Scheduled for delivery later this year, the 106-meter Black Pearl is set to become the world's largest sailing yacht. Built by Oceanco under the codename Project Solar, she is capable of crossing the Atlantic burning just 20 liters of fuel thanks to alternative power sources.
Inspired by the 88-metre Maltese Falcon, built by Perini Navi for the late venture capitalist, Tom Perkins in 2006, Project Solar started when Ken Freivokh was contracted by the owner on 7 July 2010 to handle design and styling on the project. This initially resulted in a 96-metre preliminary concept codenamed Nautilus.
Given their involvement with the development of the Maltese Falcon and its DynaRig concept, Dykstra Naval Architects were introduced by Ken Freivokh to the owner and the Nautilus concept, on which they then acted as naval architects. As a result of a highly beneficial collaboration, Dykstra's team were able to refine and further advance the DynaRig system they designed, driven by the owner to push the technology boundaries beyond what the Maltese Falcon had already achieved.
As the preliminary concept was moving ahead as scheduled at Ken Freivokh Design, the studio commissioned UK-based, Devonport yachts (Pendennis shipyard) to perform a technical study of the yacht to create the tendering package, which was then submitted to seven leading shipyards in Europe and the United States in June 2011.
Freivokh's team had extended the project to 100-metres by November 2011, of which a scale model was produced. Dutch-based Oceanco were ultimately selected by the owner to undertake the build and in 2012, Nuvolari Lenard, who had previously collaborated with Oceanco on other projects, joined the team for the construction of Freivokh's Nautilus design, influencing several tweaks, such as the three emblematic, elliptical hull windows, as well as parts of the superstructure including further development of the original distinctive arches.
As the process continued, the hull design kept evolving with active input from the owner following studies by Freivokh's team on the bow swap that highlighted the need for its refinement. By the owner's hand, these modifications gradually evolved into the overhang-to-reverse bow concept that the 106-metre Nautilus concept ultimately bore.
"First time I saw Black Pearl was actually in a photo sent to me." said Chris Gartner, Captain of the S/Y in its launch video. "And I couldn't believe my eyes, I was very excited to see a photo of it finally because it had been such a secret project." Indeed, prior to her launching and setting out for sea trials, information on the project was essentially kept classified by all parties involved.
"Actually Black Pearl was not an experiment, she is a real challenge in the yacht building industry." commented Marcel Onkenhout, CEO of Oceanco. "Because all that has been put on the drawing board had never been done before". Arguably, Black Pearl's size enabled many features that were previously impossible with sailing yachts. At 106 meters in length, she's 13 meters longer than EOS, the previous record holder.
"We have seven meters draft, which is the total depth." added Derek Munro, owner's representative for Black Pearl. "And of this approximately 4 meters is keel [...] so we keep all of our weight low. When you look at the overall length of the vessel versus the size of the mast, the masts are not too high". Developed by Dykstra with inspiration from the Maltese Falcon, the Black Pearl features arguably the most advanced sail system ever installed, allowing her to cruise with the wind in any direction.
As the development process of the yacht continued before the build started, the hull design kept evolving with active input from the owner following studies by Freivokh's team on the bow swap that highlighted the need for its refinement. By the owner's hand, these modifications gradually evolved into the overhang-to-reverse bow concept that the 106-metre Nautilus concept ultimately bore.
Built as Project Y712 and often referred to as Project Solar, S/Y Black Pearl's interior framework and layout was initially created by Ken Freivokh before being refined by the owner, working closely with designer Gerard Villatte. The acclaimed project is now nearing completion, with Ken Freivokh overseeing the final stages of the build since April 2016, as per contract, following the completion of Nuvolari Lenard's involvement with the project.
"When we're sailing, we have sufficient wind speed and we're generating enough hull speed, we can then begin to manoeuvre the blades slightly to what we call regeneration mode." explained Richard Tatlow, Black Pearl's chief engineer in the launch video. "We can then use that energy and consume it within our electrical switchboard inside the vessel".
Another key element of Black Pearl's development was its solar sails, which can actually produce energy whilst the yacht is underway thanks to solar panels built within the fabric of the sail. "We can easily get the rotation on the sails and we'll probably end up, if we're lucky, at 50% of energy with solar sails." explained Munro in the video.
"With the right wind and the right sea, we could reach 30 knots. And with the regeneration and the [solar] sail, we're predicting that we can do Transatlantic [crossings] with no fuel used." added Munro. Should Black Pearl achieve this once delivered, it would be an unparalleled achievement in the yachting industry. As a reference, 50 meter motor yachts typically burn 300 liters of fuel per hour at cruising speed with an average of 8 days required to cross from Europe to the Caribbean.
"The Black Pearl is the first of its kind, to be this big, this beautiful and performing like it does." concluded her captain. Indeed, technically, Black Pearl is now the largest sailing yacht in the world. Historically, however, a certain confusion has also come along with determining which vessel could claim this title, primarily due to the measurements and classifications used.
Photo by @king_of_neverland
Indeed, whereas the 142.8-meter Sailing Yacht A, delivered earlier this year to Russian billionaire, Andrey Melnichenko, is clearly longer but also 4.6 times more voluminous than the Black Pearl, the ship is classified as a sail-assisted motor yacht. Therefore, its class would put S/Y A in the motor yacht category, leaving the Black Pearl in the lead. Confusion still persists as to this method, however, the ranking is still more solidified now than it was several years ago when there were 3 contenders to the title.
At 88 meters in length, the Maltese Falcon built in 2006 by Perini Navi with a Dynarig system also installed by Dykstra, was one of the vessels that held a claim to the top spot in the rankings. Primarily, this rested on the fact that her total length should be used, whereas other sailing yachts should have their length counted without a bowsprit as the Falcon had none.
Others, however, argued that total length should be taken into account for all sailing yachts, and that there was no use resorting to such technicalities. Such a calculation would have then clearly placed the 93-meter Lurssen, EOS at the top of the list.
Set to be delivered soon, the Black Pearl did more than straighten out the rankings of the world's largest sailing yachts, it also brought back a clear desire and ambition to innovate in the sailing yacht space. A sector that had been left with little advancements and thrilling projects before Project Solar apart from S/Y A.
Damen Yachting has confirmed the sale of a new 53-meter Yacht Support vessel from its Yacht Support range. The vessel, currently under construction at the company's facility in Antalya, Turkey, is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2026. This announcement follows the recent sale and delivery of the YS53 Emotional, which will be displayed at the Monaco Yacht Show.The YS53 model is designed to provide logistical support for main vessels, with facilities for additional crew, water toys, and helicopter operations. Its features include an expansive open main deck aft area equipped with a 15-tonne crane for handling submersibles, large tenders, and other heavy equipment. The vessel measures 53 meters with a gross tonnage of 499 and can accommodate 8 guests, 10 crew members, and a captain. The exterior design, interior design, and naval architecture were all developed by Damen Yachting.Jan van Hogerwou, Sales Director North America at Damen Yachting, stated: “This YS53 is the perfect addition to the Owner’s existing fleet and provides the extension of facilities the Owner is looking to achieve with the addition of a support vessel. We would like to thank Stuart Larsen for his collaboration throughout this project. We look forward to the remaining build period as we prepare for delivery in Spring next year."The next available delivery slot for a YS53 model is Spring 2028.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
September 15, 2025
Numarine has introduced a new explorer yacht model, the 27XP, at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The 27-meter yacht replaces the 26XP model, of which 30 units have been sold.The yacht's exterior design and interiors are by Can Yalman, with naval architecture by Umberto Tagliavini. Two layout options are available: one with five cabins and another with four cabins. The five-cabin configuration includes a main deck VIP cabin, a full-beam master suite below deck, and three additional VIP suites. The four-cabin option moves the wheelhouse to the main deck.The 27XP features an open kitchen concept and enlarged outdoor areas. The flybridge is larger than on the previous model. A raised bow lounge is also included.Twin MAN 560 engines provide a top speed of 13.5 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots. The yacht has a maximum range of 2,200 nautical miles at 8 knots. An optional enclosed, glass flydeck helm station is available.Ömer Malaz, Founder and Chairman of Numarine, stated: “After keeping our cards close to our chests for a little while as we worked on refining the design, we are thrilled to unveil our latest model, the Numarine 27XP. Longer, roomier and more versatile than her predecessor, she introduces new levels of comfort, light and openness, while still keeping the rugged explorer spirit which defines our XP series. She sets a new standard of elegance and capability in the explorer yacht class.”Numarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.Credits: Numarine
September 15, 2025
Benetti has presented at Cannes the Oasis 42M, a 42-meter yacht and a new model within its Oasis series. The design focuses on expanding exterior living areas and integrating sustainable engineering that has received a 3-star Sea Index rating.The yacht's primary feature is an aft deck measuring 100 square meters, which includes an 8.3-square-meter pool with a retractable enclosure. The sundeck measures 17.3 meters in length, which Benetti states is the largest in the 40-45 meter yacht segment. An additional lounge area is located on the foredeck.The interior design was developed in collaboration with bonetti/kozerski architecture. The main deck contains a salon, dining area, galley, and a forward area that can be configured as a gym, spa, or cinema. This space includes a drop-down terrace. The upper deck is dedicated to a 50-square-meter owner's apartment with a private 40-square-meter terrace.Enrico Bonetti from bonetti/kozerski architecture stated: “In our first yacht with Benetti on the Oasis 40M we were excited to bring a fresh eye to the design of a boat that ended up being a ground-breaking step toward a more dynamic and relaxed yachting experience. We are very proud that now, with the Oasis 42M, we have a chance to create a true evolution of that concept. The focus is still on an open and fluid plan, unexpected and consistent materials that gradually progress toward a more refined and tactile quality of details, the deeper you enter the boat.”The exterior design by RWD features curved lines. Mark Gardner, Director of Exterior Design at RWD, said: “The Oasis 42M is an evolution, not a revolution. Its softer, pebble-like lines create a yacht that feels sleek, natural, and enduringly elegant.”The yacht utilizes a data-driven engineering package to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. A hybrid Siemens E-Mode system is available as an option. A garage can store a 6.25-meter tender and other water toys.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the storied Italian shipyard specialized in luxury yachts. Every yacht is unique, developed around its owner. Benetti designs, builds and sells vessels in fibreglass from 34 to 44 meters and boats in steel and aluminium from 37 to more than 100 meters. The range is made up of eight categories: Class, Motopanfilo, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now, B.Neos, B.Loft and Custom. By anticipating evolving lifestyles at sea, Benetti has introduced the Oasis family.Credits: Benetti
September 15, 2025
The second Wallywind110 sailing yacht will premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 following private viewings in Sardinia and Monaco. The 33.5-meter vessel represents the sistership to the previously delivered Galma, featuring identical carbon fiber construction with customized interior modifications.Key distinctions from the first hull include a sand-grey hull finish and revised interior layout with flexible cabin configurations. The fourth cabin incorporates convertible bedding that transitions between twin and double arrangements through a sliding mechanism. An office area replaces the bar setup found on the previous vessel.Naval architecture by Judel/Vrolijk & Co. incorporates a telescopic keel adjustable between 4.5 and 6.95 meters depth. The sloop rig configuration utilizes Hall Spars carbon mast and North Sails 3Di sails providing 660 square meters of upwind area. Downwind sail capacity reaches 1,283 square meters.Interior design by Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi features lighter-toned oak cabinetry and reconfigured carbon fiber flooring patterns. The main saloon maintains raised seating with deep hull windows despite the vessel's exterior profile. Accommodations include an owner's suite forward, VIP cabin, and two convertible guest cabins aft.Construction efficiency improved compared to the first hull, with the yard completing the project ahead of schedule. The yacht will be displayed alongside other Ferretti Group products at the festival, which runs from September 9-14. The Wallywind110 remains the largest sailing yacht presented at the 2025 Cannes event.The vessel demonstrates Wally's continued focus on performance cruising yachts combining carbon fiber construction with customizable interior arrangements. The company maintains production facilities in Italy alongside other Ferretti Group brands.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Gilles Martin-Raget/Ferretti Group
September 12, 2025
Sunseeker has presented a new 40-meter model at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The design marks the first collaboration between Sunseeker and Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski.The yacht features a curved superstructure, tapered glazing, and two-tone exterior styling. Key elements include an extended aft deck with multiple lounge areas and a forward plunge pool convertible to seating when drained. Full technical specifications and interior layouts remain undisclosed pending further announcements.Sunseeker CEO Andrea Frabetti stated: "This collaboration embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of superyacht design, delivering our clients exceptional craftsmanship, style and innovation."Francesco Paszkowski added: "Together, we aim to create designs that resonate with discerning yacht owners worldwide, combining elegance, performance and comfort."The 40-meter model represents Sunseeker's continued expansion into the larger yacht segment, following previous launches in the 30-35 meter range. The company maintains production facilities in Poole, UK, where construction of the new model will occur alongside existing product lines.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Sunseeker
September 12, 2025