A 220-meter yacht for 110 guests. It’s Orient Express Corinthian, the largest sailing yacht in the world, ushering in a new era of travel. Built in Saint-Nazaire, France, by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, renowned for building many of the largest cruise ships for major shipping lines, Orient Express Corinthian was launched and officially presented on April 29th. A few days later, on May 2nd, it departed Saint-Nazaire for the port of Marseille, where it will begin its first season of Mediterranean cruises.
The Emotion of the Launch
When the bottle of Veuve Cliquot shattered on the port side of the Orient Express Corinthian, the first phase of a project was completed. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor, the current owner of Orient Express, summarized this project: “The nautical interpretation of Orient Express fits naturally into the imagery of this legendary brand: a journey based on discovery, slower pace, excellence, and elegance. The Orient Express Corinthian embodies this vision with grandeur and boldness. With sail propulsion, spaces enhanced by the use of sophisticated materials, and a unique experience designed for an international clientele, we have taken on a triple challenge: industrial, architectural, and artistic. This sailing ship, born of the collaboration and trust built over the past two years between Accor and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, today proudly represents the best of French savoir-faire.”
A unique combination of technology
At 220 meters long and 25 meters at full beam, Orient Express Corinthian is the world’s largest sailing ship. Its construction, from cutting the first steel in March 2024 to delivery in April 2026, took approximately 25 months. Corinthian is rigged with three masts, approximately 69 meters high from the main deck. This height increases to almost 100 meters when measured from the waterline. Each carbon mast, which can rotate 360°, is part of the SolidSail system developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique and can be tilted up to 70°, allowing Corinthian to pass under the world’s major bridges. Sea trials, conducted two months before the launch, confirmed Corinthian’s potential, reaching a speed of 12 knots in 20-knot winds under sail alone.
The SolidSail System and Environmental Protection
The SolidSail system is complemented by a hybrid liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion system and other energy-efficient solutions, allowing Corinthian to achieve the best Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) in its class. This result significantly surpasses that of other ships of similar size. Among the various onboard systems, an AI-assisted detection system is installed that constantly monitors the presence of marine mammals and objects in the water to reduce the risk of collisions. Furthermore, to avoid having to drop anchors, thus preserving the seabed, Corinthian is equipped with a dynamic positioning system.
For a super-exclusive cruise
The Corinthian Orient Express has just 54 suites (45 of which span 230 square meters) that can accommodate 110 passengers, for an ultra-luxurious and exclusive experience. Each suite offers a sea view thanks to a 3.60-meter panoramic window, with spaces up to 70 square meters.
Refined Sobriety
The Presidential Suite spans 900 square meters. Corinthian also boasts five restaurants helmed by multi-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, eight bars, including an Art Deco-style speakeasy, a 115-seat cabaret, and a recording studio. Leather, fine wood finishes, and marble define an atmosphere of refined sobriety, the fruit of the labor of 2,000 artisans, artists, and workshops, led by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Under the guidance of architect Maxime d’Angeac, Creative Director of Orient Express, they have contributed to shaping a unique project.
The first cruise is on June 6th
The first Corinthian Orient Express cruise will depart from Marseille on June 6th for a four-day voyage along the French Riviera. A series of Mediterranean cruises will follow before crossing the Atlantic and spending the winter in the Caribbean. Then, in 2027, a new itinerary will extend the routes to the Eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Emilio Martinelli
