Nina Dunaway, Empire Sky Co.
Captain Matt Sligh aboard the String of Pearls
Inspired by a touch of romance, Captain Matt Sligh purchased String of Pearls in 2019. The 71-foot yacht, originally named Pearl Necklace, was a birthday gift from a WW II PT boat Captain to his wife, who had requested a simple necklace as a gift.
Designed by Geerd Hendel and crafted in 1957 by legendary Maine boat builder Malcolm Brewer, the yacht was constructed from mahogany over cedar with teak decks and accents, with four powerful engines to speed her through the water. She eventually outraced sportfishing boat Marlin owned by a dashing Cape Codder—Jack Kennedy—and established a reputation as the fastest boat in New England.
String of Pearls 2026
In that very decade, another love story was blossoming down South off the Georgia coast. Sligh’s parents took an outing in the 1950s on The Pine Knot, a wooden boat on St. Simons Island, where they met and fell in love.
Before making her way to the Golden Isles, String of Pearls was sold by the original owner, underwent restoration in Newport, Rhode Island, and chartered in the waters of the Classic Coast. Heartthrob celebrities from Brad Pitt to Pierce Brosnan to Harrison Ford, along with Bruce Springsteen and a few royals, have been on board and felt her magnetic draw. The same draw that was felt by Captain Sligh.
“Falling in love with String of Pearls was instantaneous. It wasn’t just about her elegant lines; it was the rare, undeniable feeling that you are stepping aboard a living piece of history.”
When String of Pearls came up for sale following its use as an exclusive charter by a coastal Georgia five-star resort, Sligh figured the stars aligned for a new passion project for him and his family. The captain jumped on board to purchase, preserve, and operate the legacy yacht. His intent was to share it with the public through charters along the Golden Isles’ breathtaking coastal waterways.
“We didn’t restore this vessel just to preserve wood and brass,” shares Captain Sligh. “We did it to build a sanctuary on the water. My greatest joy is watching the boat work its magic—slowing down time, so people can capture memories they’ll carry with them forever.”
Nina Dunaway, Empire Sky Co.
Elevate Your Event Aboard the String of Pearls
Throw Pillows, Fresh Flowers, Decorative Vases, Cocktail Napkins, and Seashell Toothpicks, Edward on Saint Simons, 217 Longview Plaza, 912.638.7323, St. Simons Island, edwardonstsimons.com, @edwardonssi. Charcuterie Board, Golden Isles Olive Oil, 1609 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, 912.602.9736, goldenislesoliveoil.com, @goldenislesoliveoil.
Captain Sligh and String of Pearls are fully engaged in the community, supporting charities and non-profits such as Safe Harbor, CASA Glynn, and Hospice of the Golden Isles. With seven years of sweat equity to preserve the classic beauty, Captain Sligh’s commitment is unwavering.
“My hope is that String of Pearls becomes a part of St. Simons itself…a restored classic that lets people experience these waters in a way they will never forget.”
String of Pearls • 912.357.3642 • StringOfPearlsSSI.com • @stringofpearlsboatssi
