British yard Pearl Yachts has announced that the first unit from its flagship Pearl 100 Hybrid model has completed initial sea trials ahead of her scheduled world debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show next month.
The RPH model was unveiled at last year's Cannes Yachting Festival as the yard's "most ambitious model to date", being the brand's largest offering at 29.4 metres and its first model to feature hybrid propulsion. Notably, the hybrid package is standard on board the model, cutting construction costs to encourage prospective clients to opt for an eco-friendly build.
An innovative twin-shaft e-motion hybrid system, paired with twin MAN 2000hp engines, is set to significantly reduce the model's fuel consumption by optimising the use of both diesel engines and electric motors. The result is 24-knot top speeds (on diesel) and multiple operating modes, including silent, electric cruising, and an extended range.
Long-standing collaborators Dixon Yacht Design and Kelly Hoppen returned for the benchmark moment for Pearl Yachts, with Dixon behind the exterior, layout and naval architecture, and Hoppen drawing the four semi-custom interior proposals titled "Indulgence", "Luxury", "Modern" and "Monochrome". The first unit features the "Monochrome" scheme, where dark shades of black and grey are paired with softer white and cream tones across a range of textiles and finishes.
Accommodation comprises five en suite cabins, including two full-beam owner's suites. The first is located on the main deck, complete with direct access to a private forepeak terrace, while the second is found amidships on the lower deck. A forward double suite and two twin cabins complete the guest accommodation, with separate quarters for up to five crew.
At the model's unveiling last year, the yard also emphasised the outdoor social spaces, including the foredeck lounge and the "Riviera-style" aft cockpit with its generous seating, sunpads and unfolding balconies – a feature popularised by the Pearl 82.
The extended flybridge is the convivial heart of the Pearl 100 Hybrid, equipped with a Technogym wellness area, Jacuzzi, full-sized dining table, multi-functional wet bar and sunpads - all shaded by a hardtop with the yard's trademark "tilt-and-slide" electric sunroof. Direct access connects the flybridge to the foredeck lounge for "fluid circulation between all exterior areas".
Meanwhile, a hidden garage accommodates a Williams 454 tender, a Sea-Doo Spark, several SeaBobs and an array of water toys.
Commenting on the first unit's sea trials, Iain Smallridge, founder and managing director of Pearl Yachts, said: “These trials were the first opportunity to operate the Pearl 100 Hybrid as a complete yacht, bringing together the work of our design, engineering and production teams on the water. We shall now use what we have learnt as we prepare her for her world debut in Fort Lauderdale."
According to BOATPro, Pearl Yachts has 16 yachts currently on the water, the largest of which belongs to its 29.2-metre Pearl 95 series.
Read More/Pearl Yachts delivers first 25m model with private owner's terrace