One of the world's largest sailing superyachts, the 106-metre Black Pearl has been seen docked at Portland Harbour, reports DorsetECHO media. According to MarineTraffic, the vessel is currently sailing in Weymouth Bay.
Photo courtesy: Steve Fuller via DorsetECHO
The media reports, the superyacht arrived on Monday to replenish stocks and was due to leave on Tuesday according to a spokesman for Portland Port.
The Black Pearl was built in 2017 by Dutch yard Oceanco, contending for the title of the largest sailing yacht in the world against the 143-metre Nobiskrug Sailing Yacht A ever since. Despite her larger size, some experts consider the latter rather a sail-assisted motor yacht than a sailing vessel.
Photo courtesy: Lesley Maxwell via DorsetECHO
Designed by Nuvolari Lenard and Ken Freivokh, with naval architecture by Dyksra, who had previously worked on the 88-metre Maltese Falcon, the Black Pearl boasts a similar structure with three rotating masts.
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.
Photo courtesy: Ken Deadman via DorsetECHO
A spa pool aft of the main deck and a large hot tub aft of the upper deck are amongst the key features on the 106-metre. Two tenders are further located on the bow of the yacht with covers placed on top of them. Aft of the yacht is a fold-down platform that likely leads to a beach club.
Meanwhile, 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.
Photo courtesy: Ned Warren via DorsetECHO
Featuring a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, Black Pearl boasts 6 cabins for a total of 12 guests across 2,700GT of interior volume.
From a technical side, the yacht will be powered by twin Caterpillar engines giving her a maximum speed of 20 knots. In addition, she deploys alternative energy sources, and her sails produce energy thanks to solar panels built within the fabric.
Photo courtesy: Ned Warren via DorsetECHO
Since the beginning of 2019, The Black Pearl has been collecting design awards, picking up ‘Best Sailing Yacht of 60m and above’ at the World Superyacht Awards, and winning top honours at Boat International Design & Innovation Awards in ‘Best Naval Architecture for Sailing Yachts’.