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The Maltese Falcon: A Timeless Icon of the Yacht Industry

This 288-ft motor sailing yacht commands attention wherever she goes.

By Ellie Brade

One of the world’s largest sailing boats, the iconic  Maltese Falcon  yacht is something of a modern day pirate ship. Commanding attention – and awe –wherever she goes, the 288 ft motor sailing yacht has been described as the world’s most photographed yacht, a testament to the blend of sailing yacht high performance and motor yacht luxurious comfort courtesy of its shipyard, Perini Navi.

When the  Maltese Falcon  – the brainchild of the late Tom Perkins, her first owner – launched in 1990, it had been six years in the making. After a staggering amount of research, development, design work and innovation, the  Maltese Falcon  remains a bastion of the industry nearly over three decades later.

Upon first debut, it was clear she was one of the most significant yachts of the past century. Pushing all the capabilities of superyacht design, the  Maltese Falcon  transformed the world of superyachts forever.

[See also: How to Begin Your Journey to Yacht Ownership]

Construction

Construction work was undertaken at Perini Navi’s Turkish facility in Tuzla, with the core project team made up of Perkins, naval architect Gerard Dijkstra of Dykstra Naval Architects (DNA) and Ken Freivokh of Ken Freivokh Design , who designed the interior and exterior. The yacht began life as the steel hull of an abandoned yacht project before being identified as a suitable platform for Maltese Falcon . This was the third time that Perkins had built a yacht with Perini Navi, but it would be his biggest and boldest build by far.

One of the Maltese Falcon ’s most distinctive traits is her masts and sails, and the design for the entire yacht was centered around them. Powered by square-sailed “Dynarig” technology, which was suggested and developed for the yacht by Dijkstra, she features three carbon fiber masts with a computer-run sail and mast control system that allows push button sailing.

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In a nutshell, her huge 25,791-sq-ft sail area is spread out over 15 sails – five for each mast – that are fixed to the mast’s curved yards and set and furled using an electrical control system. The freestanding masts are then rotated as desired to adjust the sails.

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This complex, yet extremely simple, system makes sailing the Maltese Falcon almost effortless for sailors of all skillsets – it takes just six minutes to set the sails and only 90 seconds to tack the yacht. The entire system can be run by just one person.

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In addition to its reliability and ease of use, the Dynarig system allows the yacht to sail fast and efficiently, delivering significant economic and environmental savings.

Her ease of use means she regularly travels under sail, vastly reducing her reliance on and consumption of fuel. She doesn’t shirk on performance either. Able to reach top speeds of 18 knots, the Maltese Falcon has more than proved herself out on the water, having won many sailing regattas including The Superyacht Cup 2010 and the Perini Cup several times.

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Freivokh describes the design of the yacht as being “form follows function,” while still upholding essential design principles, balanced proportions, and uncluttered and purposeful shapes. For the interior, Freivokh created an elegant aesthetic with an industrial edge. This effect was achieved using a combination of materials including walnut, Macassar ebony, glass, leather, carbon fiber and aluminum, complemented by beautiful artworks and sculptures.

The Maltese Falcon accommodates 12 guests in six cabins – the full beam master is positioned on the lower deck, with highlights including a full width dressing room and a private gym. The equally impressive VIP suite is located on the upper deck with direct access to the bridge and its own deck space. Four large doubles, all with ensuites, complete the picture.

The Maltese Falcon is a very social yacht that is well suited to entertaining. Her spacious layout allows for six different dining and entertainment spaces. The main deck is the focal point for guests to gather and enjoy. The large main saloon leads directly out to a circular bar that includes a full formal dining table – picture world-class dining under the stars.

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“The circular bar on the main deck aft is a focal point that seamlessly integrates the interior with the exterior deck spaces,” says Chloe Riley, the Maltese Falcon ’s charter broker at SuperYachtsMonaco.

Inside are two lounges and another formal dining set up, with the dining area bearing Japanese influences. The main deck is also home to a cards and games room, and modern office facilities that make it easy to work on board. All the key spaces are linked by a striking central staircase.

The exterior spaces are home to some of the Maltese Falcon ’s most popular features. The central bar has played host to a wide variety of events and parties in its time. When it’s time to stop partying, there are plenty of options to sunbathe, dine or relax. Jacuzzis can be found inside and out, and recent additions to the yacht include a new spa facility with a hair salon and massage room (a qualified beauty and massage therapist sits among the 19-strong crew).

There are numerous private spaces to escape to and enjoy the experience of life on the water. “The seating area on the bridge deck forward is a lovely spot that gives a unique viewpoint when sailing,” says Riley. “But most memorable of all the features is the huge outdoor cinema set up on the upper deck, with movies able to be projected onto one of the yacht’s sails for the ultimate cinema session.”

[See also: First Look Aboard Eco-Conscious Residential Superyacht, Njord]

Chartering Maltese Falcon

Over the years her travels have taken her all over the world, clocking close to 200,000 nm with a decent proportion under sail. “She is versatile with location and can be chartered anywhere in the world, although Greece is now the Maltese Falcon ’s home,” says Riley.

Plenty of thought has been put into her charter offering, which gives a thrilling taste of all the ingredients that make superyachts so exciting including speed, high luxury and gourmet delights. As a charter favorite, it is no surprise that the Maltese Falcon also carries a rich selection of toys and tenders, and she has been set up to appeal to every kind of guest.

“Guests of the Maltese Falcon can enjoy the exhilarating performance of race sailing with seven-star luxury and comfort,” says Riley. “With all the best elements of motor and sailing yachts, she really is the best of both worlds.”

[See also: Does this 357-Foot New Yacht Belong to Steven Spielberg?]

The Maltese Falcon is a yacht that needs to be seen to be believed, and once seen will not be forgotten. Its late creator, Perkins, summed it up beautifully when he opined: “It is not a modest thing to say, but my creation remains an unrivaled masterpiece.”

The Maltese Falcon is available for charter with SuperYachtsMonaco from €460,000-€520,000 ($500,000-$565,000) per week + expenses. Contact Chloe Riley, [email protected] , superyachtsmonaco.com

Ellie Brade

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MALTESE FALCON – relaunching a legend.

Published 26 April 2023

The term ‘legend’ is used far too lightly in the world of superyachting. In the case of  MALTESE FALCON , it is entirely apt, indeed well deserved. Her original owner, Tom Perkins, was an MIT graduate who, as a venture capitalist, went on to become one of the key players in the tech boom investing in start-ups like Netscape, AOL, Amazon and Google. He also loved yachting, owning and campaigning Perini Navis and classic yachts around the world.

His passion for advancing technology was given physical form in MALTESE FALCON. He worked with Dutch naval architect Gerard Dijkstra to revive and refine an evolution of the square rig concept developed in Germany during the 1960s to save fuel on merchant ships but never used. The outcome was the DynaRig, in which three free-standing, rotating carbon masts with fixed yards could deploy 2,396sqm (25,790sqft) of sail area in moments at the touch of a button. A slew of regatta wins paid testament to the efficiency of the design.

On delivery in 2006 her audacious innovation won universal recognition, winning 18 awards in all, the most of any sailing yacht ever. Now under new ownership, her new custodian wanted an equally bold yet wholly respectful update to enhance the yacht’s already impressive green credentials. Emanuela Esposito’s Rome studio was also commissioned to brighten the yacht’s Frievokh interiors without losing any of their award-winning Art Deco grandeur.

Technical updates included new generators, LED lighting throughout, new monitoring systems, new galley and new guest en suites. Her interiors saw darker panels replaced with lighter woods and fabrics, new carpets, furniture, art and AVIT. Her hull was also restored to classic Perini blue. The results are quite exceptional, as her many guests will discover this summer and beyond.

MALTESE FALCON relaunch timeline - 19 April 2023

• 07.52 - feathering props serviced and gleaming 1 of 9 photos
• 08.01 - the big day begins and sunlight illuminates her repainted Perini blue hull 2 of 9 photos
• 08.21 - her ensign is hoisted and flown for the first time in seven months 3 of 9 photos
• 08.46 - the boarding tower is craned away - no getting off now 4 of 9 photos
• 09.04 - bridge sunscreens removed and the flooding process begins 5 of 9 photos
• 09.08 - fenders are reinflated 6 of 9 photos
• 10.07 - the keel touches the sea again 7 of 9 photos
• 11.08 - one of the heaving lines thrown from the dock to attach mooring lines catches in the rigging. Within a minute a crew member was hauled aloft to recover it 8 of 9 photos
• 14.33 - after a pause to check watercooled systems like generators, the launch continues and MALTESE FALCON floats 9 of 9 photos

In September 2022 the yacht sailed to the Lusben shipyard in Livorno and rose out of the water in a 180m floating dock where she would remain for the next seven months. On 19 April 2023, she took to the water once again and Burgess was privileged to be on site to record the event.

The unmistakable, unforgettable MALTESE FALCON is back, and better than ever. Be one of the first to experience this revamped beauty in the Mediterranean this summer and this winter in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Ask about MALTESE FALCON today .

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter , please contact a Burgess broker . Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London , Monaco , New York , Miami , Singapore or all other locations .

- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.

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MALTESE FALCON

Perini Navi

88M PERINI NAVI 2006 (2023)

Asking price

From 490,000€ per week

WELCOME ONBOARD

The Maltese Falcon, a hybrid motor/sailing superyacht, is the ultimate choice for an exclusive charter experience. She has hosted royalty, celebrities, and private families, boasting a world-class heritage asset pedigree and spectacular art collection. Perini Navi delivered her in 2006, redefining yacht design with her elegant appearance, Falcon rig sailing system, and black/silver superstructure. She offers guests the best of both worlds with exhilarating sailing performance and luxurious comfort, featuring a gym, indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi, large open-air cinema, spa, qualified therapist, and an impressive array of water toys.

Key features

• 18 awards since her launch, including being named ‘Finest Superyacht Ever’ by Superyacht World magazine
• 2022 extensive interior and exterior refit including new carpets, furniture, piano in main lounge, art work, cinema, TVs, lightning, guest equipment and facilities, outdoor facilities and much more...
• Unique three-deck sky-lit atrium where the stairs spiral around the main mast
• Wellness facilities: massage room and fully equipped gym
• Private VIP deck
• New indoor cinema room
• Largest outdoor cinema projected on the lower sail
• 2,400 square metres of sail can be set within six minutes

88.00M (288'9")

PERINI NAVI

weekly rate from

490.000 EUr

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Maltese Falcon

Yacht charter, description.

Following a massive refit of over 8.5 Million Euros, MALTESE FALCON is ready to book more charters this upcoming Summer 2023!

The Maltese Falcon is an incredible hybrid motor/sailing superyacht, which, having hosted royalty, sporting celebrities, business icons and private families, is without doubt, the most exclusive choice for an unforgettable charter experience. With the pedigree of a World Class Heritage Asset, and boasting a spectacular art collection, she energises and cocoons everyone in an uplifting and comfortable on-board ambience. Delivered by Perini Navi in 2006, on her launch, the Maltese Falcon redefined the world of yacht design. In a class of her own, she pairs an elegant design and black and silver superstructure with her revolutionary sailing system, the Falcon rig.

The multi award-winning MALTESE FALCON delivers exceptional sailing performance in uncompromised luxury. Her large outdoor and indoor spaces, al fresco dining options, wide array of toys, the largest outdoor cinema screen on the water and sheer sail power, all add to the experience.

Tender & Toys

Tenders: 10m Pascoe Open tender with 400hp engine 4.3m Castoldi Jet tender with 125hp engine Toys: 4 x SeaBobs 2 x Radinn jet surf 4 x stand up paddle boards 4 x Kayaks (2 x 2 pax, 2 x 1 pax) Windsurfer 2 x wakeboards (1 x adult, 1 x child) 3 x Inflatable platform Waterskis 4 x Inflatables Snorkelling gear (12 pax) Fishing gear Full beach set-up equipment including beach games.

Gym equipment: Techno Gym Run Personal Treadmill Techno Gym Cross Personal Elliptical Life Fitness G5 Cable Motion Gym Life Fitness bench Hand weights Pilates equipment Yoga equipment (mat, bricks and foam roller) Jump ropes Exercise bands Spa equipment: MS Sculpt (Electric Muscle Stimulator Machine)

Characteristics

Iconic and unique Superyacht - Awarded the "Finest Yacht Ever" trophy in 2013 by SuperYacht World and Winner of the 2018 Perini Cup Races 5 cups including overall winner

The best of both worlds - Guests enjoy the exhilarating performance of sailing with luxury and comfort

Sailing technology with proven reliability contributes to environmental sustainability

State of the art gym equipment, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, and the largest open air cinema on any yacht

Spa with massage room and qualified beauty/massage therapist, impressive list of water toys

Beautiful artwork, stunning interior and exterior entertaining spaces

2020 completes the multi-year refit including sail systems, hull painting, 5 year survey

Brand new TVs throughout and movie projector, new cinema room. Kaleidescape with Netflix and Prime is available in each cabin and there is also Apple TV in four of the guest cabins. Ipod docking stations in all cabins. The Falcon is one of its kind, in many ways and that is largely thanks to its impressively organised deck areas. They have been designed in such a way that one gets great sense of freedom while enjoying the sheer luxury of the Falcon on board. This sense of freedom could be down to the fact that she has many separate dining and entertaining locations spread out across two spacious decks – both exterior and interior. These areas can host 12 guests comfortably and can be molded to meet any requirement you should have. These areas are set out as follows: Al Fresco dining – The main aft deck is perfect for general al fresco dining and can be set up to suit an array of cuisine from around the world, whether you want a light sushi lunch or to host a canapé evening, this space can be adjusted to give it the right feel for you and your guests. The bar – On the main deck is another wonderful area that can be converted into the ideal socializing space for after dinner parties, listening to music, or chilling out with friends. Cinema – Located on the main deck it’s intricate décor and cosy atmosphere makes it ideal for indoor movie nights. Formal dining – Located on the main deck, the dining lounge exudes elegance and can be exquisitely presented to create the perfect setting for an indulgent dining experience. Upper deck dining – Aft on the upper deck is a large area suited for a cooler dining experience on a hot summers day. You and your guests can enjoy a buffet-style lunch before slipping into the sea. It is also a fantastic space to enjoy a movie night, nibbling on pizza and popcorn, while the film is projected onto the sails. All of these areas will be beautifully prepared and decorated each day and according to the needs of you and your guests by the highly qualified and appraised interior crew.

Accommodation

MALTESE FALCON offers luxurious interiors and accommodation for up to 12 guests in six cabins. Her spacious lounge with bar and piano, opening to the main deck aft’s al fresco dining and seating areas, offers a great place for social gathering. You will enjoy her brand new cinema room and office, and forward is the main dining room, which can comfortably welcome up to 12 guests.

On the lower deck, you will find the full-beam master suite with a dressing room, a separate bath and shower room en suite, and private access to the gym and the massage area. Four double cabins can also convert into two extra VIP cabins.

On the bridge deck, the VIP cabin offers direct access to a private deck with a dining and relaxing area, where you can enjoy the outdoor cinema under the stars, projected onto the lower sail.

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MALTESE FALCON

Yachts for charter.

MALTESE FALCON, a 88.0 m Sail Yacht built in Turkey and delivered in 2006, is the flagship of Perini Navi .

Her top speed is 19.5 kn, her cruising speed is 16.0 kn, and she boasts a maximum cruising range of 4000.0 nm at 14.0 kn, with power coming from two Deutz-MWM diesel engines. She can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms, with 19 crew members. She has a gross tonnage of 1112.0 GT and a 12.47 m beam.

She was designed by Ken Freivokh , who has designed 34 other superyachts in the BOAT Pro database.

The naval architecture was developed by Perini Navi (40 other superyachts architected) and Dykstra Naval Architects (28 other superyachts architected), and the interior of the yacht was designed by Ken Freivokh (137 other superyacht interiors designed), Sinnex and Perini Navi (48 other superyacht interiors designed) - she is built with a Teak deck, a Steel hull, and Aluminium superstructure.

MALTESE FALCON is in the top 5% by LOA in the world. She is one of 3 sailing yachts in the 80-90m size range, and, compared to similarly sized sailing yachts, her cruising speed is 2.0 kn above the average.

MALTESE FALCON is currently sailing under the Malta flag, the 3rd most popular flag state for superyachts with a total of 1058 yachts registered. She is known to be an active superyacht and has most recently been spotted cruising near Antigua and Barbuda. For more information regarding MALTESE FALCON's movements, find out more about BOAT Pro AIS .

Specifications

• Name: MALTESE FALCON
• Yacht Type: Sail Yacht
• Yacht Subtype: Motorsailer
• Builder: Perini Navi
• Naval Architect: Dykstra Naval Architects , Perini Navi
• Exterior Designer: Ken Freivokh
• Interior Designer: Sinnex , Ken Freivokh , Perini Navi
• Refits: 2023-05-23

Available for charter

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Maltese Falcon Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

The Maltese Falcon is a sailing superyacht that is one of the largest sailing yachts on the planet. It was first launched back in 2006 although you could argue it was actually launched in 1990 as the bare hull actually hit the water back then but it wasn’t actually built into a full vessel that was sailing until 2006. It took six years to finalize the design and construction before launch. Despite its remarkable size and apparent complexity, the yacht is designed such that a single person could operate it by themselves if they wanted to. 

The yacht comes in at 289 feet in length, definitely making it ones of the largest sailing yachts in the world. It features what they call a Dyna-Rig system with three 190’ rotating masts, each supporting five sails.

Who Owns the Sailing Yacht Maltese Falcon?

The original owner of the Maltese Falcon was American venture capitalist Thomas Perkins. He only had the yacht for two years however, buying it in 2006 and then selling it in 2008. The company Pleon Ltd bought the yacht and has been operating it ever since, mostly as a charter vessel.  Since that time it’s become one of the most famous and easily recognizable yachts on the water and has turned up all over the world. 

What Is a Maltese Falcon?

The name of the yacht comes from the movie of the same name, itself based on a book. The Maltese Falcon is a valuable statue made of gold and jewels but disguised to look plain. By the end of the story no one actually has it or knows where it is. In the story it qualifies as a Macguffin, something that is sort of a misdirect and isn’t really what’s important.  

How Do The Sails Work on the Maltese Falcon?

As mentioned, the Falcon uses a DynaRig system. The furling sails are stored inside the masts. The masts themselves are actually made of weapons grade carbon fiber which, as you can imagine, is both highly advanced and not inexpensive by any means. 

When an operator simply pushes a button, they automatically deploy along tracks in just six minutes. The sails have no rigging and they can be trimmed by simply rotating the masts with the electronic control panel. That works out to 25,800 square feet of material in 15 sails. All of it can be controlled from a panel that’s basically like a large desktop computer. 

According to Perkins, at the time it was built, the Falcon sailed as close to the wind as any yacht, of any design, that had more than one mast. He also proclaimed that the computer control system, while obviously having a complicated amount of work to do, was so simple to control he could teach someone with no sailing experience at all how to use it in under 5 minutes. 

This actually caused a little bit of controversy when it was introduced and demonstrated to others. As has happened with similar high tech sailing yachts, there are some yachting or sailing purists who believe a sailing vessel should be sailed the old fashioned way and that using technology to take the manual sailing part out of the equation is considered almost like an insult. Of course, that’s all personal preference and many people think this is the evolution of sailing and love the convenience of being able to have technology manage all the hard work. 

What’s the Maltese Falcon Yacht Interior Like?

The main reason that the Maltese Falcon has been so popular as a charter yacht for all these years is that the interior is everything you’d expect from a superyacht and then some. It has a lot of stuff going on.

There are six suites on board the Maltese Falcon, one Master, one VIP along with 4 double suites, which offer accommodations for 12 guests. If you’re so included, the 4 double suits can actually be combined to create two more VIP suites to accomodate fewer guests but with a little more luxury.

In addition, the boat is manned by 16 to 19 crew who have 8 cabins although it’s worth mentioning again, as stated above, a single person can actually operate this boat. That’s because there is a very sophisticated computer control system that monitors and manages all operational aspects of the vessel. The sails can be raised and lowered with the touch of a button. The ship’s sensors can detect ships in currents and wind and make adjustments to the sails as necessary to ensure it takes maximum advantage of the wind at all times as well.

One of the most famous features is the huge movie theater that is on the boat. It’s listed as the largest of any yacht in the world. How did they pull that off? The yacht actually projects movies onto the sails to use them as a screen, so you get a true movie theater experience with the size. 

For relaxation, the charter also comes with an on-board massage therapist and a treatment room you can use. This is part of the spa area and there’s also a gym as well for when you feel the need to work out. 

For more of a party atmosphere there is a bar in the main salon area that can actually be split in two with sliding doors. When that happens, it breaks it into an indoor bar and an outdoor bar. There’s plenty of deck space on the main deck and, if you’re the VIP, you’ll have your own deck space which we’ll get to shortly.

Decorative features inside include the curated art from the owners as well as accent touches that are mostly finished in wood accents that include things like Masscar ebony and walnut. Elsewhere there’s ample leather, steel, aluminum and glass. There’s an atrium onboard as well as a reading room, a massive full-beam dining room, and a large main salon area. Dining areas include the formal one as well as al fresco spaces.

When you’re looking to have fun the yacht features a lot of toys and tenders as well. There’s even a bespoke waterslide, a feature you won’t find on many vessels. There are jet skis available for use, as well as SUPs and scuba diving equipment. In addition the boat boasts a 33 foot Pascoe tender, waterskis and wakeboards, SeaBobs, kayaks, kite surf gear, paddle boards, jet surfs, windsurfers and even an inflatable platform for lounging right out on the water.

Thanks to the numerous design innovations and features on board, the Maltese Falcon actually received 18 different international awards after it was launched back in 2006 for being the most innovative sailing yacht in the world at the time. That includes earning the title of “Finest Superyacht Ever” according to Superyacht World magazine. And, all these years later, it’s still a design marvel that few other yachts have managed to rival, let alone meet. 

In 2022, the yacht underwent a refit and numerous features have been updated or replaced entirely. That includes the artwork, carpeting, electronics, the cinema, the lighting and even the piano in the main lounge. There’s a new indoor cinema room that was added as well, for those times when you want to watch a film during the day, or without dealing with the weather. 

What’s on the Maltese Falcon’s Upper Deck?

Like a hotel with a penthouse suite, the Maltese Falcon has its own VIP cabin located on the upper deck or bridge deck of the vessel. It has its own private terrace for getting away from the rest of the vessel. The master suite features two walk-in wardrobes and his and hers washrooms. There’s even a lounge and an attached gym for private use. 

The upper deck is also where you’ll find that outdoor movie theater to use when the sun goes down. When it was built it had one of the first outdoor movie screens you’d ever find on a superyacht. You could actually watch movies from inside a hot tub as well. 

What Did the Maltese Falcon Yacht Cost?

As you can imagine with a vessel of this size and all the features it has, it’s not a cheap boat. But like so many of these super yachts, the owners are not always very forthcoming with the price as not everyone likes people knowing their financial business. Way back in the year 2007, Thomas Perkins, the original owner, was interviewed on the TV show 60 Minutes. He discussed the yacht at that time and offered the somewhat vague answer that the cost of the yacht was above $150 million but below $300 million. So that’s quite a large potential range to deal with but, for most of us, the cost of a yacht is pretty expensive no matter where it sits on that scale. 

What’s the Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter Price?

If you’re not in the market to buy a yacht like the Maltese Falcon, you can charter it if you like to enjoy living the high life on the sea for a week or two at a time. The rates for chartering the Maltese Falcon depend on the time of year you want to take advantage. During the winter season you can charter it for $460,000 per week plus expenses. However, if you want it during the summer you’ll have to shell out a bit more and go in for around $523,500 per week plus expenses. A charter Maltese Falcon trip obviously isn’t in everyone’s price rage and it’s often used by celebrities, corporations and millionaires for things like vacations and celebrations.

Maltese Falcon Yacht Top Speed

The Maltese Falcon is not built for speed, of course, but it does well for a vessel of this size. It’s powered by a pair of twin Deutz engines that allow it to cruise at 16 knots. The maximum speed it can reach is an impressive 19 knots. Along with that it has a range of up to 4,600 nautical miles. That’s thanks to a 81,300 liter fuel tank that can keep it on pace at 14 knots. Of course, that’s when it’s under engine power. It is also fully capable of operating totally under sail as well. 

Under sail, the top speed for the Maltese Falcon has been clocked at a very respectable 24 to 25 knots. It’s able to cross the Atlantic ocean in just 10 days. 

The Bottom Line

Though it’s an older yacht than some of the other headline-grabbing superyachts you’ll hear about these days like Jeff Bezos’ yacht or even the Lamborghini yacht, the Maltese Falcon is extremely popular and offers amazing amenities for those who can afford to charter it. It’s still consider the best sailing yacht in the world by many.

At 268 feet in length, the yacht can reach up to 25 knots under sail and it has room for 12 guests. It’s known for its massive movie theater which projects movies onto the sails, not to mention the sails themselves which are controlled electronically and can be operated by one lone person.

The yacht cost somewhere between $150 million and $300 million and can be charted for between $460,000 and $523,000 per week, depending on the time of year. 

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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Iconic yachts: The story of the 88m sailing yacht Maltese Falcon

Article republished from BOAT INTERNATIONAL : 22 JUNE 2021 BY ROGER LEAN-VERCOE

Tom Perkins created one of the most sensational three-masted sailing yachts of the past 100 years when he built the 88 metre  Maltese Falcon  with  Perini Navi .

All images: SuperYachtsMonaco

Launched in 2006, the project took nearly six years to complete. With radical unstayed masts made of ‘weapons-grade’ carbon fibre, computerised sail and mast control system,  M a ltese Falcon,  and in particular its FalconRig, was hailed as a triumph of design, development and engineering.

The great idea of the clipper rig is that a huge sail area, 2,415 metres square, in this case, can be spread over 15 sails, thus greatly reducing the loadings. On  Maltese Falcon  there are a total of 25 sails, giving her 10 spare.

One of the most exciting aspects of  Maltese Falcon  is the yacht’s upwind performance. “We sail as close to the wind as any yacht, of any design, that has more than one mast,” Perkins previously said. He went on to describe the mast and sail control system as ‘almost trivial’ in its simplicity. “I can teach any sailor how to handle the yacht in five minutes,” he said. “To the best of my knowledge, this is not the case with any other big boat with reel winches.”

The superyacht’s ‘luxury machine’ interior – a marriage of industrial chic and high tech – was designed by  Ken Freivokh  around Tom Perkins’ striking modern  art collection , and features leather, glass, wood and steel. The layout includes a master suite and five further guest cabins, and the crew of 16 is accommodated in eight cabins.

Her long and relatively narrow hull was designed be very fast through the water, and her very long waterline 78 metres assures stability against heeling. The sails, made by Robbie Doyle, are stored on individual in-mast mandrels and set and furled using a complex but brilliant system that makes use of a large number of electric motors within the masts and on the yards.

In 2009, Perkins sold  Maltese Falcon  to hedge-fund manager Elena Ambrosiadou. The yacht is now available for charter with  SuperYachtsMonaco  from €460,000 a week.

https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/editorial-features/iconic-yachts-maltese-falcon

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5 Maltese Falcon Facts: Who Owns the Superyacht?

She’s nearing her 20th birthday  

The Maltese Falcon was first commissioned in 2000, and after 6 years of construction, made her debut in 2006. After a refit in 2020, she is looking fresher than ever, ready to take her guests on adventures all over the globe. Considering her age, it is impressive how she still holds her own next to the more modern vessels built in recent years.

She’s a former record holder

At the time of her delivery, the Maltese Falcon held the title of the world’s largest sailing yacht. At 88m in length, her size was incredibly impressive. The superyacht held onto this accolade for 9 years until 2015, when Nobiskrug delivered the 143m Sailing Yacht A, ending the Maltese Falcon’s reign at the top. Nowadays, several sailing yachts are considerably bigger, including Oceanco’s Black Pearl, as well as Y721, which is  due to be delivered in 2022 .

She’s one of the largest yachts available to charter  

At her sizeable 88m length, the Maltese Falcon is one of the largest sailing yachts available to charter. To enjoy the luxury aboard the vessel, up to 12 guests can expect to pay a whopping $400,000 per week. Facilities onboard include a full-deck masters suite and full-beam VIP suite. Additionally, there is space for an outdoor cinema on the sundeck and an inflatable water slide.

Her owner was a billionaire

The Maltese Falcon’s original owner was Thomas Perkins. Perkins was the owner of one of the most successful venture capital firms in the world. In 2014, Forbes estimated his net worth at an eye-watering $8bn. It was with this fortune that he commissioned the Maltese Falcon back in 2000. Before building the famous sailing yacht, Perkins already had an established relationship with Perini Navi, the shipyard that built the Maltese Falcon. The Italian shipyard had previously delivered the 43m Andromede la Dea in 1987. The vessel (which is now called Paz) was the second yacht ever built by Perini Navi.

She has a cinema onboard  

Amongst the many luxuries found onboard, perhaps the most impressive amenity is a cinema. In mere moments, the lounging space at the bow of her sundeck transforms into a cinema. With comfortable lounge chairs and a projector beaming blockbusters onto her forward sail, Maltese Falcon is enough to satisfy any movie buff.

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The World’s Most Radical Sailing Yacht Stands the Test of Time

The 12-year-old 289-foot perini navi superyacht is still one of the world’s most technologically advanced and largest private sailing yachts., geri ward's most recent stories.

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When he launched Maltese Falcon in 2006, venture capitalist and former Hewlett Packard GM Tom Perkins fulfilled a fantasy that most sailors would never have even dared to dream.

The 289-foot superyacht by Perini Navi —considered the world’s most radical sailing yacht and the largest private sailing yacht at launch time—has three giant rotating masts, each supporting five sails. The “Dyna Rig” masts give Maltese Falcon a top-end speed of 24 knots. Although translating this 19th-century concept to a 21st-century yacht could have been a spectacular failure, Perkins forged ahead, spending between $150 million and $300 million over a four-year period. His team built a special facility to test and build the carbon-fiber masts (with heights up to 187 feet) at the Perini Navi shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey.

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The furling sails are stored inside the masts and automatically deploy along tracks in six minutes at the push of a button. The sails, which have no rigging, are trimmed by simply rotating the masts electronically. To the amazement of many, and the outrage of sailing purists, a single, desk-size, push-button panel controls all 25,800 square feet of material on the yacht’s 15 sails, allowing Maltese Falcon to be operated by one person if desired.

With naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects and Perini Navi, and exterior design by Ken Freivokh , the yacht has won multiple superyacht races, as well as numerous awards, including Robb Report ’s Best of the Best .

In the stunning interior also created by Ken Freivokh, which features generous spaces and contrasting materials, carbon finish is used beside walnut, and aluminum works well beside Macassar ebony. The yacht has a full-beam master and five double suites, accommodating 12 guests.

Twelve years after he built his dream, Perkins’s Maltese Falcon is still one of the most technically advanced sailing yachts ever.

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• Perini Navi

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Sailing yacht charter MALTESE FALCON unveils new interiors following extensive refit

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By Anna Ingles   13 March 2024

The majestic 288.9ft (88m) sailing yacht charter MALTESE FALCON has unveiled its sumptuous new interiors to the world. As one of the planet's grandest sailing yacht charters , MALTESE FALCON boasts expert naval architecture crafted by Dykstra Naval Architects, complemented by the sophisticated interior design stylings of Ken Freivokh.

Following an extensive refit at the Lusben facility, Perini Navi yacht charter MALTESE FALCON made her grand entrance onto the charter scene, showcasing her new features in March 2023. Originally launched in 2006, this ambitious project spanned close to six years, culminating in a crewed yacht charter that's a testament to groundbreaking design and engineering.

Her innovative unstayed masts, constructed from high-caliber carbon fiber, and advanced computerized sail and mast control system, incorporating the FalconRig, continue to set her apart in the maritime world.

Emerging from her half-year refit with a plethora of enhancements, the striking yacht rental now includes a newly minted cinema room on the main deck, a serene Japanese-style dining area, and a comprehensive upgrade to her technical systems.

These upgrades include eco-friendly LED lighting and the installation of the latest Starlink WiFi system for seamless connectivity throughout indulgent Mediterranean yacht charters .

In addition to the new facilities, the transformation of luxury yacht charter MALTESE FALCON also includes a striking hull color change to "Perini Blue", the addition of a sleek extendable passerelle, a versatile inflatable platform, and a curated selection of tenders and water toys for endless aquatic enjoyment on a watersports yacht charter .

The yacht's iconic staircase, encircling the main mast, remains a central design feature. Accommodations aboard MALTESE FALCON are generously laid out across six cabins, featuring a spacious full-beam master suite that comes complete with a walk-in wardrobe, a private gym, and separate his-and-hers bathrooms, now boasting a Jacuzzi bath alongside a shower room.

Offering charter guests panoramic views during Italy and Croatia yacht charters , the flybridge invites relaxation with its novel circular sunbed designed to follow the sun's arc across the sky. 

The main deck has also been refreshed with a permanent hardtop, providing shade for the al fresco dining area on East Mediterranean yacht charters , a welcoming sit-up bar, and newly installed sound and light systems for an immersive outdoor experience.

Proudly retaining its title for having the world’s largest outdoor cinema, where guests can enjoy movies projected right onto the lower sail, MALTESE FALCON creates an unforgettable cinematic experience under the stars.

To be among the first to charter the newly refreshed sailing yacht charter MALTESE FALCON, contact your preferred yacht charter broker today for the latest availability and details on yacht rental costs .

Alternatively, to find more inspiration on boat rentals, take a look at all yacht charters .

Alternative sailing yacht charters

90m Royal Huisman 2004 / 2019

105m Oceanco 2018

67m Alloy Yachts 2011 / 2019

81m Royal Huisman 2020 / 2022

86m Oceanco 2016

66m Radunia Shipyard 1997

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