Orient Express Corinthian takes forward step

After 4.5 months of assembly by the teams at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, the world’s largest sailing yacht left the construction dock and moved to the outfitting dockyard. Built from 14 structural blocks and crowned with three balestrons rigs that gives it a sleek silhouette, the vessel will float for the first time.

A statement said Orient Express Corinthian “is set to redefine standards in luxury cruising. The world’s largest sailing yacht sets sail in June 2026, cruising first in the Mediterranean and Adriatic that summer, before a transatlantic journey to the Caribbean. Behind it will be sister ship, Orient Express Olympian, setting sail summer 2027”.

At 220-m in length, it is made for comfort and features three towering masts supporting 1,500-m² rigid sails. Yet beyond its sheer scale, this yacht is a pioneer: Orient Express Corinthian is the first sailing yacht equipped with the SolidSail propulsion system, complemented by a hybrid propulsion system powered by LNG.

An AI-driven floating object detection system aims to minimise the risk of marine mammal collisions, while dynamic positioning technology eliminates the need for anchoring, preserving delicate seabeds.

“Artistic director of Orient Express, architect Maxime d’Angeachas, conceived a refined interior that reinterprets the golden age of rail travel with a contemporary and elevated sensibility, echoing the grandeur of legendary ocean liners such as Normandie, calling upon the finest French artisans of art and craftsmanship,” said the ship operator.

The sailing yacht features 54 suites, ranging from 45 m² to 230 m². Each one is framed by expansive picture windows or terraces and elevated ceilings, offering a rare sense of spaciousness at sea.

With five restaurants and private dining spaces, Orient Express Corinthian “elevates the art of dining at sea” under the direction of multi-Michelin starred chef Yannick Alléno, executive chef of both The Orient Express train and the sailing yacht.