Want To Cross The Atlantic? The Legendary BLACK PEARL Is Available For This Once In A Lifetime Charter Experience
Picture yourself standing on the deck of one of the world's most extraordinary sailing yachts while the horizon stretches endlessly, the nearest land is hundreds of miles away, and the only company are dolphins playing in the wake and whales blowing off the bow. This, and more, is exactly what you can experience when sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, and now, for the first time, you can do so aboard the legendary BLACK PEARL.
In an experience never before offered, guests are invited to join rotational Captain Christian 'CT' Truter and crew for a Transatlantic crossing. An opportunity to enjoy a true ocean adventure that combines the spirit of sailing with the comfort, safety, and service of a world-class luxury charter.
At 345' (105m), the award-winning BLACK PEARL is one of the most recognizable sailing yachts ever built - a striking offering that IYC is proud to represent. Delivered by Oceanco and the brainchild of Nuvolari Lenard, Ken Freivokh, BMT Nigel Gee, and Dykstra Naval Architects, the yacht is known for its three commanding DynaRig masts and sleek, flowing profile. BLACK PEARL's innovative design comes with a whole host of amenities, such as the motorized crow's nest, a swimming pool, and yachting's largest outdoor cinema screen.
Complementing the forward-thinking sail technology, exterior design, and features are the classical and beautifully detailed interiors. Full of distinctive touches like a restored 19th-century French piano, curated art collection, and a 400-bottle wine cellar.
Here, Captain Chris Gartner shares what makes joining BLACK PEARL's upcoming Transatlantic crossing such an exceptional opportunity, and why it's unlike any other in the world of yacht chartering:
A Transatlantic Adventure In Comfort
Currently, departure for the ocean crossing is scheduled for around the mid to end of November. Prospective charter guests will be able to join BLACK PEARL in Tenerife, the Canary Islands."Departing from Tenerife, we would set sail and head on a southerly course toward Cape Verde," explains Captain Gartner. "When the winds veer around and come out of the northeast, that's when the boat starts to turn toward the Caribbean. In the old days, sailors said they would 'sail south until the butter melts' - that's when you know you have found the trade winds," he explains.
Historically, BLACK PEARL has completed this crossing in around 11 days, though timing depends on routing and weather conditions. "Flexibility is important; we adjust to find the best sailing conditions," adds Captain Gartner. To maximize sailing potential, there is no prescriptive amount of time the journey will take. And, when it comes to the departure point, guests can choose their preferred location in the Caribbean, perhaps Antigua, St Barths, or wherever else suits.Â
The Only Charter Of Its Kind
The opportunity to cross the Atlantic aboard BLACK PEARL is the perfect combination of adventure, comfortable sailing, and indulgence. "The beauty of this crossing is that we go with the wind, the seas are with us, and the conditions are excellent," says Captain Gartner.
When most yachts cross the Atlantic, they operate in full 'delivery mode' without guests on board, everything is stowed away, and amenities and facilities are on pause. However, this charter crossing is truly a first, with no other experience like it. As Captain Gartner emphasizes: "BLACK PEARL will perform as a five-star, luxury traveling transatlantic sailing yacht," maintaining the exceptional charter service and luxurious touches that are typical of every other charter.
Boasting a larger volume - almost 3000 GT - than the majority of sailing yachts on the market, BLACK PEARL retains its sailing elegance but has the space and amenities equivalent to a 262' (80m) motor yacht with the same volume. Captain Gartner adds: "We have so many versatile areas that are extremely spacious, lots of light, big windows, open-air decks, dining areas,
wellness facilities, a huge beach club, etc. We offer everything a large motor yacht does but in a cool and stylish way, alongside the added magic of sailing."
The sails aren't just for show, BLACK PEARL is very much a sailing-focused yacht: "The great thing about us is that no matter what - with guests or crew - we sail. That's the premise of our yacht," explains Captain Gartner, and this sailing experience can be learnt firsthand during the crossing charter.
"Guests on board can be as involved as they want to be in learning how to sail during our crossing. We can teach them to set the sails, study the weather, and join our strategy discussions on routing," he adds.
In The Hands Of Experts
Led by Captain Gartner and Captain Truter, BLACK PEARL has one of the most capable and trusted sailing crews, with 27 professionals on board, all experts in their fields. Both captains and all officers have extensive sailing experience with thousands of miles and ocean crossings under their belts.
The crew is not only made up of accomplished sailors but also certified instructors, spa and wellness specialists, gourmet chefs, and onboard medical professionals. Together, they make the crossing charter as safe, smooth, and enjoyable as possible. "We are all very qualified to sail the boat well and safely," notes Captain Gartner.
When it comes to dining experiences, while there are no supermarkets to reprovision the mid-Atlantic, Chef Brendan Cato and the sous chefs are masters at tailoring five-star menus for ocean crossings. Like other charters, variety and freshness will be a priority, and maybe even the addition of a freshly caught fish from the rods. But as with any authentic sailing adventure, if weather conditions become less than ideal, meals may be simplified for practicality and safety.
Getting specialists on board is also key to BLACK PEARL's experience, and the same goes for the crossing. Captain Gartner explains: "We are flexible and can adapt our crew for guests with specific interests. For example, for the crossing, we could bring on an expert like an astronomer, a marine biologist, specialized personal trainers, or even a novelist to make it an educational or creative trip."
Documenting the unforgettable experiences onboard, multiple drone pilots, photographers, and videographers are poised to capture the whole experience with the guests' permission.
A Customized Experience, Just For You
Like every other charter on BLACK PEARL, the experience can be customized. Besides the east-to-west sailing route, nothing else is predetermined. Every moment of the crossing can be shaped to the mood and desire, from high-energy to total relaxation.Â
"From the crew setting up DJ parties mid-Atlantic, gazing up at the clearest night skies, getting massages from the spa therapist, sunrise yoga sessions, reading in the library, relaxing in the night lounge, to simply sunbathing on deck - guests can stay as active or relaxed as they wish," notes Captain Gartner. Plus, midway through the crossing adventure, Captain Gartner hints at the fact that the crew will throw a celebratory halfway party.
Depending on preferences, the crew will make the crossing as formal or informal as the group wants, from Michelin-level dinners in the dining saloon to casual alfresco affairs. Every detail of the crossing comes with the same thoughtful touches that you would expect from any other charter.Â
"You see nothing and everything at once," Captain Gartner says, explaining the experience. "The crossing is time away from the world, no distractions, incredible skies with zero light pollution, and just uninterrupted ocean views that get bluer as you sail west. It's one of the best experiences you can have," he adds.Â
Safety And Comfort First
As with every BLACK PEARL charter, safety is the highest priority. Onboard, guests can feel at ease knowing that a qualified nurse or paramedic is always part of the crew, supported by a dedicated medical room.Â
Unlike a typical week-long charter, this sailing adventure is guided by wind and weather. Midway through, the yacht will be around six days from land, so guests joining must hold valid medicals, be physically mobile, and flexible with trip departure and arrival timings. If children are part of a group enquiring about the crossing, the Captains will assess suitability based on safety recommendations and age considerations.Â
When it comes to comfort under sail, BLACK PEARL's advanced DynaRig system ensures a smooth journey with the three 229’ (70m) rotating masts and 31,581 square feet of sail, as Captain Gartner explains: "The DynaRig system makes sailing easy, efficient, and very comfortable; we can make it as intense or as relaxed as guests prefer." Despite being mid-Atlantic, guests can also enjoy additional comforts, such as Starlink internet for those who need to stay connected.Â
While there won't be any watersports or swimming permitted during the ocean passage, the crossing is an adventure unlike any other. It offers the opportunity to experience the elements, the rhythm of sailing, and the sense of freedom and vastness that crossing an ocean brings.Â
Arrival In The Caribbean
Upon arrival, the adventure can continue. BLACK PEARL has some exciting Caribbean itineraries throughout the season on offer.
Captain Gartner notes: "The Caribbean's steady 15-25 knot winds make ideal sailing conditions, and we can explore anywhere along the island chain, moving south to north with the trade winds."
Examples of itineraries can include island-hopping, starting in Grenada and continuing through the Grenadines, waking up on one island and moving to another by afternoon. Longer and overnight passages can also be incorporated, moving further up the islands.
The Atlantic Awaits
To experience something few have, join BLACK PEARL for its next Atlantic crossing. "Crossing east to west is one of the most beautiful trips ever; it's one of the greatest things you can do," says Captain Gartner. "A true bucket-list experience - and we'll make it the best trip ever."Â
This exclusive experience is a chance for you and your guests to tick off a bucket-list experience without sacrificing any comfort or luxury, and in the hands of the industry's most trusted sailing crews.Â
Interested in joining BLACK PEARL for this luxury yacht charter adventure? Contact our team today to discuss the opportunity further.
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