British luxury yacht builder Pearl Yachts is taking its first steps into the world of superyachts with its Pearl 95 – a 96-ft (29.2-m) cruiser that's billed as combining seakeeping with the latest in posh living. Created to celebrate the company's 20th anniversary, the ship was designed by Dixon Yacht Design and will make its debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
Pearl Yachts is no stranger to creating sea craft for the upper crust, but until now the company has confined itself to the 60 to 80-ft (18 to 24-m) class. However, the 95 ups the game a bit by using lessons learned from previous boats and adapting them to the possibilities opened by a larger hull.
The 95 was designed as a collaboration between Bill Dixon and British designer Kelly Hoppen. According to the Pearl, the new yacht retains the seakeeping and maneuverability of previous Pearl motor yachts. Other than the very basic fact that it comes with a choice of twin MTU 16V M96 2,400 bhp or Caterpillar C32 1,925 bhp engines providing a top speed of 28 knots (32 mph, 52 km/h) and a range of 380 nm (437 mi, 704 km), not many specifications have been released.
Instead, Pearl prefers to concentrate on the amenities of the 95 – of which there are quite a few, combined with a number of innovations. For one thing, the aerodynamic hull sports a superstructure that includes a slightly raised pilot house, freeing up more space below and allowing the captain to command the yacht discreetly. The design allows plenty of light into the voluminous interior designed by Kelly Hoppen, that includes an L-shaped sofa and dining space for eight.
Meanwhile, glazed automatic patio doors on three sides of the saloon open up to provide an airy feel, and on the main deck is the full-beam owner's cabin that dominates the forward section. In addition, there is a galley and easy crew access from the side deck. Below there are guest cabins while the forward compartments have accommodations for the captain and crew.
Since this is a luxury yacht, there's plenty of space for toys, like the flybridge complete with Jacuzzi, barbecue, and wet bar. There are also plenty of sunbathing areas as well as a jet ski and tender garage in the stern that opens up to provide a swim deck
No price has been released for the Pearl 95, but the company is offering an unusual five-year comprehensive warranty.
Source: Pearl Yachts