of 30 knots under sail thanks to her three 70-metre Dynarig unstayed carbon masts which can carry 2,900 square metres of sail – all automatically furled and unfurled through her yardarms and masts. She was launched in September 2016 and underwent extensive sea trials before being delivered in the spring of 2018 – not just to prove her sailing capabilities but partly to prove her eco credentials. She features some impressive technological systems such as one of the most advanced hybrid propulsion systems, using her propellor to push energy back into the boat while sailing. She has waste heat recovery systems and solar flexi-panels on her sails.
“The owner is committed to leaving as little ecological footprint as possible,” says Derek Munro – Project Manager for the design and build of SV Black Pearl, which is being called the world’s largest and most technologically advanced sailing yacht. Derek now privately manages the Black Pearl through his bespoke yacht management company – Divergent Yachting.
Black Pearl was developed in collaboration with an all-star cast of designers, centred around Oceanco in the Netherlands — Dykstra Naval Architects, Ken Freivokh, Nuvolari Lenard, BMT Nigel Gee and Gerard P. Villate were brought together to contribute their respective expertise.
It’s reported that Black Pearl can operate continually using zero fossil fuels whilst sailing. This is achieved through her Regeneration and smart Energy Management system and many believe the yacht will set new standards in creating zero emission yachts of the future. “Yacht design needs to become more cutting edge, to meet the exacting standards and ‘green’ specifications required by our avant-garde, eco-conscious, clients. Zero carbon footprint yachts will leave our planet in a better state for our children’s children and beyond,” says Ashley Spencer Hurrell, founder of specialist consultants Spencer Buley Group.
Built of steel with an aluminium superstructure Black Pearl can accommodate 12 guests in six cabins. In contrast, if you were playing Top Trumps, Brittany Ferries’ Normandie (1992), on the Portsmouth Caen route, is 161m long carries 2,123 passangers in 212 cabins, plus 575 vehicles, but at a mere 20.5 knots, and with no sails!
You can find the Black Pearl on AIS: Click HERE
Maltese Falcon – 2006