Maltese Falcon: The largest sailing yacht in the world

Although motor yachts claim all the largest and most luxurious spots in the line-up of mega yachts, sailors swoon over the Maltese Falcon, the largest sailing vessel in the world. Built for Tom Perkins, the founder of venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and a former HP Board member, the Maltese Falcon is a new kind of sailing yacht. She features the falcon rig: 3 self-standing masts hosting 15 sails that rotate to catch the wind from any direction. Her transparent floors allow natural light to illuminate her spacious interior, and although she is the picture of luxury and comfort (complete with her own saloon, five state rooms, an airy aft-cockpit, 2 separate studio areas, a regal dining room, and a passenger cabin with a protected sunbathing area and access to the wheelhouse), this 289-foot sailing yacht can also race! She is reportedly not only the largest, but the fastest personal sailing vessel on the water.

Tom Perkins put the Maltese Falcon up for sale in spring of 2008.