2. At 289 ft overall length, Maltese Falcon is the second- largest privately-owned sailing yacht in the World. It was built by an Italian firm, 'Perini Navi Yachts'

3. The Falcon has clocked almost 20 knots under sail, and has twin 1,800 hp diesel engines for auxiliary power

4. The Falcon has an advanced Dynarig sail plan – basically a square rig sporting three masts that can be rotated as needed to trim the sails for optimal aerodynamic performance.

5. The Maltese Falcon: Elevation and Dynarig Sail Plan The Maltese Falcon: Elevation and Sail Plan

6. LOWER DECK LAYOUTMAIN DECK LAYOUT UPPER DECK LAYOUT The Maltese Falcon – Deck Layouts.

7. Seagulls view of free-standing carbon fibre masts, with the yards (cross-spars) rigidly attached to the masts.

8. The Falcon cost $130 million to design, build and equip.

9. The vessel was commissioned and owned by Tom Perkins, the first GM of HP and the venture capitalist behind Amazon.com, AOL, Google and Sun Microsystems.

11. The Maltese Falcon, scalding along under full sail

12. The Falcon, cutting a swath with all sails set.

13. The Falcon, with the bit between her teeth.

14. The Falcon surges into view beyond the headland.

15. The Bridge

16. It takes just one person to pilot the Maltese Falcon from this centralized control console.

17. Perkins reportedly had to sell his beloved Bugatti in order to help fund the yacht. Poor guy...

18. A porcelain Bugatti emerges from the table in the center of the saloon at the mere touch of a button.

19. Above the table, in the leather-floored dining room, a skylight blind opens like the iris aperture of a camera.

20. The Wine Cellar.

21. The Galley

22. An atrium with clear glass floor surrounds the main mast well, with a staircase spanning three decks.

23. Owner's cabin, where he and the mate just have to make do.

24. Accommodations can be optionally 4 - 6 staterooms

25. One of 4 guest suites that can be reconfigured as two enormous VIP suites, each with his/her heads.

26. A Head (Potty) in one of the guest staterooms.

27. Falcons sea toys include: two 32' Rigid Inflatable Boats; 6 laser sailboats; a 14' jet tender; 2 kayaks; wakeboard; 6 sets dive gear; water skis; snorkels; and a submarine.

28. Falcon illuminated, with Golden Gate Bridge as backdrop.

29. Falcon in namesake waters: Valletta, Malta.

30. The Maltese Falcon: A wondrous craft in so many ways.

32. Audio Acknowledgement: Ryan Farish: Pacific Wind Audio Acknowledgement: Ryan Farish: Pacific Wind