The bar was set high: ever since the Pearl 62 landed on the market, the British brand collected prestigious awards. "So the next project had to go even further," says managing director and former yacht captain Ian Smallridge. To guarantee success, he brought Bill Dixon on board again for the 72, who drew the exterior lines as well as taking charge of the design. "The shipyard's focus is exclusively on flybridge models, which Pearl emphasises," says Dixon. "This allowed us to style the exterior lines freely and focus on a cleaner aesthetic." For him, every design element stems from the core identity of a Pearl, "but we have evolved to a higher level with this new yacht."
The hull has been given larger glass surfaces for a modern look, plus a certain "sporty attitude" that she has inherited from the 62: a typical feature of the new generation of yachts. According to Dixon, "the lines are as elegant as ever", just a little smoother and more streamlined, "the use of moulded glass gives her curves in just the right places."
Three settings for enough shade on board the Pearl 72
Ian Smallridge was initially surprised to see how much space could be created on the lower deck to accommodate the guests: "Two master cabins," he says enthusiastically, one of which has private access from the forward saloon, "you normally only see that on much larger yachts. The main owner's suite is located in the bow, while a second extends amidships across the entire bow width of 5.70 metres. There are also two further guest cabins, accommodation for the crew and the tender garage at the stern. Overall, the layout was about making the best possible use of the available space, starting with the open-air areas. The flybridge is a good example of the theme of flexibility that defines the entire Pearl 72. Smallridge says: "Guests enjoy the fresh air and that flybridge feeling under the variable hardtop." This comes with three settings: Full shade, adjustable blinds and sun. There is a small seating area at the front next to the steering position so that the helmsman or helmswoman can have some company while working. There is a dining area directly behind it, with a bar opposite.
The rear area is adapted to the needs of the owners, for example with free-standing furniture, sun loungers or a jacuzzi," emphasises Smallridge.
Guests reach the aft cockpit with sofa and a table that can be folded out and adjusted in height via steps. Free-standing and mobile seating furniture is also available. The area is well protected from above by the flybridge, but offers marvellous views, "one of the main entertainment zones on board," says the shipyard manager. The small beach club with bathing platform is located one floor below. A folding bench mounted on the garage door serves as seating. A Williams tender and a jet ski are parked behind it. On request, two mini-platforms buzz into position just above the surface of the water on either side. "Enough opportunities to reach the sea," Smallridge continues enthusiastically.
The anchor harness is well hidden
For the later hours, however, he recommends the bow lounge: "A great spot to end the day or watch the sunset". Under the airy bimini, however, it is also nice and shady during the day - it could hardly be more flexible. A nice detail is that the entire anchoring gear is well hidden and does not obstruct the view when sunbathing, or when the Pearl 72 cruises slowly from one bay to the next - no problem thanks to the 1.70 metre draught.
The Brit can also speed from A to B: buyers can choose between two engine packages: either two MAN twelve-cylinder engines with 1029 kilowatts each or two units from MTU's 2000 series with 1193 kilowatts each. The latter duo accelerates the Chinese-built and British-equipped 72 to a maximum of 32 knots. With full bunkers and a speed of 25 knots, the range is 250 nautical miles.
Pearl 72 can be steered from the flybridge or from the saloon
If the helmsman or helmswoman does not want to steer the yacht from the flybridge, the wheelhouse at the front of the saloon is a good option. The captain's chairs are positioned behind a wide, raised windscreen typical of Pearl Yachts. Opposite, the spectators sit in the dinette, behind which are the galley, bar and lounge. The open space shows the full range of the interior. Kelly Hoppen also fitted out the last Pearl models. This time the motto was "Indulgence", which can stand for luxury or pleasure.
The concept envisaged a modern interior with soft lines, warm surface textures and neutral colours. "We wanted to capture 'New York City on the water' and work with all the technical possibilities," says the British designer, listing a few examples such as wood veneer, onyx marble or reflective metal details, "for an earthly and sensory experience". For Hoppen, it makes little difference whether her project floats on water or not. "We approached the design as if we were creating a customised interior for a private residence, inspired by the urban lifestyle."
This yacht never goes out of fashion," summarises Ian Smallridge.
"It is functional, has flexibly usable areas and an absolutely avant-garde design." It also comes with a five-year warranty - three years longer than most other shipyards.
Technical data
- Length over everything: 21,99 m
- Length (hull shape): 20,73 m
- Width: 5,75 m
- Depth: 1,70 m
- Displacement (empty): 48 t
- Material: GRP
- Motors: 2 x MAN V12 / MTU 2000 M96L
- Engine power: 2 x 1029 / 1193 kW
- Speed (max.): 32 kn
- Speed (travelling): 25 kn
- Range: 250 nm
- Fuel: 4250 l
- Water: 590 l
- Navigation: Garmin
- Guests: 8
- Crew: 2
- Construction: Bill Dixon, Pearl Yachts
- Exterior design: Bill Dixon
- Interior design: Kelly Hoppen
- Class: B
- Shipyard: Pearl Yachts, 2022
