MALTESE FALCON Emerges from Extensive Refit at Lusben

Commissioned in 2006 by Tom Perkins, with naval architecture by Gerard Dijkstra, exterior design by the famed Perini Navi, and interior design by Ken Freivokh, MALTESE FALCON is undoubtedly an icon in the world of superyachts, now successfully completing an extensive refit at the Lusben yard in Viareggio.

A team of over 80 skilled artisans worked for more than six months in collaboration with MALTESE FALCON’s dedicated crew to carefully revitalise the vessel and adapt her to her owner's more contemporary requirements. Internationally renowned for its high-quality refit and repair shipyard, Lusben has perfectly ‘translated the needs of the owner into reality’ with MALTESE FALCON’s refit. 

Captain Pierfrancesco Cafaro commented at the launching ceremony: ‘It was a challenging job and an effort that involved everyone, because of the high expectations around the project and the complexity of its planning and execution, but the result is more than satisfactory thanks to the support of the yard and Lusben’s team. The Maltese Falcon can now return to the sea in all her splendour, regaling her guests with new and unforgettable experiences.'

According to the Italian yard, the first, and most daunting challenge of the project was respraying the entire hull in the distinctive shade of 'Perini Blue'. However, this only served as a testament to Lusben's skills, as the specialist teams showcased their technical prowess and meticulous attention to detail with her gleaming fresh hull repaint.

As the refit progressed, focus turned towards the 88m’s onboard systems, which saw essential maintenance carried out on the generators, main engines, and propellers, as well as a complete overhaul of the mast handling system. 

Alongside general upkeep, the refit of MALTESE FALCON also saw considerable emphasis on advancing her sustainable nature. The original generators were replaced with those that are more efficient and have lower fuel consumption; the main engine mufflers were changed to reduce noise levels significantly for the environment and for guests; and the propellers, shafts, blades and bearings were disassembled and serviced, to ensure increased efficiency and longevity as well as optimise fuel consumption.

Lusben’s Commercial Director, Gianni Paladino, reflected on the extensive refit: ‘It was a challenging project for all of us, not least because the sheer size of this sailing yacht required us to design and build a special system to accommodate the vessel in dry dock. We worked in synergy with the various teams involved in the refit work and with the customer, satisfying their wishes and at the same time suggesting improvements with a view to increasing efficiency and energy savings. It was an honour for all of us to be able to carry out this modernisation work on such an iconic boat, one that has made international yachting history.’

This iconic sailing yacht's emotional appeal is undeniably linked to her spectacular sail rig: a unique and delicate system that also underwent significant refurbishment. Final refit works included the replacement of the teak deck, and the interior refurbishment, with particular attention given to the cabins and bathrooms, ensuring a welcoming and comfortable space for guests. 

Ben Harwood, Head of Charter at Burgess, the recently appointed charter central agency for MALTESE FALCON, added: 'MALTESE FALCON is one of the most iconic yachts. She is world-renowned, and we are delighted to have her back in our charter fleet. Our congratulations goes out to the Lusben team, the captain and his truly international crew who have worked tirelessly over the past eight months to ensure she was back in the water for the summer of 2023.' 

MALTESE FALCON is currently available for charter with Burgess. Find out more about chartering this incredible sailing yacht here.