Lusben Wraps Up Maltese Falcon Yacht Refit

More than six months’ worth of work went into the relaunch of the renowned Maltese Falcon yacht at Lusben. The 289-foot (88-meter) is fresh from a refit in time for charter bookings, as usual, this summer.

With an unmistakable profile, the sailing superyacht, dating to 1990, headed to Italy-based Lusben for service work toward the end of 2022. Lusben, which just last year re-imagined Masquenada through a major refit, has been a major player in yacht refits since its founding in 1956. It devoted 80 craftspeople to handling the Maltese Falcon tasks, further working closely with her crew.

That task list included a variety of mechanical systems as well as interior guest areas. For the latter, the six staterooms and their en suite baths have refreshed looks and comforts. Notably, the flying-bridge VIP, an eminently private stateroom, has a round bed opposite a pop-up TV. (Unchanged, though: The four guest staterooms below decks can still convert to two significant-sized VIPs.) The galley got an upgrade, too. Additionally, throughout the yacht lighting is now LED, which of course consumes less energy. Furthermore, new mufflers attached to the main 1,800-hp Deutz-MWM engines, to minimize sound levels in guest areas even more than they were.

Lusben refitted the sailing superyacht Maltese Falcon, building a dedicated drydock

Meanwhile, a number of the mechanical and otherwise technical changes all focused on reducing fuel consumption. For example, more efficient gensets are now aboard. Lusben staff took apart the propellers’ shafts, blades, and bearings for efficiency checks and servicing. Hull cleaning took place for the same reason (plus of course aesthetics).

Additionally, the DynaRig sail-handling system, which lends the Maltese Falcon yacht’s profile an unmistakable look, received extensive care. Cleaning as well as controls checks took place across the three rotating masts. Although all sailing superyachts’ rigs are important, this yacht’s impressive 25-knot top speed results from her unusual arrangement.

Finally, new teak decks went aboard, and Lusben’s craftspeople repainted the hull her characteristic Perini Blue color.

Lusben refitted the sailing superyacht Maltese Falcon, repainting her

“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,” notes Gianni Paladino, Lusben’s commercial director.

Maltese Falcon’s captain, Pierfrancesco Cafaro, agrees with the challenging characterization “because of the high expectations around the project and the complexity of its planning and execution.” However, he adds, “the result is more than satisfactory thanks to the support of the yard and Lusben’s team.”

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