Image: yachtharbour

In recent years, we’ve seen some pretty outlandish superyacht designs. It seems every yacht maker in the land is seeing how many extra lavish details they can add to their increasingly massive crafts, from helipads and revolving swimming pools, to glowing saunas and floating staircases. However, few have been daring enough to truly think outside the box when it comes to the vessel itself, and re-imagine what a superyacht might actually be.

This all began to change with the launch of Maltese Falcon, which introduced the wider world to the concept of a DynaRig – a new type of square rigging, which offers massively increased efficiency and aerodynamics – and before long, some of the more outlandish designers and patrons were exploring ways of making superyacht-sized sailboats, with all the trimmings we’ve come to expect from the more opulent end of the industry. This was driven by two key factors: firstly, nothing can beat the drama and beauty that a trio of sails out on the open sea can provide – these DynaRig sails were not only effective, they also bore some resemblance to the silhouette of the 18th century explorer ships we all know and love. Secondly, they tick an important box for 21st century next generation yachting: they’re a vital and ingenious part of making superyachts more green, more energy efficient, and with a smaller carbon footprint.

With all of this in mind, the Ken Frievokh Design company (who were responsible for Maltese Falcon) set out on a hugely ambitious project: to built an enormous, 96m, three sailed superyacht that will kickstart a whole new movement in the industry. According to the company, it was inspired by a commission which came “out of the blue”, and which had two conditions: to take the Maltese Falcon idea to its conclusion, and to be as green and environmentally friendly as was humanly possible. The result was Black Pearl, a new yacht which will redefine the yardstick by which luxury, environmentally-conscious superyachts will be judged.

Now in its final stages of construction, it has been built in seven shipyards across Europe and the US, and the originally planned length has increased to an awe-inspiring 106m. Thanks to the DynaRig sails, it is said to be nothing short of a dream to handle and sail, and will no doubt be as impressive as it will be influential upon its launch later this year. Watch the horizons for those unfurled sails, for a new dawn is upon us.