Pearl Raises the Bar Again With 72
By Lucie Gardiner; Photos: Pearl Yachts
Featuring four double en-suite guest cabins, a two-berth crew cabin plus a large garage for a tender and jet-ski, the Pearl 72 by Bill Dixon and Kelly Hoppen offers more than most in the 70ft sector, along with a five-year warranty.
Following on from the hugely popular Pearl 62 (over 20 hulls and counting), the Pearl 72 that debuted late last year fleshes out the British brand’s new generation of models and stands out as a true embodiment of the sophistication, craftsmanship and ‘more for your money’ layouts that the boutique builder has become known for.
On display this year at the likes of Boot Dusseldorf and the Cannes Yachting Festival, the 72 packs in a huge number of features, many of which you’d expect to see on a much larger vessel.
The clever use of space on the lower deck has created space for four two-berth guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms, including the equivalent of two full-beam master staterooms, making the model almost unrivalled in her class.
Once again, Bill Dixon of UK-based Dixon Yacht Design, who has worked with Pearl for two decades, is responsible for the sleek, sporty exterior lines, while fellow Brit Kelly Hoppen CBE handles the exceptionally rich and detailed interiors as she has done for the builder over the past decade or so.
From its sleek profile to the smooth curves, every detail has been meticulously crafted to create a harmonious, visually striking exterior. The generous windows not only provide abundant natural light but also offer breathtaking views of the surrounding waters. The use of high-quality materials, such as teak and stainless steel, further enhances its luxurious appeal.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
From the minute you step aboard and see the aft garage that houses a tender up to a Williams SportJet 345, a jet-ski and a Seabob to the hydraulic swim platform with the side wings that give a definite beach club vibe, you get the feeling the Pearl 72 has features you typically see on a superyacht.
That feeling is further underlined when the garage door is closed and you see the clever fold-down transom seating.
It’s just four steps up either of two symmetrical staircases to reach the cockpit, which has a long aft sofa and two foldable tables that can be connected to make a long table for alfresco dining when combined with loose chairs.
Port stairs lead up to the spacious flybridge, which feels large for this size of vessel and houses the upper helm station as well as plenty of entertaining, dining and lounging areas.
Aft is a clear area for loose furniture or an optional hot tub, while to starboard is a fixed double sunpad aft of a C-shaped sofa and a table for eight, conveniently situated opposite the L-shaped wet bar.
Forward is a twin-seat helm station to starboard, while to port is an L-shaped sofa adjoining a forward bench-seat-cum-sunpad by the low windscreen.
The variable hard top provides a range of cover and can be completely closed for full shade, offer partial sunlight and breeze by adjusting the louvres, or completely open for full sunlight when fully retracted.
The foredeck, accessed by symmetrical side decks, is another great outdoor zone, with a wide sofa facing a large sunpad area that wraps around a folding table. The whole area can be covered by a bimini supported by four carbon poles.
INDULGENCE BY HOPPEN
Guests enter the saloon via an electrically operated sliding door. The Pearl 72 is the brand’s first model to feature Hoppen’s new ‘Indulgence’ theme and she has once again worked her magic, elevating the 72 to new heights of luxury. The polished and modern interiors are characterised by clean lines, overlapping textures and a harmonious blend of materials.
Timber veneers, onyx marbles, milky-white tactile soft furnishings and contrasting metal detailing make the interiors a definite talking point. There’s a touch of a luxury New York loft about it, masculine and urban; it makes a real departure from anything else we’ve seen in this sector.
The saloon is designed as a luxurious open-plan lounge. The port side is adorned with an L-shaped designer sofa, while the starboard side showcases eye-catching furniture, ample storage space and a wood-mounted fixed TV.
Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the interior in natural light, and strategically placed cut-outs in the bulwarks create an observatory-like atmosphere, allowing guests to feel intimately connected with the surrounding environment.
Continuing the journey forward, a three-stool marble bar seamlessly integrates the open galley with the social area, ensuring a continual entertaining space. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby area further enhance the connection to the outdoors, offering panoramic views and a remarkable sense of spaciousness.
Ascending one step brings you to the forward dining area and the internal helm station to starboard, both benefiting from the ‘double windscreen’, another Pearl signature, with the glass arcing up and back all the way to the forward end of the flybridge. There’s also a door to the side deck beside the helm.
CABIN WORLD
Hoppen’s meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout every space on board the Pearl 72, including the lower deck, which offers four full-height, full-size en-suite guest cabins, a remarkable feat for a vessel of this size. The three cabins for guests are accessible by the first of two staircases, situated opposite the bar.
Located where the owner’s cabin typically lies, the midships cabin spans the yacht’s 5.75m beam and counts as one of what the builder calls two master suites, although on the Pearl 72, it’s likely to be designated as the VIP.
Forward of the transversal hallway is a double cabin to port that features an inward-facing bed, while to starboard is a twin guest cabin with aft-facing beds. All the cabins are comfortable and stylish with reflective surfaces, sophisticated tones, refined finishes and plentiful storage.
However, the biggest surprise is the main master suite in the bow. Accessed by a private stairway beside the lower helm and past sleek, stylish shelving and storage, the breathtaking full-beam cabin features a large double bed that faces forward to a stylish two-seat dinette that’s the centrepiece of a stunning symmetrically designed bedroom.
As well as long hull windows, forward are eye-level windows that provide more natural light and offer a view of the forepeak, while the en-suite bathroom is aft and starboard of the bed.
RELIABLE PERFORMER
Beyond its remarkable aesthetics, the Pearl 72 delivers exceptional performance on the water. Twin 1,400hp MAN V12s are the standard engines, while owners can upgrade to 1,600hp MTUs. The advanced hull architecture ensures a smooth cruise, while the MTU engines on our show boat powered it to a top speed of 32 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of 25 knots.
As a testament to its commitment to quality, Pearl – whose dealers include VP Yachts in Hong Kong – continues to provide a comprehensive five-year warranty, three years longer than most other new boat warranties. This speaks volumes for the confidence the British brand has in its craftsmanship and build standards.
In summary, the Pearl 72 yacht exemplifies the epitome of luxury and design innovation. With its thoughtfully crafted layout, modern exterior lines and stylish interiors, this exceptional vessel offers a truly unforgettable experience on the water and sets lofty standards in the 70ft category.