Margaret Whittaker was a visionary entrepreneur who played a significant role in shaping the luxury yachting industry. Alongside her late husband, Tony Whittaker, she invested in Pearl Yachts in 2003, transforming it into a boutique yacht builder known for producing sleek, stylish, and high-quality vessels.
The company gained international recognition following the launch of the Pearl 55 at the Southampton Boat Show in 2004, setting the stage for its continued success.
Under Whittaker’s leadership, Pearl Yachts became renowned for its innovative and elegant designs, producing limited numbers of premium flybridge yachts. The brand recently celebrated a major achievement at the 2025 Motor Boat Awards, where the Pearl 82 won in the "Flybridges over 60ft" category. Whittaker, in one of her final public statements, expressed immense pride in the Pearl Yachts team, describing the award as a testament to their hard work, passion, and dedication to excellence.
Experience the thrill of the Pearl 82 firsthand by watching YachtBuyer's Jack Haines take it for an exclusive test drive and yacht review ahead of the Cannes Yacht Show last year. As the first company to put this stunning vessel through its paces, we gained an in-depth perspective on its performance, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge features. Don’t miss our full review, where we dive into every detail of this award-winning yacht.
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BOAT TESTPearl 82 Review (2024 Edition)
Beyond her contributions to yachting, Margaret Whittaker was a successful businesswoman with an inspiring legacy. She founded Slimming World in 1969, helping millions of people achieve their health and weight-loss goals. Her services to public health were recognized in 2009 when she was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Whittaker also had a strong connection to Mallorca, where she owned and revitalized the famous Son Amar nightspot, turning it into a premier entertainment venue. She was deeply respected on the island, not only for her business acumen but also for her generosity and contributions to the local community.
Her autobiography, "WILD WOMEN DO (and they don’t regret it!)," provides an insight into her extraordinary life, chronicling her achievements, challenges, and the philosophy that guided her journey.
Margaret Whittaker’s impact on the yachting industry, business world, and Mallorca’s cultural scene will be long remembered. Her leadership, passion, and vision have left an indelible mark, and she will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
See the complete range of Pearl Yachts for sale and explore her legacy.
