Black Pearl uses an innovative propulsion system that harvests kinetic energy under sail
The majestic Black Pearl, moored off Penno’s Wharf. Photos by Tony McWilliam
One of the world’s most extraordinary superyachts has been attracting lots of attention since it dropped anchor off Penno’s Wharf in St George’s.
The 350-foot Black Pearl is described as one of the largest and most ecological sailing yachts in the world.
Built in the Netherlands and launched in 2016, the yacht is owned by the family of Russian billionaire Oleg Burlakov, who died from COVID-19 in 2021. Mr. Burlakov was directly involved at every stage of the construction of the yacht, which he considered a scientific project.
The vessel arrived in Bermuda yesterday morning, having sailed from Antigua. It generates electricity to power its on-board systems by using its propeller as a turbine when the yacht is propelled by the wind.
According to superyachtconnections.co.uk: “Black Pearl features three awe-inspiring 70m DynaRig carbon masts which allow her to reach speeds in excess of 20 knots under sail and to complete a transatlantic crossing with zero fossil fuel emissions. Black Pearl can regenerate her own power at specific speeds to help with zero fossil fuel consumption and holds a battery bank to allow for periods of ‘Silent Ship.’”
As a sailing yacht, Black Pearl can accommodate 12 guests and its features include an on-deck Jacuzzi, a gym, a 15-foot sunken swimming pool with a rising dance floor, a sauna and spa – and a convertible cinema. The luxury-lifestyle magazine Robb Report reported recently that there is a 19th Century French piano on board – which once belonged to Napoleon.
The Robb Report’s Julia Zaltzman writes: “When the sun sets, Black Pearl’s mizzen mast projector screen — the largest exterior cinema on any yacht — comes into its own. Guests gather on the flybridge seating or sun loungers for a movie under the stars, with drinks on tap at the dedicated bar.
“Black Pearl averages around 14 knots when under sail. At that speed, the yacht harvests 138 kilowatts of kinetic energy, which is enough to run the hotel load and charge the batteries without turning on the diesel generators. In fact, the sailing superyacht could cross the Atlantic sailing from New York to the U.K. without burning any fuel.”
The boat has three, 70-metre high masts made of carbon fibre, which rotate electrically. The hull is steel and the superstructure is made of aluminum. The motorized crow’s nest, located on the foremast, soars 190 feet above the water.
Black Pearl was inspired by the 289-foot Turkish-built superyacht Maltese Falcon which, incidentally, visited Bermuda in 2017 during the America’s Cup.
Registered in the Cayman Islands, Black Pearl will remain in Bermuda until early May, before sailing to The Azores.
Sources: Wikipedia, Robb Report, supertyachtconnections.co.uk, oceancoyacht.com
