First Pearl 100 Hybrid Completes Sea Trials Ahead of FLIBS Debut
By Stephen Yardley · Edited by Stephen Yardley
Image: YachtBuyer / Pearl Yachts
The first Pearl 100 Hybrid has completed initial sea trials ahead of its world debut at the 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
The first Pearl 100 Hybrid has completed its initial sea trials ahead of a planned world debut at the 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The trials mark the first time the new 30-metre flagship has operated on the water as a complete yacht, moving the project from construction into final testing and commissioning.
The Pearl 100 is the British yard’s largest model to date and the first Pearl yacht to adopt hybrid propulsion. The first hull was sold in late 2025 to an existing Pearl owner, giving the builder a returning client for a platform that introduces both a new size category and a new propulsion architecture.
The propulsion system uses twin MAN V12 2,000hp diesel engines paired with radial-flux permanent-magnet electric motors through an e-Motion hybrid arrangement. The system supports several operating modes, including silent electric running when conditions and battery state allow.
A dedicated power pack can also support hotel loads without requiring the conventional generators to run continuously. That gives owners and crews additional options for reducing noise and local emissions at anchor while retaining diesel power for higher-speed operation and longer passages.
The initial trials allow Pearl’s engineering team to assess propulsion, controls, handling and onboard systems together under real operating conditions. Data gathered during this phase will be used to refine the yacht before the public debut in Fort Lauderdale.
The first yacht carries Kelly Hoppen’s Monochrome interior scheme, continuing the designer’s long relationship with the builder. If the hybrid installation performs as intended through commissioning, the Pearl 100 will give the yard a flagship that combines familiar brand styling with a materially different approach to onboard energy and propulsion.
Explore
Go deeper into the yachts, companies, events and destinations directly connected to this article.
Continue reading
The 80-metre Feadship Love, formerly Project 716, has been spotted heading toward Rotterdam as the yacht prepares for sea trials.
Turquoise Yachts is building the 76.25-metre Project Arrow with hybrid propulsion, 1,930 GT of volume and design by Enrico Gobbi and H2 Yacht Design.
Turquoise Yachts’ 81-metre Project Rafale is under construction with H2 Yacht Design, three pools and a hybrid-focused technical package.
Vitters has marked the keel laying of 68-metre Project 3095, a Hoek-designed hybrid ketch scheduled for delivery in 2026.
Superyacht Guide
Continue into the wider Superyacht Guide.
Business opportunities · Superyacht Guide
Companies serving the superyacht market can discuss clearly identified advertising, sponsorship and business-profile opportunities. Commercial activity remains separate from independent editorial coverage.