Black Pearl Yacht: The 106-Meter DynaRig Sailing Superyacht
Black Pearl (Perle noire) is one of the most innovative sailing yachts ever built. Delivered by the Dutch shipyard Océanco in 2018, this 106.7-meter sailing yacht combines classic sailing inspiration with advanced hybrid technology, automated sail handling and a striking black hull.
Connu à l'origine sous le nom de Océanco Y712 and developed under the name Project Solar, Black Pearl was created as a bold step forward in large sailing yacht design. Her three-masted DynaRig system, carbon-fiber masts and energy-saving technology make her one of the most technically ambitious private yachts in the world.
The yacht was commissioned by the late Russian billionaire Oleg Bourlakov, who wanted to create a yacht that was not only luxurious, but also more efficient and environmentally conscious than a conventional large motor yacht.
Points clés à retenir
- Black Pearl (Perle noire) is a 106.7-meter sailing yacht built by Océanco and delivered in 2018.
- She was developed as Océanco project Y712 and was also known during construction as Project Solar.
- The yacht features a three-masted DynaRig sailing system with carbon-fiber masts and automated sail handling.
- Her DynaRig system was developed with naval architecture by Architectes navals Dykstra.
- Black Pearl’s exterior and interior design are associated with Nuvolari Lénard, while the original concept was strongly linked to Ken Freivokh.
- Le yacht peut accueillir jusqu'à 12 invités in luxurious cabins and is operated by a professional équipage.
- She is powered by a hybrid propulsion system designed to reduce fuel consumption and support long-distance sailing.
- Black Pearl was commissioned by the late Russian billionaire Oleg Bourlakov, who died in 2021.
- Her estimated value is around US$200 millions, although some reports place the total investment higher.
- Recent charter listings show Black Pearl as available for selected luxury yacht charters.
Revolutionizing Yachting with the DynaRig System
The most important feature of the yacht perle noire is her advanced three-masted DynaRig sailing system. This rig concept was originally developed in the 1960s by German engineer Wilhelm Prölss and later made famous in modern yachting by the sailing yacht Maltese Falcon.
Unlike traditional sailing rigs, a DynaRig uses freestanding rotating masts with rigid yards. The sails are stored inside the masts and can be deployed automatically along the yards. When fully set, the sails form a clean, efficient sail surface with fewer gaps than a traditional square-rigged system.
On Black Pearl, the DynaRig system gives the yacht a powerful and futuristic profile. Océanco states that her 2,877 square meters of sails can be set at the push of a button in around seven minutes. Other yacht-industry sources list her total sail area at approximately 2,900 square meters.
The system was developed with Architectes navals Dykstra, one of the world’s leading specialists in large sailing yachts. Black Pearl’s rig was designed not only for performance, but also for ease of operation, energy efficiency and long-distance cruising.
The Specs Behind the Black Pearl Yacht
Black Pearl has a steel hull, an aluminium superstructure and three carbon-fiber masts. She measures approximately 106.7 meters, or 350 feet, making her one of the largest sailing yachts in the world.
The yacht has a beam of around 15 meters et un tonnage brut d'environ 2,700 GT. Her size gives her the interior volume of a large motor yacht while retaining the drama and performance of a true sailing vessel.
Black Pearl is powered by diesel-electric and hybrid propulsion technology. Her engines and electric systems work together with the sailing rig to reduce fuel consumption and improve operational efficiency. The yacht is reported to reach high speeds under sail, with Océanco noting top sailing speeds of up to 30 knots in ideal conditions. Under engine power, her top speed is often listed around 17.5 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of around 12 knots.
One of Black Pearl’s most impressive technical ambitions is her ability to use the propellers as turbines while sailing. This allows the yacht to generate energy from movement through the water, helping support onboard systems and reducing reliance on diesel generators.
The Yacht Black Pearl’s Interior
For many years, the interior of Black Pearl remained largely private. More recent charter and yacht-industry information has revealed a more detailed picture of her onboard style and layout.
Le yacht peut accueillir jusqu'à 12 invités in luxurious cabins, supported by a équipage d'environ 27. Her interior combines classical luxury with modern technology, creating a contrast between old-world decorative style and highly advanced sailing systems.
Reported interior features include a multi-level atrium, a glass elevator, a beach club, a spa pool, a hot tub and a cinema area. Her spacious interior volume allows her to feel more like a large motor yacht than a conventional sailing yacht.
Black Pearl’s interior design is associated with Nuvolari Lénard, while her original concept and early design development are closely linked to Ken Freivokh. The result is a yacht that combines theatrical exterior styling, dramatic proportions and a highly customized private interior.
The Man Behind Sailing Yacht Black Pearl
The former owner of the yacht Black Pearl was the late Oleg Bourlakov, a Russian billionaire businessman, engineer and investor. Burlakov was associated with industries including banking, cement, construction, energy and natural gas.
He was best known in the yachting world as the visionary client behind Black Pearl. Reports describe him as deeply involved in the yacht’s development and especially interested in alternative energy, sailing efficiency and new technology.
Oleg Burlakov died in 2021 from COVID-19. Following his death, his estate became the subject of legal disputes involving inheritance claims and questions surrounding ownership of major assets. Black Pearl has therefore remained connected not only to yacht design history, but also to the complicated estate of one of Russia’s former billionaires.
What is the Black Pearl Yacht Worth?
The value of Black Pearl is commonly estimated at around US$200 millions. Some reports suggest that the total investment in her design and construction may have been higher, with figures ranging from €250 million to €400 million.
The exact value of a custom yacht like Black Pearl is difficult to calculate. Her worth depends on factors such as build cost, market demand, technical condition, charter potential, ownership status, maintenance history and the uniqueness of her DynaRig technology.
Annual running costs for a yacht of this size are substantial. A common estimate is around 10% of a yacht’s value per year, although actual costs depend on usage, équipage, maintenance, insurance, refit work, fuel, berthing and technical support. For Black Pearl, annual operating costs may therefore be in the range of many millions of dollars.
Océanco is a Dutch luxury yacht builder based in Alblasserdam, the Netherlands. Founded in 1987, the company has become one of the most respected builders of large custom yachts in the world.
Océanco is known for highly engineered yachts above 80 meters, often featuring bold design, advanced technology and complex owner requirements. Black Pearl was a major milestone for the shipyard because it marked Océanco’s first sailing yacht project.
Notable Océanco projects include Jeff Bezos' yacht KORU, BRAVO EUGENIE, SEVEN SEAS (SEPT MERS) et le 117-meter yacht Infinity. With Black Pearl, Océanco showed that it could apply its large-yacht expertise to a sailing vessel of exceptional complexity.
Nuvolari Lénard is an Italian yacht design studio founded by Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard. The studio is known for designing luxury yachts, superyachts, private jets and high-end residences.
The firm has worked with leading shipyards including Océanco, Lürssen, Palmer Johnson and CRN. Its design language often combines clean lines, strong proportions and carefully detailed luxury interiors.
Nuvolari Lénard is associated with several important superyachts, including the Lürssen yachts AHPO et NORD, ainsi que le Océanco yacht BRAVO EUGENIE. On Black Pearl, the studio contributed to one of the most distinctive sailing yachts ever built.
Architectes navals Dykstra
Architectes navals Dykstra is a Dutch design and naval architecture firm specializing in classic and modern performance sailing yachts. Founded in 1969 by Gerard Dykstra, the company has become one of the most influential names in large sailing yacht design.
Dykstra is known for combining practical sailing knowledge with advanced engineering and performance analysis. The firm has worked on important projects such as KORU, Maltese Falcon et Black Pearl (Perle noire).
For Black Pearl, Dykstra played a key role in the DynaRig system and sailing performance. The yacht remains one of the most important examples of how modern naval architecture can reinterpret classic sailing ideas using carbon-fiber technology, automation and hybrid power.
Is Black Pearl Available for Yacht Charter?
Black Pearl was long considered a private yacht and was not generally advertised for charter. However, recent charter listings now show Black Pearl (Perle noire) as available for selected location de yacht opportunities.
Current charter information should always be confirmed through official charter brokers, as availability can change depending on the yacht’s schedule, ownership arrangements, cruising area and legal status.
The yacht is not widely listed as being for sale. Buyers interested in large sailing yachts should consult specialist yacht brokers for the latest market information.
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Foire aux questions (FAQ)
How big is Black Pearl?
Black Pearl measures approximately 106.7 meters, or 350 feet, in length. She is one of the largest sailing yachts in the world.
Who built the Black Pearl yacht?
Black Pearl was built by Océanco in the Netherlands. She was delivered in 2018 and was developed as Océanco project Y712.
Who designed Black Pearl?
Black Pearl’s design is associated with Nuvolari Lénard, Ken Freivokh and Dykstra Naval Architects. Dykstra played a key role in the yacht’s DynaRig sailing system and naval architecture.
Who owns Black Pearl?
Black Pearl was commissioned by the late Russian billionaire Oleg Burlakov, who died in 2021. The yacht has since been associated with his estate and family interests.
How much is Black Pearl worth?
Black Pearl is commonly estimated to be worth around US$200 million. Some reports suggest that the total investment in her development and construction may have been higher.
Is Black Pearl available for charter?
Yes, recent charter listings show Black Pearl as available for selected luxury yacht charters. Availability should be checked with official charter representatives.
What makes Black Pearl unique?
Black Pearl is unique because of her three-masted DynaRig system, hybrid propulsion, energy recovery technology, black hull and combination of classic sailing inspiration with modern engineering.
How fast is Black Pearl?
Black Pearl is reported to reach high speeds under sail, with Océanco noting top sailing speeds of up to 30 knots in ideal conditions. Under engine power, her top speed is usually listed around 17.5 knots.
How many guests can Black Pearl accommodate?
Black Pearl can accommodate up to 12 guests in luxurious cabins, supported by a professional équipage of around 27.
Sources
oceancoyacht.com – Black Pearl official Oceanco profile
dykstra-na.nl – Black Pearl DynaRig design and naval architecture
iyc.com – Black Pearl yacht charter listing and specifications
y.co – Black Pearl charter profile
yachtbuyer.com – Black Pearl yacht specifications and features
superyachttimes.com – Oleg Burlakov, owner of Black Pearl, passes away
boatinternational.com – Black Pearl at the 2026 St Barths Bucket
superyachtfan.com – Black Pearl yacht profile
superyachtfan.com – Oleg Burlakov owner profile
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