THE 'MALTESE FALCON' At 289 ft overall length, ‘Maltese Falcon’ is the second-largest privately-owned sailing yacht in the World. It was built by an Italian firm, 'Perini Navi Yachts'

The ‘Falcon’ has clocked almost 20 knots under sail, and has twin 1,800 hp diesel engines for auxiliary power

The ‘Falcon’ has an advanced ‘Dynarig’ sail plan – basically a square rig sporting three masts that can be rotated as needed to trim the sails for optimal aerodynamic performance.

The ‘Maltese Falcon’: Elevation and Sail Plan The ‘Maltese Falcon: Elevation and ‘Dynarig’ Sail Plan

The ‘Maltese Falcon’ – Deck Layouts. UPPER DECK LAYOUT MAIN DECK LAYOUT LOWER DECK LAYOUT

Seagull’s view of free-standing carbon fibre masts, with the yards (cross-spars) rigidly attached to the masts.

The ‘Falcon’ cost $130 million to design, build and equip.

The vessel was commissioned and owned by Tom Perkins, the first GM of HP and the venture capitalist behind Amazon.com, AOL, Google and Sun Microsystems.

The ‘Maltese Falcon’, scalding along under full sail

The ‘Falcon’, cutting a swath with all sails set.

The ‘Falcon’, with ‘the bit between her teeth’.

The ‘Falcon’ surges into view beyond the headland.

The Bridge

It takes just one person to pilot the ‘Maltese Falcon’ from this centralized control console.

Perkins reportedly had to sell his beloved Bugatti in order to help fund the yacht. Poor guy...

A porcelain Bugatti emerges from the table in the center of the saloon at the mere touch of a button.

Above the table, in the leather-floored dining room, a skylight blind opens like the iris aperture of a camera.

The Wine Cellar.

The Galley

An atrium with clear glass floor surrounds the main mast well, with a staircase spanning three decks.

Owner's cabin, where he and the mate just have to make do.

Accommodations can be optionally 4 - 6 staterooms

One of 4 guest suites that can be reconfigured as two enormous VIP suites, each with his/her heads.

A ‘Head’ (Potty) in one of the guest staterooms.

Falcon’s sea toys include: two 32' Rigid Inflatable Boats; 6 laser sailboats; a 14' jet tender; 2 kayaks; wakeboard; 6 sets dive gear; water skis; snorkels; and a submarine.

‘Falcon’ illuminated, with Golden Gate Bridge as backdrop.

‘Falcon’ in namesake waters: Valletta, Malta.

The ‘Maltese Falcon’: A wondrous craft in so many ways.

Maltese Falcon - A magnificent craft

Best Wishes from Pugwash Productions Audio Acknowledgement: Ryan Farish: ‘Pacific Wind’