| Name: | Maltese Falcon |
| Length: | 88 m (289 ft) |
| Guests: | 12 in 6 cabins |
| Crew: | 18 in 9 cabins |
| Builder: | Perini Navi |
| Designer: | Ken Freivokh Design |
| Interior Designer: | Ken Freivokh Design |
| Year: | 2006 |
| Speed: | 24 knots |
| Engines: | DEUTZ |
| Volume: | 1,110 ton |
| IMO: | 9384552 |
| Price: | US$ 75 million |
| Annual Running Cost: | US$ 4 – 8 million |
| Owner: | Luca Rovati |
| Captain: | Christos Metallinos |
The Maltese Falcon yacht is one of the most famous sailing yachts ever built. Delivered by Perini Navi in 2006, this 88-meter masterpiece changed the superyacht world with her revolutionary DynaRig sailing system, dramatic black hull and unmistakable three-masted profile.
Designed by Ken Freivokh with naval architecture and sailing-system development by Dykstra Naval Architects, Maltese Falcon remains one of the most photographed and admired sailing yachts in the world. She was originally built for American venture capitalist Tom Perkins, later sold to hedge fund manager Elena Ambrosiadou, and in 2022 was reportedly acquired by Italian investor Luca Rovati.
Rovati is part of the billionaire Italian family behind Rottapharm-Madaus, the pharmaceutical company sold to Meda in 2014 for approximately US$3.1 billion. He is also linked to the 52-meter Perini Navi sailing yacht La Luna, making him an experienced owner in the world of large performance sailing yachts.
Maltese Falcon is widely considered one of the most important sailing yachts of the modern era. At 88 meters, she was not just large; she introduced a completely new visual and technical language to superyacht design.
Her exterior was created by Ken Freivokh Design, with a bold and muscular profile that still looks futuristic many years after delivery. The yacht’s black hull, dramatic masts and open deck spaces make her instantly recognizable in any marina or anchorage.
The most important design feature is her DynaRig. Developed with Dykstra Naval Architects, the system allowed Maltese Falcon to combine the romance of a traditional square-rigged sailing ship with the efficiency, automation and control expected from a modern superyacht.
Maltese Falcon measures approximately 88 meters, or 288 feet, in length. She has a beam of around 12.9 meters and a gross tonnage of approximately 1,110 GT.
The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 cabins. Her layout includes five guest cabins on the lower deck and a full-beam master suite, offering a refined and private experience for owners and charter guests.
A crew of around 18 to 19 operates the yacht. This is essential for a vessel of her complexity, especially one with such an advanced sailing system, extensive guest service requirements and high-end charter operation.
Her propulsion comes from twin Deutz diesel engines. Under engine power, Maltese Falcon cruises at around 14 knots, while under sail she can reportedly reach speeds of up to 24 knots in favorable conditions.
The DynaRig system is what made Maltese Falcon truly revolutionary. Instead of traditional stayed masts and complex rigging, the yacht has three freestanding rotating carbon-fiber masts.
Each mast supports fixed yards, and the sails are set between those yards. When fully deployed, the sails form a clean, efficient sail area with fewer gaps than a traditional square rig. The masts rotate to trim the sails, allowing the yacht to sail efficiently on different points of sail.
One of the major advantages of the system is automation. The sails can be deployed and controlled with far fewer crew than a conventional sailing yacht of similar size would require. This made Maltese Falcon both technically impressive and practical for luxury yacht operation.
Her DynaRig later influenced other advanced sailing yacht projects, including Oceanco’s Black Pearl, another major DynaRig-equipped sailing yacht.
Maltese Falcon was built for Tom Perkins, one of Silicon Valley’s most famous venture capitalists. Perkins was a co-founder of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the venture capital firm that helped finance some of the most important technology companies in the world.
Perkins was not simply a yacht buyer; he was deeply involved in the vision behind Maltese Falcon. He wanted a yacht that would push boundaries, both technically and aesthetically. The result was a vessel that became a benchmark for innovation in large sailing yacht design.
At the time of her delivery, Maltese Falcon was unlike anything else afloat. She combined the size and comfort of a superyacht with the spectacle and performance of a true sailing vessel.
In 2009, Maltese Falcon was sold to Elena Ambrosiadou, the founder of Ikos Asset Management. Under her ownership, the yacht remained one of the best-known luxury charter yachts in the world.
Ambrosiadou maintained the yacht’s high profile and continued operating her as a high-end charter vessel. During this period, Maltese Falcon became a regular feature in major Mediterranean and Caribbean yachting destinations.
The yacht’s combination of prestige, sailing performance, onboard luxury and global fame made her one of the most desirable charter yachts in the world.
Maltese Falcon was reportedly sold in 2022 to Italian investor Luca Rovati. Rovati is the son of Luigi Rovati, the founder of the Italian pharmaceutical company Rottapharm.
The Rovati family became one of Italy’s most prominent billionaire families after selling Rottapharm-Madaus to Swedish pharmaceutical group Meda in 2014. The transaction was valued at SEK 21.2 billion, equal to approximately €2.275 billion and widely reported as about US$3.1 billion at the time.
After the Rottapharm sale, the Rovati family continued investing through FIDIM, its family investment vehicle. Luca Rovati has been associated with investments in pharmaceuticals, biotech, real estate and luxury hospitality.
In recent years, Rovati has also become visible in the high-end hospitality world. He has been linked to major luxury tourism projects in Italy, including investments connected to Gruppo Barletta and Arsenale Group. In 2024, Paolo Barletta and Luca Rovati hosted the exclusive “Into the Beauty” event at the Hotel Santa Venere in Maratea, with Maltese Falcon playing a central role in the experience.
Luca Rovati is also linked to La Luna, a 52-meter sailing yacht built by Perini Navi in 1997. La Luna is a classic Perini Navi sailing yacht with accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins.
The connection with La Luna is important because it shows that Rovati was already familiar with large Perini Navi sailing yachts before acquiring Maltese Falcon. Moving from La Luna to Maltese Falcon would represent a major step up in size, complexity and international recognition.
Both yachts reflect the same broad theme: Italian craftsmanship, large sailing yacht heritage and a preference for elegant, long-range cruising rather than conventional motor yacht ownership.
After her 2022 ownership change, Maltese Falcon underwent a significant refit. Charter sources describe major work in 2022 and 2023 that updated her interiors, technical systems and onboard guest experience.
The refit helped preserve the yacht’s original identity while bringing her comfort, styling and systems up to modern charter standards. This is important for a yacht of her age, especially one that remains active at the top end of the charter market.
Maltese Falcon’s continued success shows the strength of her original design. Even after newer and larger sailing yachts have entered the fleet, she remains one of the most recognizable and desirable sailing yachts ever built.
Maltese Falcon offers a dramatic interior with a strong focus on light, space and architectural detail. One of her best-known interior features is the use of transparent floors and open volumes that allow natural light to move through the yacht.
Her onboard amenities include a gym, spa-style treatment areas, cinema spaces, generous dining areas and a wide selection of water toys. The yacht also offers large exterior deck areas for sunbathing, entertaining and open-air dining.
Maltese Falcon’s interior has evolved through refits, but the yacht has always been known for combining performance sailing with the comfort of a luxury motor yacht.
Maltese Falcon is commonly valued at around US$75 million to US$100 million. Her exact value depends on condition, refit history, charter revenue, market demand and the uniqueness of her DynaRig technology.
Annual running costs are estimated at around US$4 million to US$8 million. These costs include crew salaries, maintenance, insurance, fuel, berthing, rig inspections, sail maintenance, classification surveys and periodic refit work.
Because Maltese Falcon is such a unique yacht, her value is not based only on age and size. Her fame, design importance, charter reputation and technical heritage make her one of the most important sailing yachts in the world.
Maltese Falcon is available for luxury yacht charter. Current charter listings show rates from around €490,000 per week, plus expenses.
For charter guests, Maltese Falcon offers something very different from a large motor yacht. She combines high-end service and comfort with genuine sailing performance and the unforgettable experience of cruising under her three massive DynaRig masts.
The yacht is not publicly listed for sale.
Perini Navi is one of the most respected names in large sailing yacht construction. Founded in 1983 by Fabio Perini, the shipyard became famous for combining large-yacht luxury with advanced sail-handling technology.
Perini Navi yachts are known for their size, comfort, engineering and ability to be sailed by smaller crews than traditional large sailing vessels. The shipyard built many important sailing yachts, including Maltese Falcon, Nautilus, Seahawk and La Luna.
Perini Navi is now part of The Italian Sea Group, which acquired the brand and continues to preserve its legacy in large sailing yacht construction.
Dykstra Naval Architects is a Dutch design and engineering firm specializing in classic and modern sailing yachts. Founded by Gerard Dykstra, the company has become one of the leading names in large performance sailing yacht design.
Dykstra played a central role in the development of Maltese Falcon’s DynaRig system. The firm is also associated with other landmark sailing yachts, including Black Pearl and Koru.
Its work combines sailing experience, advanced engineering and modern design tools. Maltese Falcon remains one of the strongest examples of Dykstra’s influence on the future of large sailing yachts.
The name Maltese Falcon is also famous in literature and cinema. The Maltese Falcon is a classic detective novel by Dashiell Hammett, first published in 1930. The story follows private detective Sam Spade as he investigates murder, deception and the hunt for a valuable black falcon statue.
The novel was later adapted into several films, most famously the 1941 film starring Humphrey Bogart. The title has become a symbol of mystery, intrigue and timeless style, making it a fitting name for one of the most iconic yachts in the world.
Maltese Falcon was reportedly sold in 2022 to Italian investor Luca Rovati, a member of the Rovati family behind Rottapharm-Madaus. She was previously owned by Elena Ambrosiadou and was originally built for Tom Perkins.
Luca Rovati is an Italian businessman and investor, son of Rottapharm founder Luigi Rovati. The Rovati family sold Rottapharm-Madaus to Meda in 2014 in a deal worth about US$3.1 billion.
Yes. Luca Rovati is also linked to La Luna, a 52-meter Perini Navi sailing yacht delivered in 1997.
Maltese Falcon can reportedly reach speeds of up to 24 knots under sail in favorable conditions. Her cruising speed is around 14 knots.
The DynaRig is an advanced sailing system using freestanding rotating carbon-fiber masts and fixed yards. The sails are set between the yards, creating an efficient square-rig-style sail plan controlled by rotating the masts.
Maltese Falcon is commonly valued at around US$75 million to US$100 million, depending on market conditions, refit history and technical condition.
Current charter listings show Maltese Falcon available from around €490,000 per week, plus expenses.
The yacht offers luxury accommodation for 12 guests, a gym, spa and treatment areas, cinema spaces, large decks, water toys and one of the most spectacular sailing experiences available on the charter market.
Maltese Falcon was built by Perini Navi in Italy and delivered in 2006.
burgessyachts.com – Maltese Falcon charter profile and weekly rate
iyc.com – Maltese Falcon charter specifications
boatinternational.com – Maltese Falcon refit and onboard profile
superyachttimes.com – Maltese Falcon in Serifos and performance details
dykstra-na.nl – Maltese Falcon DynaRig design
reuters.com – Meda buys Rottapharm for $3.1 billion
genengnews.com – Meda buys Rottapharm-Madaus from the Rovati family
forbes.com – Luigi Rovati and family profile
forbes.it – Luca Rovati, Into the Beauty and Maltese Falcon
superyachttimes.com – La Luna yacht overview
superyachtfan.com – Maltese Falcon yacht profile
superyachtfan.com – Maltese Falcon owner profile
When using information from this article, please remember to credit SuperYachtFan. Our team works hard to research, update and publish accurate yacht profiles, owner information and superyacht data for our readers.
Explore more about the yacht’s Owner, browse additional Photos and Videos, check her current Location, and read the latest News.
The yacht’s interior is designed by Ken Freivokh. She can accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins. There are five lower-
Ken Freivokh is a UK-based architect and designer who specializes in designing superyachts and large vessels. He founded his own company Ken Freivokh Design in 2008. He is known for his innovative designs and has received numerous awards for his work in the marine industry. He has worked on several high-profile projects and is considered one of the leading yacht designers in the world.
The superyacht has four tenders. A 10 meter Pascoe open tender with 400hp engine. A 10 meter Pascoe closed tender with 400hp engine. A 9 meter Scorpion 850st stern drive with 260hp engine and Castoldi jet tender with 125hp engine. More Yacht Tenders
SuperYachtFan Yacht Owners Database Q2-2026
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!