Sailing I
Revolutionary Rigging
WORDS: MIRIAM CAIN | IMAGES: JEFF BROWN
It took more than four decades for the DynaRig method to become a reality – but when it did, it was a complete game-changer for large-sail yachting. Its contemporary interpretation was first implemented by Dykstra Naval Architects on the iconic Maltese Falcon, built in Turkey by Perini Navi and launched in 2006. More than a decade later, another landmark boat began her maiden voyage sailing under the power of an evolved ’Rig system. At 106.7 metres, Black Pearl was not only the biggest sailing yacht in the world, but also the most technologically advanced. Her length may now have been surpassed by Jeff Bezos’ 125-metre Koru (which is actually said to have been inspired by Black Pearl), but she remains the most innovative out there.
“The benefits of Black Pearl’s rig are many,” says Captain Chris Gartner. “Simple, safe and fast, just one crew member selects all our sails [in under eight minutes] and simultaneously helms the yacht. This means we can sail for short periods between anchorages, and, with 15 sails on the rig, we can tackle all conditions without the worry of blowing out a main or a genoa.”
What is the DynaRig? The system for large sailing vessels is based on a square-rigger concept that dates back to the early 17th century. Designed in the 60s by German engineer Wilhelm Prölss, rather than using fixed masts and ‘standing’ rigging and then moving the sails, the ’Rig uses freestanding, rotating spars that carry vast canvas sails, moving the masts themselves in order for the sails to meet the wind. The concept was originally designed for use in commercial shipping, but didn’t take form until interest came from the private yachting sector in the early part of the 21st century.
Featuring three 70-metre carbon masts, Black Pearl can reach speeds in excess of 20 knots under her 2,900 square metres of sail. “Black Pearl has a larger sail area than that on Maltese Falcon,” says Derek Munro, Project Manager for her build, and current Charter Programme Manager. “The mast rotation system was also designed to operate at twice the speed, allowing her to tack easier and faster.” And, therefore, more safely.
Her eco-credentials are an additional attraction. “The yacht’s whole purpose, set by the late owner, was to sail everywhere,” says Captain Gartner. “All four of her Captains have worked to uphold this ambition. We have sailed almost 80 per cent of every nautical mile – and we are all proud of this.” Those miles include navigating the Atlantic twice more since her maiden transatlantic crossing. Then there’s her innovative propulsion system that harvests kinetic energy under sail, and her advanced waste-heat recovery system. “We use the wind to produce power by dragging our propellers through the water while under sail,” explains Captain Gartner. “When we maintain 12 knots with two propellers producing power, we can cover a large percentage of our house load.” This means that, in theory, Black Pearl can complete a transatlantic crossing with zero fossil-fuel emissions. “The ‘regeneration’ system has worked far better than we thought it would,” says Munro. “All the masts and yards and the 64sq m of structure have been wired to accept solar cells,” says Munro. “Currently the solar material is not available to use on our sails, however, the technology is not far off,” says Captain Gartner. “It will be a plug-and-play scenario.”
Why, then, given its positive attributes, can the ’Rig system only be found on two sailing Superyachts so far? “In my opinion, the fact that Black Pearl has not been sailing around the popular cruising areas for the last few years, showing how well she performs, means that buyers have no real benchmark or inspiration to compare a DynaRig with a standard sailing yacht rig,” says Munro. “Added to this is perhaps the misconception that it is expensive. Yes, the rigs do cost a little more, but the sails cost a lot less, and due to less fixed and running rigging, the overall purchase and maintenance costs are similar to a standard sailing yacht.”
Almost another decade on, and the experts behind the original ’Rigs developed for Maltese Falcon – including Dykstra Naval Architects – are now working on the next generation of the iconic rigging system. This time, it will be for an expedition-type sailing catamaran which, when delivered by Echo Yachts in a few years, will be the biggest in the world. “The two-masted configuration [compared to the three-masted Black Pearl] is aerodynamically slightly more efficient on close wind and more appropriate for a smaller, high stability vessel,” says Rudy Jurg, Head of Sales for DynaRig at Southern Spars. “The new rig features an industrial-type finish and components, while retaining the key benefits of the automated handling system. This approach provides DynaRigs at cost levels that will appeal to commercial shipping.”
Indeed, the sail system is now being adopted for broader maritime use and the team is working on a landmark project for Greenpeace. The 75-metre sail-powered ship, which will be designed by Dykstra Naval Architects with Southern Spars providing the rig, aims to show owners how they could reduce carbon emissions from shipping by up to 90 per cent by 2040. “The DynaRig’s ability to be easily set, recovered and trimmed to its optimum position leads to higher frequency of use,” explains Jurg. “This allows the yacht to rely more on wind power as opposed to engines, resulting in significant fuel savings and contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation.” Like the 57-metre Echo Yachts expedition catamaran, just two ’Rig masts will be installed on the Greenpeace vessel. To maximise her fossil-free operation, the ship will also feature a substantial 2,000sqm sail plan along with alternative fuel systems. The aim is to eventually operate the ship completely fossil-free as green fuels become more widely available around the world.
So, will either the expedition catamaran or the Greenpeace ship show the world that the ’Rig system is a viable alternative to standard rigging? “The sweet spot for this revolutionary rig is for yachts or ships of 60 metres-plus, as this size is the tipping point where the system becomes more cost-effective in comparison to a conventional set-up,” says Jurg. “This applies to initial purchase, operation, maintenance and servicing costs.”
When it comes to ongoing budgets, this is a system designed for maximum efficiency with push-button, single-handed operation, leading to a cost saving on crew numbers. The absence of highly loaded lines or sails on deck also mean that staff and guests can move safely around. Given that Superyachts are intended for leisure pursuits, surely this can only be a good thing.
Black Pearl will be based in the Mediterranean for the forthcoming summer season before heading to the Caribbean, where she will be available for charter during Winter 2025/2026.
