There is an interesting concept that a machine can enter the sacred realms of being a living entity. That through its interactions with humans and the physical world it takes on a unique identity.
There are few machines on the planet however that come even close. One of them is the Maltese Falcon.
It is no mistake that vessels in the nautical world are personified with the term 'she'.
Although we have begun to explore the realms of space, we have not yet fully begun to explore or understand our oceans.
Throughout mans existence we have sought to conquer nature, to utilise her for our purposes, more often than not without the respect she deserves. Every sailor will tell you however that this is both arrogant and perilous. The forces that are operating are beyond our imagining or control. In this environment especially, we can only seek to cooperate and work in harmony.
This is the beauty of the Maltese Falcon. For all her technological advances of which we have never seen the like, she remains a humble servant. She is built with standards bordering on perfection, and with a physical beauty to match her innate intelligence. It could be said that the forces that have shape a perfectly smooth pebble lying on a beach have shaped her.
One of the greatest painters of the ocean J.M.W Turner tied himself to the mast of a yacht in a horrendous gale not knowing whether he would live or die in order to fully appreciate its forces. The Maltese Falcon makes it look easy, at times effortlessly gliding through the water. This is deceptive however. It must take tremendous effort, man and machine working in unison. Sensing, testing, pushing, and charting new boundaries.
A work of art in herself it is folly to try and replicate this. To understand and appreciate her only comes from experiencing her in her environment. This is the privilege of the few. But she is teaching us all, increasing our knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of the ocean in relation to ocean transportation for future generations. This body of work is a celebration of her.