Tributes have been paid to Oleg Burlakov, owner of the 106.7 metre super sailing yacht Black Pearl, who has died at the age of 72.
The superyacht owner passed away on June 21 following a “brief battle” with COVID-19, according to the Black Pearl’s official social media channels.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Oleg Burlakov the visionary behind the building of SY Black Pearl,” the statement said.
It added that Mr Burlakov had been an “inspiration” and left a “positive legacy for the world and yachting community to follow.”
The tri-deck sailing yacht Black Pearl was first delivered by Dutch yard Oceanco in 2018. It was built in collaboration with a cast of star superyacht designers - Dykstra Naval Architects, Ken Freivokh and Nuvolari Lenard. With a length of 106.7m, Black Pearl is the second-largest sailing yacht in the world.
Black Pearl builder Oceanco also paid tribute to Mr Burlakov, releasing a statement that described him as a “visionary”.
“His steadfast passion for the ocean and its preservation led to the creation of a remarkable vessel that proves yachting can exist in harmony with the natural world,” the statement said.
“His legacy will live on in the yachts of the future that will benefit from the technologies that Black Pearl has pioneered.”
Design studio Nuvolari Lenard added: “For four years he was guiding, leading and collaborating on all levels with Nuvolari Lenard Team, to complete his vision. Mr Burlakov has been the inspiration for us and has left a strong legacy for the whole world of the yachting community.”
The death of Mr Burlakov was confirmed by a statement released by his family, which read: “The family are mourning his loss and ask for privacy at this very difficult time.
“The family urgently requested information when they were informed, he had fallen ill but was kept in the dark. It is the family’s sincere wish that an independent international expert establish the circumstances surrounding his death.”