Yacht Class n°40 (March-April-May 2025)

Pearl Yachts

Founded in 1998, the British brand Pearl has carved out its own niche in the flybridge sector with a number of noteworthy models. The latest model to make its world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the 82-footer, has had a very positive impact indeed.

Written by : Alain Brousse – Photos : DR

Headed by Iain Smallridge, Pearl Yachts continues to make headway in the flybridge sector. To date, the range comprises four models: the 62, 72, 82 and 95 footers, with an almost identical DNA in terms of silhouettes: three-deckers with sleek, elegant lines. All bear the name of British naval architect and exterior designer Bill Dixon, and interior designer Kelly Hoppen. Two talents who have the full confidence of Iain Smallridge. Once again, this loyalty has paid off. The Pearl 82 looks great and her silhouette is timeless. Once you have seen her, you shall not stay on the quayside long – the urge to discover her is so strong.

Outdoor areas for farniente

With the weather on our side, we are focusing our attention on the exterior spaces, starting with the stern in the Riviera version, which we feel is the most user-friendly, thanks in particular to the two fold-down bulwarks that serve as diving boards or, more quietly, as ideal places to set up a deckchair on each of them and soak up the UV rays. These side extensions frame a vast solarium for four to six passengers, with the traditional bathing platform occupying the entire width of the boat on the lower level. A sundeck covers the bonnet of the garage for a 3.50 metre tender and a jet ski. At the head of the solarium is a bench seat which, together with two low tables, forms an outdoor seating area for snacks, for example. In the Veranda version, the sun deck is replaced by a real dining area (4-6 places) with two bench seats facing each other and, in the centre, a table just waiting to be served by the chef. There are two ways of getting to the foredeck, which offers a communal area dedicated to lounging: either via the starboard gangway from the cockpit, or from the sunbridge on the port side. With a surface area of 55 m², the sunbridge makes conviviality its prime quality. Indeed, it features a saloon (6 passengers) facing a bar with grill. Aft of this upper deck, adjacent to the jacuzzi, is a solarium, and forward is a helm station with two ergonomic armchairs. It should be noted that a sunroof (with Venetian blind slats) protects two-thirds of this outdoor space, which is sure to be very busy, both when sailing and when stationary.

Refined, top-of-the-range decoration

Now, let’s turn to the domain of Kelly Hoppen, the “in-house” designer for Pearl Yachts. A renowned interior designer in the field of luxury villas, she also exercises her talents in yachting. All Pearl yachts, and the 82 in particular, can testify to the fact that she is a top-of-the-range yacht. From the cockpit, a bay window opens onto the communal area of the main deck, and it is hard not to be delighted by the abundance of natural light thanks to the generous side windows. The interior design is contemporary and refined. Comfort dominates, both in the living room and in the dining area, which can accommodate up to ten guests who can enjoy the view outside. The central partition serves as a bar. On the same level, the forward part is entirely the property of the owner couple, with a 25 m² suite featuring a large bathroom with, of course, a separate shower, and a dressing room. The “plus” of this master suite is that it opens onto a small private terrace at the bow, which also serves as a technical area.

Three engine powers

As with most models of this size, two-thirds of the lower deck is given over to passenger and crew cabins. It offers two 12 m² VIP cabins and two 11 m² guest cabins, each with a bathroom, separate shower and lavatories, as well as a dressing room. The crew is allocated two single cabins with a single bathroom. An access door leads to the engine room, which houses two MAN V12 diesels producing 2,000 hp, the maximum power the manufacturer claims the Pearl 82 can achieve at 32 knots. Two other engine versions of this highly attractive flybridge are available: 2 x 1,650 hp MAN V12 and 2 x 1,800 hp MAN V12. By launching this model with proven qualities, Pearl will have no trouble finding buyers looking for pleasant, comfortable cruising. With names like Bill Dixon and Kelly Hoppen, how could it be otherwise?