The iconic 88-metre sailing yacht, Maltese Falcon, emerged from an extensive refit at Lusben and embarked on a new voyage through Greece. With a steadfast commitment to preserving the late owner, venture capitalist Tom Perkins' original vision while incorporating the new owner's personal touch, the refit at Lusben shipyard in Livorno stands as a testament to the yacht's enduring allure and the yard’s unwavering attention to detail.
During six months, more than 80 skilled professionals meticulously worked on the mechanical systems and the interior of Maltese Falcon, now available for charter with Burgess Yachts as the central agent. Among the notable enhancements — six brilliantly refurbished staterooms. Noteworthy is the VIP stateroom, offering a round bed positioned opposite a pop-up TV. Meanwhile, the four guest staterooms below decks retain their versatility, allowing for the conversion into two sizable VIP accommodations. The galley has also received an upgrade, ensuring a seamless culinary experience for the guests. The final touch of refinement came with the installation of new teak decks.
Furthermore, the yacht's lighting has been updated to energy-efficient LED fixtures, reducing power consumption while providing a captivating ambience throughout the vessel. To further enhance the onboard tranquillity, new mufflers have been fitted to the main 1,800-hp Deutz-MWM engines, effectively minimising noise levels in guest areas. The newly unveiled images of the Maltese Falcon showcase the striking 'Perini Blue' colour of the hull.
Maltese Falcon's Legacy
Maltese Falcon, conceived in 2006 for the late Tom Perkins, represents a pinnacle of innovation and visionary design. It holds the distinction of being the most famous yacht crafted by Perini Navi and is recognized as one of the most groundbreaking private sailing vessels ever created.
The sail-handling system, which defines Falcon’s distinctive profile, received meticulous care. Cleaning and control checks were conducted on the three rotating masts, underscoring the significance of the rigging system in achieving the yacht's impressive top speed of 25 knots.
The Maltese Falcon rigging system has set a new standard in the industry. Today, DynaRig sail-handling system suits the latest generation of large sailing yachts, including the illustrious 106-metre Black Pearl by Oceanco and the latest 77-metre Perini Navi project Falcon Rig available for sale.
A Marvel Transformed
Reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the Maltese Falcon refit, Gianni Paladino, Lusben's Commercial Director, expressed pride in the team's collaborative efforts and the ability to accommodate the 88-metre yacht in the dry dock. The collaboration with various teams, including the yacht owner, enabled the realisation of the vision while enriching it with suggestions to enhance efficiency and energy savings. Paladino remarked that it was an honour to carry out this modernization work on such an iconic vessel that has made yachting history.
Pierfrancesco Cafaro, the captain of the Maltese Falcon since last spring, echoed Paladino's sentiments, emphasising the dedication and collective effort that culminated in a resounding success. Having previously sailed extensively with the owner of the Maltese Falcon on a smaller Perini Navi yacht, the 52-metre Luna, Cafaro expressed his satisfaction with the project's outcome and looked forward to creating unforgettable experiences for guests on board.
