black pearl yacht crew size

Black Pearl

What if an owner’s vision is revolutionary?

Exterior design

Interior design

Specifications

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Step Inside the Black Pearl Yacht

Care for the environment is at the very heart of this game-changing superyacht's design.

By Emma Al-Mousawi

Standing at 350-ft, Black Pearl is the world’s largest sailing yacht and is estimated to have cost in excess of $200m. The unique vessel was garnering global attention long before her maiden voyage thanks to her revolutionary design, eco-credentials and technological advancements, all of which have set a new industry standard and seen her scoop up numerous awards for innovation. 

Delivered in 2018 by Dutch shipyard Oceanco, the three-mast yacht is said to be the realization of a radical vision “to build something that was out of the ordinary in every way,” according to the ship’s captain Chris Gartner.

[See also: What Do We Know About Jeff Bezos and his Yacht?]

This unmistakable vessel is not the product of one designer but in fact the result of an ambitious cross-industry collaboration between some of international yachting’s greatest creative minds. UK-based Ken Freivokh Design (responsible for the iconic Maltese Falcon ) and Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard (behind Steven Speilberg’s Seven Seas yacht) teamed up to create her striking exterior.

However, it is not just her aesthetics that sets her apart, but also her utilization of the very latest green technology, which according to Oceanco, has rendered her capable of crossing the Atlantic without using any fuel. “How?” one might ask. 

Let’s start with her three imposing 230-ft DynaRig carbon masts designed by Dykstra Naval Architects. The innovative structure sees her sails subdivided into smaller sections that can be set or furled at the touch of a button.

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“The key to the DynaRig’s effectiveness is just how easy it makes sailing Black Pearl rather than relying on propulsion from fossil fuels,” says Gartner. “With a single person able to set 2,900-meters-sq (31, 215-sq-ft) of sail area in just under seven minutes, we can quickly and simply turn off the main engines and harness the power of the wind, which costs nothing and is better for the environment.”

[See also: Step Inside the Lady Moura Yacht]

In fact, under sail, the yacht can reach an incredible 30 knots and regenerate enough energy to power the boat’s full house load, removing the need to run generators. 

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Black Pearl is also powered by an advanced hybrid propulsion system that Oceanco designed in collaboration with specialist consultancy BMT Nigel Gee. Gartner explains how the complex system generates electricity through the vessel’s spinning propellers: “Her hybrid propulsion installation has two shaft lines, each with a controllable pitch propeller.

In normal sailing mode, the propellers are set to minimize drag and prevent the shafts from turning. But when we want to harvest some of that kinetic energy to be stored and used onboard, the pitch of the propellers is altered to create a lifting force as the water passes over them. This rotates the shafts, which are connected to a permanent magnet electric propulsion motor, effectively converting the wind energy that is moving Black Pearl through the water into electrical energy.”

[See also: How Much Does a Yacht Cost to Build?]

Her interiors – which remain a closely guarded secret – were also designed by Nuvolari Lenard and French architect Gerard Villate. Other than that, what we do know is that she has six cabins providing accommodation for up to 12 guests, including a master suite and two VIP cabins. Black Pearl’s total interior volume is a roomy 2,700 GT, significantly overshadowing the world’s second-largest sailing yacht the EOS at 1,500 GT. 

No actual pictures of the inside of the vessel have ever been released but according to Nuvolari Lenard, the interior is a celebration of Louis XVI French design (think elaborate neoclassical touches like wood carvings, gold accents and sumptuous fabrics) as well as some art deco touches.

The Italian design studio has also shared a handful of interior renderings to give us a hint of what may lie inside the Black Pearl yacht. These include an elaborately decorated dining room that can seat up to 16 guests. We would expect to see this same level of grandeur throughout her accommodation. 

[See also: What are Explorer Yachts?]

Black Pearl is said to have a wealth of recreational spaces spread across her three decks, though due to her secretive nature, little information has been published as to what delights she offers her passengers. Aerial photographs reveal a pool aft of the main deck as well as a hot tub aft of the upper deck. There is also a fold-down platform at the aft of the yacht which is likely to transform into a full-beam beach club. 

Ken Freivokh Design features a mysterious unnamed 328-ft-plus DynaRig yacht on its website which some may speculate could give us an insight into the luxury facilities on board the vessel. The unidentified yacht includes a substantial toy and tender garage housing two limousine tenders, a hydroplane and a range of utility tenders and jet skis.

It is also said to feature a helipad and an extending forward deck that can be used for entertaining guests as well as spotting dolphins. If that wasn’t enough, other out-of-this-world amenities include a glass-fronted swimming pool and an aquarium. Could Black Pearl host similar facilities? It’s anyone’s guess. 

A true sailing vessel, the Black Pearl yacht is built for adventure and her lower carbon footprint means her voyages are much kinder to the planet than those of a typical motor yacht of similar stature. 

[See also: Style and Sustainability: The New Sunreef 80 Eco Catamaran]

Emma Al-Mousawi

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BLACK PEARL Yacht Layout & GA Plans

105m  /  344'6   oceanco   2018.

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BLACK PEARL Yacht – Huge $200M Sailing Yacht

Taking the title of the second largest sailing yacht in the world, BLACK PEARL yacht is a site to behold.

Cruising across the water with her stunning black exterior, the Black Pearl yacht certainly lives up to her name.

BLACK PEARL yacht interior

BLACK PEARL has a spacious interior, almost like a large motor yacht. She has a glass elevator, a spa pool, and a hot tub for the people on board to enjoy. There is also a beach club cinema.

Designed by Nuvolari Lenard , in collaboration with architect Gerard Villate, the interior is not very well known. No pictures of the interior have ever been released.

We do know that the interior design was a tribute to the design of Louis XVI, with ornate wooden details and gold accents.

There are also some influences from the Art Deco era. We also know that there is a grand dining room, set up to host up to 16 dinner guests.

Specifications

The Black Pearl yacht has an overall length of 106,7 meters (35 ft). The beam is 15 meters (49,3 ft) and has a top speed of 15 knots.

The cruising speed is 12 knots. Her sails can be raised in just seven seconds with the push of a button, and she can cross the Atlantic using under a liter of fossil fuel.

She is economical in other aspects too. Regenerative power under sail, for example.

The late owner wanted to have less of an impact on the environment and set up several environmentally friendly solutions.

The Black Pearl yacht has room for up to twelve guests in her six staterooms.

The Black Pearl yacht’s exterior was designed by Nuvolari Lenard, the same as the interior. In collaboration with Ken Freivokh Design, they created her distinct look.

The black color covers most of her exterior, and her sails have a mechanism that allows them to be folded, in order to pass through the Panama canal.

She also possesses the largest DynaRig in the world. In fact, she has three of them.

There is some mystery regarding the different features of her exterior, same as for the interior, but thanks to aerial photographs there is known to be a hot tub aft on one of the three decks, and a pool aft on the main deck.

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S/Y Black Pearl Captain On the World's Greenest Superyacht

By Jenna Mehdi

The iconic 106.7m Oceanco superyacht Black Pearl has been dubbed the greenest and most technologically advanced sailing yacht in the world, not to mention the largest. We caught up with Black Pearl’s Captain Justin Christou to hear more about the innovative features and practices of the yacht justifying this title, and the remarkable benchmark she is serving to the yachting industry and beyond.

When we catch Justin on the phone on a grey Friday afternoon, the captain is enjoying a quiet moment amidst an intense few days at the Damen ship repair yard in Vlissingen. With Black Pearl due back in the water in just a couple of days and preparations set for the Owner to come onboard, Justin 's enthusiasm is already tangible as we begin our conversation. 

‘One of the things we love doing most, after sailing Black Pearl, is talking about her, ’ he says. Justin has spent the last two and a half years at the helm of Black Pearl with his co-Captain Chris Gartner, an experience he describes after an illustrious career sailing everything from classic yachts to motor yachts as ‘the feather in the cap’.   

The first topic on the agenda is fuel saving. Known for her ability to sail transatlantic without a drop of fuel, Justin is full of praise for the Black Pearl’s acclaimed Dynarig sail system. ‘These rigs are amazing. We don’t have these large triangular main sails which are near impossible to reef unless you have all hands on deck. When we’re sailing, we put sails in and out almost hourly - it’s unbelievable.’ 

The benefits of the Dynarig go far beyond ease of use, however. ‘What that means is we’re constantly sailing with the perfect sail plan for wind conditions,’ Justin goes on. ‘We’re never hemmed in by our sail plan to be forced to turn the engine on.’ 

The significance of this is huge, allowing the sailing yacht to reach her full potential regardless of conditions. And in case of long stretches of light weather, Black Pearl has a backup plan. 

The superyacht makes use of an intelligent regeneration system by trailing propellers in the water and producing electricity through the gear box. ‘In essence it’s a shaft generator. As we’re sailing we can use that electricity to run the house load, or if there is more we can use it to charge the Energy Storage System (ESS).’

The result is that Black Pearl can claim to be entirely self-sufficient. Regenerating energy to run onboard operations or propel the yacht in the case of light wind conditions, there is virtually no need to use a drop of fuel thanks to a highly intelligent Energy Management System (EMS).

The Owner’s insistence on sustainability as an in-built feature is apparent throughout. Not only is Black Pearl able to produce enough energy to run fully self-sustainably, not a drop of that energy is wasted. A comprehensive heat recovery system has been designed to convert excess heat from systems such as the generators and main engines to elsewhere on the yacht. ‘ We take the heat from any system that produces it, run it through the system and use it for a multitude of different things, from heating accommodation to the jacuzzi and showers.’ 

Incredibly though, it does not stop there. Justin and his crew are vigilant in their efforts to implement greener practices onboard Black Pearl, from a strict zero policy towards single-use plastics to the trialling of new ‘eco-products’. ‘Where we can, we use the highest concentrate and largest size containers available,’ he explains. ‘ The interior team recently went to an Ecover store - they take all of our containers and refill everything down there.’ 

‘The products themselves are also all proven to be friendly to marine life. We have a zero discharge sewage treatment plant onboard which is sensitive to PH levels and chemicals. The cleaning products we use have to be friendly to the sewage treatment plant and ultimately the environment.’

Evidently Black Pearl’s operations are in safe, sustainable hands. We were curious to know whether Justin had a sense of the same approach from elsewhere in the industry.

‘One thing we really see is marinas being super keen to recycle,’ he says. ‘It’s great when a marina gets a hold of us and wants us in their marina because they’re trialling their new green practices.’ 

Justin tells us of one traditionally commercial facility in Amsterdam, Eggerding Terminal, where the yacht passed through just last week. The facility, which has recently installed over 7000 solar panels to power its new shore power system, has traditionally catered to commercial ships but is looking to capitalise on the growing strength of Amsterdam’s refit sector by appealing to large yachts. ‘ They were super enthusiastic to have us hooked up to their shore power system. It’s a huge statement to say not only are we green, but we’re attracting greener vessels too .’

Delivered by renowned shipyard Oceanco in 2018, Black Pearl certainly serves as the finest form of validation for the sustainable agenda. But has the superyacht inspired real change amongst other owners in the industry? 

‘We are constantly getting calls from captains whose owners are interested in refitting their old sail boats or building new sailboats. They want to know if they can exchange their battery banks for our lightweight ESS, how it is integrated in and so on.’ 

‘But what is really exciting is bridging the gap between industries. We have heard from the likes of Greenpeace as well as freight ships, to see how the Dynarigs work and if they are feasible for them. ’ 

The significance of this, that Black Pearl can ‘give back’ to the commercial industry for which the Dynarig was first designed, holds meaning for our entire industry. The owner himself, Justin adds, is extremely invested in this goal. 

The example set by Black Pearl would never have been possible without the ambitions of her visionary Owner, as well as his realistic understanding of compromise. ‘ He’s built a green vessel and he wants to operate it as such, ’ says Justin. ‘When we have direction of where to go next, the time given for us to do it is very generous. He realises as a sailing ship we’re at the mercy of the wind gods, and will encourage us as much as possible not to turn the engines on. ’ 

‘It’s taken a lot of hard work from a number of key players, ’ Justin adds. ‘ Derek Munro from Divergent Yachting has managed the build from day one, for example, and still works very closely with us to ensure Black Pearl is the industry leader in green practices.’ 

Of course, the example set by Black Pearl would never have been possible without serious effort and research from a host of dedicated players such as  Moran Yacht & Ship , involved at the start of the project, who participated in implementing the green technologies of the yacht.

This attitude of hard work and dedication has come to define the team at the helm of Black Pearl. Justin and his crew are not interested in the easiest or quickest means of getting the job done, firm in the knowledge that setting an example requires intelligent solutions and determination. It is testament to the owner’s vision and Captain and crew belief in it that Black Pearl continues to be such a wide-reaching source of inspiration today.

"We take the heat from any system that produces it, run it through the system and use it for a multitude of different things, from heating accommodation to the jacuzzi and showers." Justin Christou, Captain S/Y Black Pearl

"We take the heat from any system that produces it, run it through the system and use it for a multitude of different things, from heating accommodation to the jacuzzi and showers."

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By SuperyachtNews 22 Dec 2020

Black Pearl: paving the way to a sustainable future

Captain of 107m black pearl, chris gartner, reveals the yacht’s impact on the superyacht market since its delivery….

Delivered in 2018, the 107m  Oceanco Black Pearl has been lauded as a trailblazing vessel, featuring forward-thinking technological systems with a focus on sustainability. In a conversation with SuperyachtNews.com , Captain Chris Gartner discusses this unique project’s impact on the market, which he prefers to refer to as an ‘auxiliary-powered sailing ship’ because of the stigma attached to sailing yachts in the superyacht industry.

While it may be true that such a stigma exists – deriving perhaps from a lack of interesting sailing yacht projects and a slowdown in new build orders – it would be difficult to reconcile Black Pearl with the same sector. In addition to the vessel’s sheer size, its array of innovative features and systems, which are already proving to be invaluable to on-board operations, set it apart from any other vessel on the water today. As well as power regeneration, cutting-edge power management, efficient hull insulation and waste-heat recovery, Black Pearl ’s most notable feature is perhaps its three 70m DynaRig carbon masts.

Inspired by the Maltese Falcon , Black Pearl ’s DynaRig concept was created in consultation with the Falcon ’s original design team, but as an evolution rather than a replica. “We are version 10-plus of the DynaRig,” explains Captain Gartner. “ Black Pearl ’s rig is on another level due to the fact that it has been built with modifications that allow the mast to turn more efficiently, quickly and quietly, and because the systems have been sped up, the boat is much more manoeuvrable. We are also able to hinge down the top three metres of each rig to reduce our air draft, which allows to go under obstacles such as bridges.”

The yacht’s hybrid propulsion system and regeneration mode when under sail allows a significant reduction to its overall carbon footprint. “One of the coolest things about the boat is we can drag the controlled-pitch propellers through the water while sailing, which in turn generates power that goes into our battery storage system on board,” adds Captain Gartner. “We can then cover the house loads through wind power, thus allowing us to shut down all of our diesel-powered generators and engines and run fossil free.”

“One of the coolest things about the boat is we can drag the controlled-pitch propellers through the water while sailing, which in turn generates power that goes into our battery storage system on board...”

Because of the fuel savings that the regeneration system provides, as well as the DyanRig’s ease of use, the Black Pearl has done a lot of sailing since delivery – Captain Gartner estimates around 80 per cent of the time. In fact, on their last trip from Gibraltar to Amsterdam, the yacht sailed 100 per cent of the way from Cadiz to Amsterdam and we were able to regenerate when the conditions allowed.

Most of the technology on board Black Pearl stems from the owner’s commitment to green technology and moving the yachting industry forward. While no new technologies were developed, existing technologies have been taken from different industries and adapted to yachting, and this of course comes with certain challenges. “Anytime you have a brand-new system, you also have trial and error,” says Captain Gartner. “So, we have been working on the systems to try and perfect them and it just gets better and better. Between the DynaRig, propulsion and energy storage systems, it’s really mind blowing and everything is working so well that I know it is going to be the way forward for the industry.” 

Since Black Pearl ’s delivery, Captain Gartner has perceived the market’s reaction to be one of mostly curiosity and captivation. “She really has delivered a statement to the world,” he reflects. “Due to her size, hull shape, rig, efficiency, power regeneration and all the other features that reduce our carbon footprint, the whole industry has been taken aback.” 

While Captain Gartner hopes that Black Pearl will inspire other owners to embrace sustainability and focus on the importance of efficiency in the future, he believes that the yacht’s influence is already evident in the industry. “People are seeing an example of a very large yacht being used in a very efficient way and that wind power can be a good and additional solution to reducing carbon footprint, along with all the other systems we have developed,” he concludes. “It is possible to make these boats efficient and we are leading the way in showing the industry how to do this. I am very excited to see other boats following suit.”

Image courtesy of Black Pearl.

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Black Pearl Yacht For Charter

Specifications.

Black Pearl Luxury Yacht Charter

BLACK PEARL, a 106.70m (350′ 1′′) sailing yacht, sleeps 10 guests in 5 staterooms. S/Y Black Pearl, built by Oceanco and delivered in 2018, became the world’s largest, most iconic, and game-changing sailing yacht.

Along side the stunning coastline of your favourite cruising area, you and your guests can have fun on the water with Black Pearl’s collection of water toys and accessories. You’ll love the rush of adrenaline as you zip across the water on one of the two WaveRunners. There are also waterskis, which are great fun whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. Cayago SEABOBs are another excellent feature, providing a truly remarkable experience that allows you to skim along the surface or swim with the fish quietly and safely. As if that wasn’t enough, Black Pearl also has wakeboards, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling gear. Black Pearl has three tenders, but the standout is a 10.4m/34’1″ Pascoe International Limo Tender that will transport you in style.

• A lengthy list of water toys
• Beach Lander tender
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• Towing tender 5.65m
• Inflatables
• Snorkeling Gear
• Massage table

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Parsifal III: Meet the charter star of Below Deck's sailing yacht spin-off

This week, producers have confirmed season five of hit reality TV show Below Deck Sailing Yacht will return to screens on 7 October for more crew drama and on-the-water antics. Set on the Balearic island of Ibiza, the series will again feature the 54-metre Perini Navi superyacht Parsifal III with Captain Glenn Shephard at the helm. In anticipation of the series' return, BOAT reflects on an interview with her owner Kim Vibe-Petersen , who unpacked the realities of filming a reality TV series on board his boat ahead of season three.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht is a spin-off series of the hit superyacht reality TV show Below Deck that follows the lives of the crew and guests across an eight-week charter season. For Danish owner Kim Vibe-Petersen, Parsifal III' s return is yet another opportunity to show off the yacht's charter credentials. 

Vibe-Petersen was personally approached by Below Deck producers in 2018 after they struggled to find a suitable sailing yacht. Parsifal III fitted the bill as she was already equipped for charter and a number of her existing crew were willing to take part in the show.

The Perini Navi sailing yacht first hit the water in 2005 and rose to instant fame scoring a number of prestigious accolades including a coveted Neptune at the World Superyacht Awards . On her launch, she also joined the ranks as one of the fast Perini Navi superyachts on the water with a top speed of 18 knots under full sail granted by two high-tech carbon masts, automated in-boom furling and a winged keel.

Vibe-Petersen admitted there were some yacht owners who didn’t want the names of their yachts connected with the drama-filled reality show, but he "didn’t have that concern." Although he had the option to change the yacht’s name for filming, he decided to keep it to maximise the charter appeal of  Parsifal III .

"It’s free advertising," he said. "The name of the yacht will come to people’s minds, especially to someone who has never chartered a yacht before. They will see that name and know the boat from the show."

Vibe-Petersen was also keen to secure a guaranteed packed charter schedule during low season. "I think there were a lot of boats that did not want to be chartered for the show but it's good money in the bank," he said.

While admitting he might not be the "specific audience targeted by the series," he said he has sat down to watch the first series, which took place in Corfu. Even in Vibe-Peterson’s home country of Denmark, the US show has gained a big following.

"This is the kind of show where they want to make a little drama," he added. "It’s not that wild on board a normal charter." The conveyor belt of colourful guests are chosen by the production team and given a "big discount" for appearing on the show.

Vibe-Petersen also explained the complicated logistics of filming Below Deck , each season of which features 16 charters filmed across a period of eight weeks. This means that two groups of guests separately charter the yacht in a single week. Meanwhile, the production team require a time period of at least a week to get  Parsifal III  rigged up and fit for filming. "There are 30 people on board each day with lots of wires and cameras – it’s a big, big operation."

Season one was filmed in Corfu, Greece, which posed a number of challenges for  Parsifal III as the sailing yacht was required to have a specific charter licence. "It’s pretty tough to get that," said Vibe-Petersen. "It’s not something we can do within a short amount of time. It can take 10 to 12 weeks to get a charter licence so it takes time."

For her second season, Parsifal III was filmed cruising Croatia's 3,600 miles of coastline. For season three, the show follows Parsifal III as she cruises around the Spanish island of Menorca, carrying a mix of new and old crew.

Season five of Below Deck Sailing Yacht will feature returning department heads chief stew Daisy Kelliher and first mate Gary King, while chef Cloyce Martin, chief engineer Davide Morosi, stews Diana Cruz and Danni Warren, and deckhands Keith Allen and Emma Crouch are amongst the new crew members.

Parsifal III is managed for charter by Camper & Nicholsons with a weekly charter rate starting from €245,000. 

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