Australia

Chris Connell Design

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/73823/image/large-9293f9e6a437113d21e919ba2eaa1f9d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/73823">Pictured here arriving into Nelson Harbour, New Zealand, is the 31.5-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl31.5m (103'4&quot;)Diverse Projects2011">Black Pearl</a>, built by the New Zealand shipyard Diverse Projects in 2011 - recognisable from her dark hull, cleverly matched to the colour of a Tahitian black pearl and featuring an orange boot strip. She features both naval architecture and exterior design from LOMOcean Design, whilst her interior came from the drawing boards of Chris Connell Design. She is powered by twin CAT C18 ACERT engines, allowing her to comfortably cruise at 12 knots.

Black Pearl coming into Nelson Harbour, New Zealand

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. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133973/image/large-ab1cf6657babc86e8842f7705535979b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133973"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133974/image/large-0c92b231b828a428ed2c33d2de203f63.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133974">Festivities included a Christian blessing of the vessel, champagne over the bow, speeches over lunch and the opportunity for guests to take a look onboard as well. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133975/image/large-52d183d5686c2a9b14709fbc4e6e600d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133975">A very common theme in speeches and discussions was the very high standard of finish and quality throughout this stunning vessel. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133976/image/large-40a05dfcf4d60505d1c2484cb07d8764.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133976">Sea trials and system commissioning of the recently launched 31.5m long range displacement superyacht were successful. Designed by Lomocean Design, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3207">Black Pearl</a> 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. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133977/image/large-8da067a9da7e157215b3fb82854cfefd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133977">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. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133978/image/large-1a45fe3c2b343fa45ccd316412f8fa4c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133978">The successful completion of this beautiful vessel is a great achievement for all those involved and the high quality found throughout the vessel reflects well on the capabilities of the New Zealand marine industry. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133979/image/large-cc9ec366cfb09b0a90ef18e8365cf912.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133979"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133980/image/large-df5d7adc8756bdf69a5f6c3d10e6efc6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133980"><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3207">Black Pearl</a> is to embark on her maiden voyage within the next month. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133981/image/large-ef22016e75bd9e6df5e5dd25fc625ffb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133981">Diverse Projects specialises in building beautiful bespoke long range motoryachts yet they are fully qualified to help you with the various other aspects of owning a boat, from charter and sales, through to refit, or simply by providing independent expert advice for any aspect of your yachting business. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133982/image/large-0870c43f55fd6fb46ef1a9da04395745.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133982">Guided by directors John Vitali and Lars Bjorklund and benefiting from a wealth of marine experience gained over many years, the Diverse team has the expertise and knowledge to help you with any project, big or small. Diverse Projects +64 9 358 5331 <a href="mailto:info@diverseprojects.com?subject=M/Y%20Black%20Pearl%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@diverseprojects.com</a> <a href="http://www.diverseprojects.com">www.diverseprojects.com</a>