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.
Lürssen has launched the 114-meter megayacht Cosmos, a hybrid vessel equipped with two 500 kW methanol fuel cells that enable emissions-free cruising for extended periods. The yacht, introduced as part of the company’s 150th anniversary, can travel up to 1,000 nautical miles on electricity alone and remain at anchor with zero emissions for up to 15 days.Commissioned by an undisclosed owner, Cosmos features an all-steel hull reinforced to Ice Class 1D, allowing navigation in polar waters as well as across all major oceans. Alongside its methanol-based hydrogen power system, the yacht is fitted with diesel generators, engines, and tanks to allow conventional propulsion for higher speeds.Designed inside and out by Marc Newson, the vessel has a beam of 18 metres (59 feet), a gross tonnage of 6,300, and spans six decks. The design incorporates extensive use of glass, including a custom-engineered glass-domed owner’s study offering 360-degree views, a surrounding sky terrace, and an observation lounge located beneath the helipad.Outdoor amenities include a main deck with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, seating areas, and an aft dry dock for tender operations. The combination of ice-class construction, hybrid propulsion, and large-scale glazing represents Lürssen’s latest application of advanced engineering to meet evolving environmental and design goals.Credits: Lürssen
August 12, 2025
The NOA 46, a 46-meter motor yacht built by The Yacht Factory in Yalova, Turkey, will be presented for the first time at the Cannes Yachting Festival from 9 to 14 September. Ocean Independence has been appointed as Central Agent for the vessel.Designed by Hot Lab Yacht Design, the yacht is intended for long-range cruising and features a steel hull, aluminium superstructure, and compliance with RINA and MCA classifications. Accommodation is arranged for ten guests in five staterooms. The main salon connects directly to an al fresco lounge area with a large jacuzzi, while the sundeck includes a DJ booth, bar, and gym area.The interior uses predominantly brown and beige tones, with large windows providing natural light throughout. Power comes from twin MAN 1,450HP engines meeting IMO Tier III standards, giving a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots, a cruising speed of 13 knots, and a top speed of 15.7 knots. ABT TRAC fin stabilisers are fitted for stability underway and at anchor, and the yacht is equipped with Simrad navigation systems.The Yacht Factory operates on a 200,000-square-meter site with facilities including a floating dock for large yachts and a travel lift with an 800-ton capacity.Credits: Ocean Independence
August 12, 2025
The 76.6-meter motor yacht Boadicea is now available for charter through Northrop & Johnson, with Mediterranean itineraries this summer followed by Caribbean and Bahamas deployments this winter. The 1999-built Amels flagship, designed by Terence Disdale, carries a weekly rate of EUR725,000 plus expenses.Recent refits have maintained Boadicea's competitive position in the charter market, including installation of a 12-seat cinema theater and exterior repainting. The yacht offers 2,191 GT of interior volume across five decks served by an elevator and spiral staircase.Accommodations include nine staterooms for 18 guests, featuring two master suites - one on the upper deck with private terrace and dual bathrooms, another forward on the main deck. Common areas comprise a walnut-paneled main salon, upper deck lounge with Roche Bobois furnishings, and multiple entertainment spaces.Outdoor amenities includes sundeck with 6-meter counter-current pool, bridge deck wellness area with gym and spa facilities, expanded beach club with inflatable sea pool platform, 13-meter Pirelli chase tender plus extensive toy selection.The yacht's recent updates preserve Disdale's original design while incorporating modern charter requirements. Boadicea remains one of the largest vessels available for private charter, offering rare volume in the 70+ meter segment.Northrop & Johnson will manage bookings for the 2024/2025 charter seasons, with the vessel currently positioned in the Mediterranean. The Amels-built superyacht joins the brokerage's portfolio of large-tonnage charter options.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: Northrop & Johnson
August 12, 2025
Feadship has delivered the 71.76-meter superyacht Stella M to her owner on 5 August 2025. Built at the Dutch yard and designed by Studio De Voogt, the vessel features five decks and a layout intended for multi-generational use.The yacht is equipped with a next-generation diesel-electric propulsion system, designed to reduce noise and vibration while supporting cleaner cruising. According to Feadship, sea trials confirmed notably low noise and vibration levels.The project was carried out in collaboration with Burgess, representing the owner throughout the build, and Hugo-Morgan Harris acting as technical representative.“Every detail was shaped by a shared ambition to create something exceptional,” said Maarten Janssen, Feadship Sales Director. “Her advanced diesel-electric propulsion system has resulted in remarkably low noise and vibration levels.”Burgess Senior Partner Richard Lambert commented: “Her Dutch pedigree coupled with complete collaboration between all parties resulted in a vessel that meets the owner’s forward-thinking vision.”Stella M is set to begin her first Mediterranean season following delivery.Credits: Feadship
August 11, 2025
Oceanco has launched the 111-meter diesel-electric yacht Leviathan, previously known as Project Y722, at its facility in the Netherlands. The vessel features naval architecture by Oceanco and Lateral Naval Architects, exterior design by Oceanco, and interiors by Mark Berryman Design.Commissioned by an experienced owner, Leviathan was developed with a focus on operational efficiency and crew wellbeing. According to Oceanco, crew members were involved in the design process to provide practical input. The yacht incorporates durable, low-maintenance materials such as honed stone, natural wool carpets, composite capping rails and decks, and full-height glass superstructure bulkheads, replacing more maintenance-intensive elements like teak decks and polished wooden handrails. These choices are intended to reduce routine upkeep and allow crew to focus on guest services and operational tasks.The project involved collaboration between the owner, technical representatives from YTMC, and management company Y.CO. More than 2,000 people contributed to the build, and their names are engraved on a glass panel in the main staircase.Leviathan is designed to accommodate a variety of uses, including hospitality and scientific work. She has a beam of 17.8 metres and is scheduled to begin sea trials in the coming weeks. Further details on her capabilities are expected to be released later.Credits: Oceanico
August 11, 2025