Maltese Falcon

[Bill]

The 289-foot sailing yacht Maltese Falcon - modestly described as "the most incredible, influential and ground breaking yacht the world has ever seen," sailed into the San Francisco Bay this Saturday (9-27-08). It’s owned by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tom Perkins, who had it built in Turkey two years ago. The yacht did a tour around the central Bay and then moored out near Sausalito in Richardson Bay. A deep water slip was not available . .

The Falcon’s sails are mounted on three carbon fiber masts and furl at the touch of a button. One person can sail the yacht, but the Falcon has a crew of 20, mostly, as Perkins says, "to keep the hotel humming." It accommodates 12 guests in luxury, including two large VIP suites, private gyms, 50-inch movie and TV screens in the main salon and the latest in electronics.

The Maltese Falcon was offered for sale earlier this year for $169 million, but Perkins has since taken it off the market. At one point, she was available for charter in Med for $550,00 a week! Perkins will has not indicated the cost of construction, but told 60 Minutes TV that the cost was more than $150 million, but less than $300 million.

The following photographs were shot from the 2nd floor dinning room and deck at the St Francis Yacht Club. Terrific location for viewing such events, and this time, I remembered to bring my camera! When the tall ships sailed in last Spring, I was so eager to get to the club to see them, that I left my camera at home

The awesome size of this yacht is only partially caught in the photos. Just remember that the escorting yachts ranged into the 40 and 60 foot range . . .