Charter yacht of the week: Inside the 105m Oceanco Black Pearl, a modern sailing legend

Each week, BOAT shines a spotlight on one of the world’s most exceptional superyachts for charter. During the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, Holly Margerrison stepped on board the 105-metre sailing yacht Black Pearl following the news that she joined IYC's charter fleet. Built by Oceanco, the superyacht combines theatrical design with pioneering green technology and unparalleled comfort...

Black Pearl holds some impressive titles; not only is she the second-largest sailing yacht on the water, but she also has some solid eco credentials. Delivered in 2018, the superyacht took the industry by storm with her ground-breaking DynaRig sail configuration, unfurling 2,934 square metres of sail – roughly the size of a football pitch and a half, according to her crew – in under seven minutes. This propels her to speeds over 20 knots under sail and means she can complete a transatlantic crossing with zero fossil fuel emissions. 

Stepping on board

Black Pearl’s interiors were once shrouded in secrecy, only revealed to BOAT International when the yacht became available for charter. Yet, witnessing the opulent interior first-hand is a different experience entirely: designs are laced with neoclassical details, including ornate wooden details, gold accents and silk carpets – in what is a tribute to the style of Louis XVI.

In addition to her luxurious interiors, charter guests can enjoy an unusually spacious layout. The owner chose to prioritise expansive communal areas – such as the main saloon and a grand gentleman’s lounge – over his own stateroom, which is situated on the lower deck. This thoughtful design provides guests with ample space to unwind and socialise. 

Distinguished by a Napoleonic desk and a skylight that frames the main mast, the gentleman’s lounge evokes the atmosphere of a refined private club, complete with oxblood leather furnishings and carefully curated maritime artwork.

Describing the main saloon during the tour, Black Pearl’s rotational first officer, Oliver Scrimshaw, notes: “There’s a Napoleonic piano here – it’s tuned and playable. There’s plenty of seating, space to lounge, a bar and a drop-down TV. The wood panelling throughout the boat is amber, completely handmade and custom for this yacht.”

Aft of the saloon is what is referred to as the veranda – a more modern area designed as a workspace or social lounge for charter guests. There’s another drop-down TV here and a guest head to starboard, offering a relaxed and versatile environment. Meanwhile, the upper deck saloon houses a bar area and a Fletcher table that can accommodate larger groups. Nautical-themed artwork on the walls continues the lavish theme, while the sofas can rotate into almost any configuration to suit the occasion.

For ease of access, an elevator runs through three floors – upper deck, main deck and down to the guest corridor. Further details seamlessly blend old and new to enhance the onboard experience. Nearly all the marble floors throughout the yacht are heated for added comfort underfoot – a striking contrast to the 300-bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar and accompanying tasting room, from which guests can select their perfect pairing.

Earlier this year, BOAT's managing director Stewart Campbell spoke to Captain Christian Truter (CT) during the St Barths Bucket on the Boat Briefing Podcast. Captain Truter shares a similar sentiment to many when they step on board, adding how, “When we walk through, she’s so much better in person than in the photograph”.

Why charter Black Pearl?

Black Pearl is more than a regular charter yacht; she is a sailing revolution. Known for her remarkable sailing technology, she also impresses with her exceptional interior volume – offering charter guests the comfort and space typically found only on a motor yacht. Her pioneering zero-fossil-fuel propulsion system allows transatlantic crossings without a drop of fuel, setting a new benchmark for sustainable luxury. Recognised with numerous awards, she is admired as much for her engineering as for her space.

In terms of standout charter features, guests can retreat to the wellness area on the lower deck, which converts to a night lounge and is where a massage room, gym, Hammam and beach club can be found. When in night lounge mode, its twinkling lights are meant to resemble the night sky – specifically a replica of the constellations above Rotterdam from the night she was launched in 2018, according to her charter central agent.

How many does Black Pearl sleep?

The interior layout balances privacy and communal areas, making Black Pearl ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends seeking both adventure and relaxation at sea. Accommodation is found over a seven-cabin layout for up to 12 guests, including a full-beam master cabin with a king-size berth and a lounge. There are a further two private VIP suites – one port facing, one starboard facing – again with king-size berths, lounge areas and adjoining en suite marble bathrooms, as well as one twin and one double cabin.

Deck life and al fresco moments

Black Pearl’s exterior spaces are as impressive as her voluminous interiors.

• Main aft deck: Easy access to the swim platform and water sports area, stocked with e-foils, kayaks, jet skis and multiple tenders. Awnings on this deck provide shade and guests can cool off in the iconic main deck pool – heated or able to run on fresh or salt water – which has a jet system to swim against the current. Perfect for celebrations beneath the stars, the pool ingeniously transforms into an open-air dance floor. There's direct access to the night lounge below when the evening air begins to cool, with further access through to the veranda. On the tour, the crew also mentioned how they can set up the pool space for dining experiences where guests can dip their toes in the water while enjoying dinner. 
• Upper aft deck: Typically used for breakfast, lunch and relaxed evening dinners. The mizzen mast also supports the yacht’s vast 216-metre-squared outdoor screen – the largest ever installed on a sailing yacht. Scrimshaw adds, “This area is great in the evenings. We can set up a full DJ system, and on the mizzen mast, we rig a lower sail as a cinema screen – the projector comes up and it becomes a full-size outdoor cinema. Under sail, it’s completely calm and silent – it’s a joy up here!”

• Flybridge / sundeck: Sunpads and seating areas are perfect for lounging or observing the sails in action. This is where most sail handling occurs during the day, with all 15 sails controlled easily from the deck. 
• Crow’s nest: Guests can climb to nearly 57 metres above deck for panoramic views of the yacht, sails and anchorage. Scrimshaw notes that he experience is particularly enchanting in the evening with a drink in hand. But how long does it take to get to the top? “About two minutes," he says. "It’s not as fast as an elevator – but you’re not waiting long.” 

Eco-cruising

Part of the original brief was for the boat to be fuel-efficient. Subsequently, Black Pearl has several trailblazing components, including an innovative propulsion system designed by Lateral Naval Architects. This allows her to cruise almost silently for extended periods, providing a serene onboard experience, while generating enough power to cross the Atlantic without consuming a single drop of fuel. Her striking wave-piercing reverse bow, which sweeps elegantly back into a classic point, also allows her to reach impressive speeds – up to 10 knots under electric power and nearly 25 knots under sail.

Her crew add that despite her scale, Black Pearl is remarkably easy to handle. Aiming to set sail at every opportunity, the captain can adjust the sailing experience if guests find they are heeling too much. Overall, this makes the experience tailored for both confident sailors who want the thrill of wind-in-your-face sailing and for non-sailors in the group. For children and teenagers, it's a bonus as the hybrid sailing model gives them a taste of authentic sailing while also allowing the crew to limit any feelings of queasiness. 

“She’ll sail in pretty much any wind. In zero breeze, she’ll drift along quietly and she’s comfortable up to around 50 knots. Beyond that, you’re pushing limits and realistically, no one wants to sail in that kind of weather – we try to avoid it,” Scrimshaw adds. Naturally, she is faster, quieter and more eco-friendly under sail than under power, so guests are encouraged to experience sailing whenever possible and in any weather conditions. That said, under motor, Black Pearl has far greater freedom than many other sailing yachts, where her engines give her the security of being able to cruise to remote destinations – and even reach exclusive hidden coves with the help of her tenders.

Book Black Pearl

A testament to her feel-at-home, crowdpleasing nature, Black Pearl’s debut charter season was a triumph, with repeat bookings already secured. In terms of her charter opportunities, the 2,864GT yacht will work well for family and corporate charters, as well as sailing regattas and special events. Black Pearl won an award in the 2019 BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards for "Best Technical Achievements Overall", as well as being the winner in the "2019 Sailing Yachts 60m and Above" category at the 2019 World Superyacht Awards. 

Celebrating the joy of bona fide sailing, extraordinary baroque interiors and the future of eco-conscious sailing on a superyacht, this is an opportunity not to be missed as she sets sail in a multitude of locations, from Mediterranean summers to Caribbean winters and beyond. Black Pearl is available for charter through IYC, with rates starting from €830,000 per week plus expenses.