History

STRING OF PEARLS, a 71-foot yacht designed by Geerd Hendel, was crafted in 1957 by Malcolm Brewer, a renowned wooden boat builder, in Camden, Maine. Originally named PEARL NECKLACE, the vessel was a lavish birthday gift from the origional owner to his wife, who had modestly requested a simple necklace as a gift. The owner, a World War II PT boat Captain, equipped the yacht with four powerful engines. Built for speed, she outraced Jack Kennedy’s sportfishing boat Marlin on Cape Cod Bay and even the Nantucket Ferry, earning a reputation as New England’s fastest boat at that time.

Constructed from mahogany over cedar with teak decks and accents, STRING OF PEARLS boasts a 16-foot beam and a 49-ton displacement, yet achieves an impressive 24 knots through the water. She is now powered by two Man D2486LE405 As a Coast Guard Inspected Vessel, she’s certified to carry 42 guests and crew and undergoes rigorous annual safety checks.

After the original owner sold her, the yacht was restored in Newport, Rhode Island, and spent 21 years chartering across New England. Celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, Brad Pitt, Pierce Brosnan, Harrison Ford, many statesmen, and a few princesses, have graced her decks. In 2004, a five-star resort on Georgia’s coast secured her for an exclusive charter engagement. Fourteen years later, she relocated to Morningstar Marina, offering charters through the inland waters of St. Simons Island and the Golden Isles.

In 2019, Captain Matthew Sligh purchased the yacht, finalizing the transaction by early summer. He and his family began charter operations and committed to restoring the boat while cruising her around St. Simons and enjoying all that the Golden Isles has to offer. During the winter of 2021-2022, STRING OF PEARLS underwent extensive renovations at Huckins Yacht Corporation in Jacksonville, Florida. The expert craftsmanship above and below the waterline ensured her longevity, and she returned to St. Simons in April 2022, stronger than ever.

In 2023-2024, master shipwright and wooden yacht expert Paul Rogers joined the team. His skillful work on the salon, brightwork, hatches, and critical technical repairs has significantly advanced the restoration, complementing the efforts of Captain Matthew (Son) and keeping STRING OF PEARLS in top form. This work continued into early 2025 with Captain Clint Walden on the team. Projects completed by March 2025 included new planks in the starboard and port hulls, two new radios on the bridge, removing and polishing all the stainless steel rub rail, getting a good coat of paint on the hull, and we have installed new canvas from Top Stitch in Jacksonville.

Varnish work continues every day so if we look a little dusty when you come on board you can understand why!!! We also hope to be able to open up one of the Staterooms this year so be on the lookout for that.

All of the restoration work is supported by our passengers and we are so grateful for everyone that comes on board. Thank you all so much for your support!!!