Black Pearl is a BLACK JEWEL A
The expedition cruiser Black Pearl is an example of how New Zealand's boatbuilding industry should be thinking in future, especially when it comes to large, specialised projects.
Janet and Michael Buxton 4 NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2012
s boatbuilding becomes more complex and codes require higher standards, Diverse Projects Limited of Auckland extends mod- ern project management skills by coordinat-
ing what it calls a "virtual shipyard". Instead of a boatyard having a permanent team, Diverse Projects selects the best independent specialist contractors for the task at hand from up and down the North Island. Control and ownership of the project always belongs with the client. "At all times clients know where the funds are being spent, giving 100 percent transparency," says the company director, John Vitali. "There are no hidden costs or added percentages to outside contractors." With the elimination of these obstacles, he says clients are much happier to commit to major projects. The 31.5m Black Pearl makes a significant statement about the quality that is synonymous with New Zealand boatbuilding. She was designed by Craig Loomes and built to Lloyds LY2/MCA international class standard by Profab Central Engineering Limited in Palmerston North. She is designed to the owner's requirements for extended offshore cruising, with excellent seakeeping qualities, while maintaining all the comforts of home. The owners wanted a small ship with all the functions
