Orient Express Corinthian: the world’s largest sailing yacht redefines luxury at sea | News
A century after the golden age of ocean liners, a new icon has taken shape on the Atlantic coast. In Saint-Nazaire, at one of the most legendary shipyards in France, the Orient Express Corinthian: the world’s largest sailing yacht– was officially named, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of luxury travel.
Stretch 220 meters (220 meters) long and flying the French flag, the Corinthian is not just any ship; it is a synthesis of advanced engineering, environmental ambitions and the highest expression of French craftsmanship. Built entirely in France, it represents a bold extension of the Orient Express’ legacy from rail to sea, translating a myth of travel into a new, floating reality.
A naming ceremony steeped in history
The setting for the ceremony was Joubert’s burial dock, a landmark of French industrial heritage. Built during the interwar period and once used to equip legendary ships such as the Île-de-France and Normandie, the dock formed a symbolic bridge between the past and the future.
The event itself reflected this sense of continuity. Four Fouga Magister jets followed the French tricolor across the sky, recalling Saint-Nazaire’s dual heritage in naval and aeronautical engineering. Below, the yacht’s towering SolidSail rigs were hoisted in a precise, almost theatrical sequence before the official proceedings began.
The French flag was formally presented, granting the ship the right to fly the national flag, before the ceremonial transfer of ownership from Chantiers de l’Atlantique to the management of Orient Express. As the Marseillaise played and the ship’s colors were broken, the Corinthian was entrusted to her captain, concluding a ceremony that combined ritual, pride and technical achievement.
Developing a new generation of sailing
The Orient Express Corinthian is the result of more than ten years of research and development. With a length of 220 meters, a beam of 23 meters and a draft that can reach 36 meters with its centreboard, the ship represents a remarkable balance between scale and performance. Displacing approximately 15,000 tons and classified by Bureau Veritas, it is designed to carry 130 guests in 54 suites, supported by a crew of 170.
What sets the Corinthian apart most is its propulsion system. It is the first cruise ship equipped with the SolidSail concept: three rigid sails, each with an area of 1,500 square meters and more than 100 meters above the water. Mounted on carbon masts that can tilt up to 70 degrees, these sails rotate fully to capture wind from any direction, allowing the vessel to maintain optimal performance in varying conditions.
When the weather is favorable, the system ensures that the yacht can sail entirely on wind energy. Sea trials conducted in early 2026 demonstrated this capability, with the ship reaching a speed of 12 knots in a 20-knot wind using sail alone – an unprecedented feat for a ship of this size.
This innovation is complemented by a hybrid propulsion system running on liquefied natural gas, which ensures reliability and significantly reduces environmental impact. The Corinthian achieves one of the best Energy Efficiency Design Index ratings in its class, supported by features such as AI-enabled marine life detection and dynamic positioning systems that eliminate the need for anchoring and help preserve the fragile seabed.
A floating expression of French craftsmanship
In addition to its technical achievements, the Corinthian is also defined by its artistry. Designed under the direction of architect Maxime d’Angeac, the yacht draws inspiration from the golden age of travel and reinterprets the spirit of the original Orient Express trains and ocean liners of the early 20th century in a contemporary idiom.
Nearly 2,000 craftsmen, artists and studios contributed to its creation, with every detail designed to bespoke specifications. The interior favors an understated elegance, with fine leather, rare wood veneers and carefully selected marble creating an atmosphere of quiet sophistication rather than overt opulence.
Life on board: intimacy at scale
Despite its size, the Corinthian offers an experience characterized by intimacy. With only 54 suites for 130 guests, the emphasis is on space, privacy and personal service. The suites range from 45 to 230 square meters and feature large 3.6 meter panoramic windows, along with ceiling heights that exceed industry standards. Each meeting is attended by a dedicated butler, reinforcing the feeling of individualized care.
Dining is central to the onboard experience, with five restaurants and private dining areas overseen by chef Yannick Alléno with multiple Michelin stars. The culinary offering is complemented by eight bars, including an Art Deco-inspired speakeasy, as well as a cabaret with seating for 115 guests and even a recording studio; spaces designed not only for relaxation, but also for cultural expression.
Wellness and relaxation are equally integral. A Guerlain spa, 16.5-metre swimming lane, swimming pool and onboard marina provide guests with a continuous connection to both comfort and the sea itself. Every aspect of the trip is offered on a fully inclusive basis, enhancing a seamless, unhurried experience.
Travel designed around experience
After leaving Saint-Nazaire on May 2, 2026, the Corinthian will head to the French Riviera before starting its first season. During the year it sails through the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, later crossing the Atlantic Ocean to spend the winter in the Caribbean.
Future routes will extend to Northern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, with routes carefully crafted to include iconic destinations as well as lesser-known ports. Unlike traditional cruises, the voyages range from one to four nights and can be combined, allowing guests to create fully customized itineraries tailored to their own pace and interests.
A broader vision for Orient Express
The Corinthian is part of a wider transformation of the Orient Express brand, which has expanded from its legendary trains to hotels and now to maritime travel. Since joining the Accor Group in 2022 and entering into a strategic partnership with LVMH in 2024, the brand has accelerated its development in several luxury domains.
In addition to new hotel openings in Rome and Venice and the launch of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, the Corinthian represents the brand’s most ambitious undertaking yet: bringing its philosophy of travel to the open sea.
Meanwhile, its sister ship, the Orient Express Olympian, is already being fitted out in Saint-Nazaire following its launch in April 2026, marking the start of a new fleet designed to continue this vision.
A new definition of the journey
In the Orient Express CorinthianSpeed gives way to intention and transit becomes experience. It is a ship shaped as much by wind and craft as by ambition: a ship that does not simply move across the ocean, but redefines what it means to travel on it.
Here the journey is not a means to an end.
It is, again, the destination itself.
For more information, visit www.orient-express.com/en/zeiljachten
