Classic Yacht. Elevated Experience.
Photo: Betty L. Haynes Photography
History
STRING OF PEARLS is a 71-foot classic yacht built in 1957 in Camden, Maine, by renowned wooden boat builder Malcolm Brewer. Designed by Geerd Hendel, she was originally named Pearl Necklace and was a lavish birthday gift from a World War II PT boat captain to his wife — who had only asked for a simple necklace.
Built for speed with a mahogany-over-cedar hull and teak decks, she quickly earned a reputation as one of New England’s fastest boats. She famously outraced President John F. Kennedy’s sportfishing boat Marlin on Cape Cod Bay. Powered today by twin MAN diesel engines, she reaches speeds up to 24 knots while maintaining her classic elegance.
After years of chartering in New England, STRING OF PEARLS eventually made her way south to St. Simons Island. In 2019, Captain Matthew Sligh purchased the yacht with a vision to preserve her history while sharing her with others. Since then, he and his team have invested years of dedicated restoration work to keep her strong and seaworthy.
Today, STRING OF PEARLS continues to undergo careful restoration, with ongoing varnish work and hull maintenance keeping her in top form. She remains a true classic — built with craftsmanship from another era, yet fully enjoyed in the present.
We invite you to come aboard and experience a piece of maritime history on the waters of St. Simons Island and the Golden Isles.
Meet Captain Matthew Sligh
Captain Matthew Sligh has always felt a deep connection to the water. In 2019, he purchased STRING OF PEARLS, a 1957 classic yacht with a rich history, with a clear purpose: to preserve her legacy and share her with others.
Rather than treating the yacht as simply a vessel for charters, Captain Matt sees her as something worth protecting. He has dedicated himself to the ongoing restoration and care of STRING OF PEARLS, ensuring that her craftsmanship and history remain alive for future generations to experience. His commitment goes beyond maintenance… it is a personal mission to keep this piece of maritime heritage sailing and available.
When guests step aboard, Captain Matt’s goal is simple: to make them feel at home. He welcomes everyone with the same warmth and hospitality he would offer family and friends, creating an atmosphere that feels personal rather than formal. Whether hosting a public sunset cruise or a private charter, he focuses on delivering thoughtful, memorable experiences that allow people to slow down and truly enjoy their time on the water.
Operating from Morningstar Marina on St. Simons Island, Captain Matt continues to run a full schedule of public and private charters. Through every trip, his dedication remains the same — to honor the yacht’s past while creating meaningful moments in the present.
Our Home at Morningstar Golden Isles Marina
The String of Pearls sails from Morningstar Golden Isles Marina on St. Simons Island, a 2025 Marinas.com Boaters' Choice Award winner on the Frederica River. It's a beautiful, friendly marina with easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Golden Isles, and it's home to Coastal Kitchen, a waterfront restaurant that's perfect for dinner before or after your cruise.
What Sets Us Apart
Cultivating Unique Experiences
We create personal, memorable moments on the water that feel special and unlike any ordinary charter.
Delivering Southern Hospitality
We welcome every guest with genuine warmth and care, treating them like family from the moment they step aboard.
Bringing Community Together
We bring people together to share meaningful experiences and create connections aboard the historic String of Pearls.