String of Pearls

The Pearl 72 rounds out a modern-looking range that has grown to include a 62, 80 and 95.

A general rule of thumb when it comes to yachts is distinctly related to size. Once you travel past three digits in LOA, or simply start referring to boats in meters in the U.S., you’ve entered into behemoth territory: superyachts and megayachts. While they both share a naming convention ripped straight from the mind of a 5th grader, the official difference between the two is all about length. A superyacht is any pleasure vessel over 78 feet, while a megayacht tips the scales at plus-200 feet. You would be forgiven for confusing the two, since the onboard features (hot tubs, toy chests, crew quarters, etc.) are mostly the same.

I don’t know about you, but the grass sure looks, well, enormous from this side of the buoy.

Yachts (or boats over 30 feet LOA) that fall within the two-digit range are defined as much by their use as for their versatility. As these boats wade into the deep end, growing in size and scale, the luxurious appointments have started to make their way back down into these “smaller” models. That’s exactly what’s happening on the new Pearl 72, which rounds out a modern-looking range that has grown to include a 62, 80 and 95. Coming in a hair over 72 feet, it’s not the biggest of the bunch by any means. Still, the newest flybridge motoryacht from the British builder has all the trappings of a superyacht twice its size.

If you want to see how far the boutique builder (and yachts in general) have come in just seven years, check out a side-by-side comparison of the 72 and the Pearl 75, splashed in 2014. On the older model, I count at least 16 hullside windows, in addition to the brand’s iconic two-pane windshield that gives it a visor-like appearance like Robocop. The 75 has a 19 foot 6 inch beam, which is on the wider side, and an open-air flybridge. Speaking of the hull, it was drafted by naval architect Bill Dixon, while the interior arrangements were imagined by interior designer Kelly Hoppen.

Oh, how things change—or don’t. Dixon is back, and he’s designed the 72 in the sporty stylings of the 62, the torchbearer of this new generation. Say goodbye to hullside windows, which have been replaced with one long, elegant piece of glass. The lines are sleek, evocative, sumptuous, dare I say even avant-garde. The curved windshield is still broken up into multiple pieces, but transparent insets should fool the casual observer. From floor-to-ceiling windows to cut-outs in the bulwarks there looks to be as much glass as fiberglass on the 72.

Up above, the flybridge is full length, with multiple layout options. Besides the full-sized dining table and bar, the aft area can be outfitted with freestanding furniture, a sunpad or even a hot tub. The 18 foot 10 inch beam comes in 8 feet shorter than the 75, but Dixon knows how to maximize every inch in space-saving design to make these additions possible. The entire space is lorded over by a variable hard top. Three settings—full shade, adjustable louvres or all sun—offers plenty of choices. From there, owners can take advantage of two social zones: a bow lounge and beach club, the latter with a fold-out seat on the transom. Behind the seat is a garage capable of housing a Williams 345 tender and a jet ski. Fold-out side platforms make getting on and off water toys a lot easier.

Inside it’s still Kelly Hoppen’s world; you’ll just be living in it. More than seven years of working in the marine industry has elevated her already bespoke signature styling. An array of materials including timber veneers, onyx marbles and contrasting metal detailing is used throughout and layered together. “We approached the design of this yacht as I would when creating couture interiors for private residence whilst taking inspiration from New York urban living,” said Hoppen. “We maximized each space and defined them with subtle fusion, cleans lines and neutral tones, which is balanced with warm and rich textures, taking our creations for Pearl Yacht to the next level.” The builder calls this their “indulgence” theme, and from the renderings, that should track thanks to two master cabins. One is forward with a private entrance, as typically seen on much larger yachts, and the second is full-beam amidships. There are two more en suite double cabins, plus accommodations for a crew if the owner so desires.

Engine options run from 1,400-hp MAN V12s to the optional 1,600-hp MTUs. With the latter installed, Pearl projects a 32-knot top end, with a cruising speed of 25 knots with a range of approximately 250 nautical miles. And as with all Pearl Yachts, the 72 comes with a comprehensive five-year warranty. You don’t get that kind of peace of mind often. That is, unless you’re taking a helicopter to your megayacht. Though it doesn’t come with a helipad, you’ll certainly feel like a big shot on board the 72.

Pearl 72 Specifications:

LOA: 72’2″
Beam: 18’10”
Displ.: 105,822 lbs.
Draft: 5’7″
Fuel: 1,122 gal.
Water: 250 gal.
Power: Standard: 2x MAN V12 1400Hp; Optional: 2x MTU 10V2000 M96L 1600HP