As if the news about Lone Ranger being for sale wasn’t big enough, now comes word that Maltese Falcon is on the market. What’s more, her asking price is 115 million euros (just shy of $180 million).
It’s a steep price for sure. But, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise for the 289-foot motorsailer. Since the moment she splashed two years ago, she has been raising eyebrows and turning heads, given her unconventional design. Take a long look at the sails and masts in the photo here (courtesy of Superyacht Times). No other megayacht in the world has a sailing system like this. It’s a DynaRig design, bearing the nickname the Falcon Rig. (See a brief explanation on the yacht’s Web site). The three rotating carbon fiber masts rise nearly 190 feet into the air. Additionally, they’re capable of holding a total sail area of about 26,000 square feet. Most conversations about Maltese Falcon concentrate more on these details than the overtly masculine interior. Although, the interior is certainly worth a review. It’s replete with dark tones and modern art, from the card room to the guest staterooms. Those staterooms include the VIP on the bridge deck, quite unusually. The suite further enjoys a private terrace.
But still, with all of these bragging rights, why would Tom Perkins, the American venture capitalist who commissioned her, sell her? Well, only he knows. However, based on my observations of this industry, my guess is that he’s looking forward to a new challenge. Some owners get just as big of a kick out of planning and building as they do using their yachts. Perkins is anything but a bored millionaire with money to burn when it comes to megayachts. Indeed, he’s a student of design and function.
While Perkins tests the proverbial waters with his asking price, Maltese Falcon is testing the South Pacific seas. As for the rest of us mere mortals, well, there are still a few copies left of the coffee table book giving the ultimate inside look at her design, construction, and delivery.
Camper & Nicholsons holds the central sales listing for the yacht.
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