Orient Express Corinthian, the Largest Sailing Yacht, Hits the Water
The world’s largest sailing yacht just made a mighty splash in France.
The Orient Express Corinthian completed her all-important float-out in Saint Nazaire on June 16, following four and a half months of assembly at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. The 722-footer was moved from the construction dock to the water for the first time, with tugs then guiding it along a set course to the outfitting dockyard. The vessel will now undergo final outfitting, systems integration, and finishing.
Orient Express, which has been a part of the Accor Group since 2022, first announced it was expanding beyond luxury trains and into high-end sailing in January 2023. (Hospitality titans such as Ritz-Carlton, Belmond, Aman, and Four Seasons have also ventured into the marine industry.) It enlisted noted French yachtmaker Chantiers de l’Atlantique to build two cruise liners, with Orient Express Corinthian and Orient Express Olympian expected to set sail in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
Orient Express Corinthian was built from fourteen structural blocks.
Masha Kontchakova
Orient Express Corinthian is not only the world’s largest sailing yacht by length, but it is also equipped with three towering masts that stand at approximately 328 feet and support over 16,000 square feet of rigid sails. It is also the first sailing yacht to be equipped with the SolidSail propulsion system. This nifty setup enables the masts to be tilted and rotated to maximize the wind, thereby reducing fuel consumption, lowering operating costs, and increasing efficiency.
Corinthian can cruise silently on the seas using sails alone, but the engines will kick in if more grunt is required. The hybrid propulsion system will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which produces fewer emissions than standard marine diesel.
The 722-footer will now undergo final outfitting and finishing.
Masha Kontchakova
Corinthian will allow guests to cruise the seas in the lap of luxury, too. The yacht features a lavish interior designed by Orient Express artistic director Maxime d’Angeac. The decor pays homage to the golden age of rail travel and legendary ocean liners, such as Normandie, while incorporating chic contemporary design. The layout includes 54 suites, ranging from 485 to 2,476 feet. Each one showcases expansive picture windows or a private terrace. The vessel will also have five restaurants and private dining spaces, all of which will be helmed by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. There will also be eight bars, including a 1930s speakeasy and a Parisian-style cabaret hall inspired by iconic spots like the Moulin Rouge.
Orient Express Corinthian is scheduled to set sail in June 2026, cruising in the Mediterranean and Adriatic in the summer, before heading to the Caribbean. Orient Express Olympian is expected to hit the seas in the summer of 2027. To book, visit the Orient Express website.
