Designed by Geerd Hendel, STRING OF PEARLS was built in 1957 in Camden, Maine by Malcolm Brewer, the preeminent wooden boat builder of his time. Named PEARL NECKLACE, the 71 ft. yacht was a gift to the wife of the original owner who had requested a simple strand of pearls for her birthday. The owner drove PT boats in World War II so the yacht was equipped with four engines. She was built for speed and raced neighbor Jack Kennedy's sportfishing boat Marlin on Cape Cod Bay as well as the Nantucket Ferry. She was at one time the fastest boat in New England.

Built of mahogany and teak STRING OF PEARLS is 71 feet long, 16 feet wide, and displaces 40 tons, yet she can achieve a speed of 24 knots. She is a Coast Guard Inspected Vessel and is certified to carry 40 guests. Every year she is subjected to extremely thourough safety inspections.