Black Pearl Handover
A well attended Black Pearl christening and official handover took place on January 22. The relaxed gathering was held at Auckland’s viaduct, overlooking the vessel and alongside her on the pier. Festivities included a blessing of the Diverse Projects built vessel, champagne over the bow, speeches over lunch and the opportunity for guests to take a look onboard as well.
A very common theme in speeches and discussions was the very high standard of finish and quality throughout this stunning vessel. Sea trials and system commissioning of the recently launched 31.5m long range displacement yacht were successful. Designed by Lomocean Design, Black Pearl is powered by two Caterpillar engines, C18 ACERT rated to 600 hp, and will cruise at 12 knots. Her dark hull, cleverly matched to the colour of a Tahitian black pearl, features an orange boot strip.
The orange reappears in small features amidst the neutral colours of the interior, which was designed by Chris Connell and put together by SMI interiors. Among the many details guests commented on were the great use of fine fabrics, the staircases with inset moulded handrails and the series of artworks commissioned especially for the yacht. Art and furnishings include a light-hearted pirate theme. Black Pearl is to embark on her maiden voyage within the next month.