The Orient Express Corinthian has undergone its flout-out, formally ushering the sailing yacht from structural build into systems-integration and finishing phases.
After four and a half 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, marking its debut on the water.
Built from fourteen structural blocks and crowned with three balestron rigs that give her a sleek silhouette, the vessel will float for the very first time. Once buoyant, she will be guided by tugs along a set course, before mooring at the quay to begin her final outfitting and finishing phases.
Orient Express Corinthian is the product of a visionary collaboration between Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The vessel represents a seamless convergence of ultimate refinement and cutting-edge innovation: two hallmarks of French excellence. She is set to redefine standards in luxury cruising. It sets sail in June 2026, cruising first in the Mediterranean and Adriatic that summer, before a transatlantic to the Caribbean. Joining behind her will be sister-ship, Orient Express Olympian, setting sail summer 2027.
The birth of a legend
With extraordinary dimensions (722ft in length), Orient Express Corinthian is made for comfort, with three towering masts supporting 16,146 sqft rigid sails. She is the first sailing yacht equipped with the revolutionary SolidSail propulsion system, complemented by a hybrid propulsion system powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), all in pursuit of near-zero-emission cruising.
An AI-driven floating object detection system aims to minimize the risk of marine mammal collisions, while dynamic positioning technology eliminates the need for anchoring, preserving delicate seabeds. Every aspect of the yacht’s design is calibrated to protect the ocean it traverses.
A sensory journey onboard
Architect Maxime d’Angeac, Artistic Director of Orient Express, has 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.
The sailing yacht features 54 suites, ranging from 485sqft to 2,476sqft. Expansive picture windows or terraces frame each one, 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.
A Mediterranean odyssey
From May to October 2026, Orient Express Corinthian glides through the Mediterranean and Adriatic on twenty-seven itineraries, from two-night escapes to fourteen-day voyages, each route combinable for tailor-made journeys. Navigation follows the most favorable winds to minimize environmental impact and offer a true sailing experience.
