Instantly recognisable by her towering white sails and sleek silhouette, few vessels have reshaped the world of modern sailing like the Maltese Falcon. Now part of Jumeirah Privé, a growing collection of ultra-luxury private travel experiences by Jumeirah, the 88-metre yacht invites guests to discover one of the most extraordinary ways to travel by sea.
Here are 10 fascinating facts about the Maltese Falcon, a Jumeirah Privé Experience:
1. Revolutionised Modern Sailing Technology
When the Maltese Falcon launched, she introduced a radical sailing system known as the DynaRig, based on an 1860s square-rig sailing concept that was never successfully built until modern engineering made it possible. The fully automated rig allows enormous sails to unfurl at the touch of a button, with three rotating masts supporting a series of square sails that can be deployed in minutes. What once required large crews can now be achieved seamlessly through advanced automation.
2. Once the Largest Sailing Yacht in the World
When the Maltese Falcon launched in 2006, her 88-metre length made her the largest privately owned sailing yacht ever built at the time. Commissioned by venture capitalist Tom Perkins and constructed by the renowned Italian shipyard Perini Navi, the yacht marked a turning point in modern sailing design, combining the scale and comfort of a superyacht with the performance of a true sailing vessel.
3. Sails Among the Largest Ever Fitted to a Yacht
Stretching across three towering masts, the sails create an unmistakable profile on the horizon. Each mast rotates up to 360 degrees independently, allowing the sails to optimise wind direction automatically. When fully deployed, the yacht carries thousands of square metres of sail area, enabling powerful yet graceful ocean passages. The lower sail can transform into an open-air cinema screen, believed to be the largest outdoor cinema screen ever used at sea.
4. Competed in Some of the World’s Most Prestigious Superyacht Regattas
Beyond her refined onboard experience, the Maltese Falcon is a serious sailing yacht that has taken part in several of the world’s most prestigious superyacht regattas, including the Perini Navi Cup and the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in Sardinia.
5. Interiors as Dramatic as her Sails
Inside, the Maltese Falcon features a showstopping three-deck atrium, with stairs spiralling around the main mast creating a visual centrepiece. Designed for up to 12 guests, accommodation includes a full-beam Master Suite, complete with a large walk-in wardrobe, gym and Jacuzzi bath. A VIP Suite facing the flybridge offers direct access to the terrace and walk-around decks.
6. The Captain has Circumnavigated the World Twice
At the helm is Captain Pierfrancesco Cafaro, a lifelong sailor who grew up in a seafaring family and has navigated oceans across the globe, including multiple circumnavigations. Cafaro leads a dedicated 19-person crew who ensure every detail runs seamlessly, from navigation and engineering to culinary service and personalised hospitality.
7. Dining on Board Rivals World-Class Restaurants
Cuisine is a highlight of life aboard the Maltese Falcon. Head Chef Matteo Tommasi crafts menus that blend Mediterranean lightness with classic French technique, Italian and Spanish influences, and global flavours precisely tailored to guests’ preferences. Since joining Jumeirah Privé, the culinary team has taken the travelling gastronomy experience up a level with the support of Jumeirah’s F&B leadership team.
8. Wellness is Part of the Voyage
Trained by Jumeirah’s specialist spa practitioners, therapists on board the yacht offer restorative experiences at sea, including tailored spa therapies and serene on-deck yoga. Harnessing the power of the ocean, guests are invited to enjoy quiet moments of contemplation in the many private areas on deck.
9. Open-Sea Adventure Takes Centre Stage
Life aboard the Maltese Falcon extends far beyond the thrill of sailing. Guests can spend their days exploring the sea with an array of water adventures, from gliding across crystal-clear seas on Jetsurfs and Seabobs to kayaking along hidden coves or snorkelling vibrant reefs reached by the yacht’s sleek tenders.
10. The Yacht Sails Between Two of the World’s most Beautiful Regions
From December to April, the Maltese Falcon sets sail amidst the charming islands of the Caribbean, with Antigua, the Bahamas, Saint Martin and St Barts offering a relaxed pace. Throughout the months of May to November, the vessel roams the sun-drenched Mediterranean, ideal for guests of Jumeirah Mallorca and Jumeirah Capri Palace seeking exclusive experiences at sea.
For more information, visit jumeirah.com/en/stay/global/maltese-falcon.
