LEGO Black Pearl designer explains first-of-its-kind waterline effect

LEGO Icons designer Mike Psiaki explained the years-long journey to develop an all-new hull effect in 10365 Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship.

10365 Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship debuts a first-of-its-kind effect along the hull, where part of the base of the ship can be separated to make it look as though it's partially submerged along the waterline. When in place and on its stands, the LEGO Icons set is a display-ready masterpiece. When removed, it makes it look as though the ship is bobbing along your shelf, ideal for play.

The journey to get to this point actually started several years ago for the set's designer, Mike Psiaki. Speaking in a recent interview with LEGO Fan Media, Mike tracked how the unique hull effect was developed over the years.

"Many years ago, one of my co-workers, Luka Kapeter (designer of 21335 Motorised Lightouse and 21332 The Globe, to name but a few), and I were talking about building a LEGO ship that would separate at the water line so that you could both display it as a majestic full-hulled ship, and then also as a playable toy," said Mike. "That idea stuck around in the back of my mind, and we thought that the only way to do that would be to build a completely custom hull.

"I started thinking, maybe we could build something that you could stick onto the bottom of the existing hull elements. That was a concept that I built back in 2017, just as an exploration of whether it's possible. I did it with existing elements at that time, but it wasn't perfect. So then when this model came up, I knew exactly what we needed to do."

Mike began experimenting with his original design, requesting specialised pieces where necessary, like the new corner piece. Now that the technique was going to be used in an actual ship, one that the LEGO Group knew it wanted to be large-scale and displayable, Mike's design could be developed beyond only the pieces he had available to him.

The end result is certainly impressive, and gives 10365 Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship a versatility that is rarely seen – but very welcome – for impressive display models at this price point of £299.99 / $379.99 / €329.99.

LEGO Icons 10365 Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship will be available to buy from September 12 for LEGO Insiders and from September 15 for everyone else.

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