Orient Express Corinthian, reputedly the world's biggest sailing yacht, was recently named in Saint-Nazaire, a port city in western France renowned for its shipbuilding heritage.
A Masterpiece of French Maritime Innovation
Flying the French flag, the 220m Corinthian unites French maritime innovation with the nation's penchant for decorative craftsmanship. It is born from a collaboration between Orient Express, which since 2022 has been part of the massive Accor group, and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, a world leader in naval engineering. And it is 100 per cent made in France.
It sailed from Saint-Nazaire on May 2, 2026, bound for the French Riviera, ready to start an inaugural Mediterranean season.
Laurent Castaing, chief executive of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, says: "For more than 160 years, Chantiers de l'Atlantique has been building ships that define their era. Orient Express Corinthian is the latest proof of this: 720 feet (219m), 15,000 tonnes carried by the wind — three SolidSail sails."
Laurent explains that this is the result of 10 years of research and development. He emphasises: "It is a concrete, technical response to the decarbonisation challenges facing maritime transport. But above all, it is the work of men and women of exceptional dedication and passion."
Sebastien Bazin, chairman and chief executive of Accor, says the yacht reflects the attitude of the legendary Orient Express brand: "A journey rooted in discovery, unhurried time, excellence and elegance."
Plain Sailing: Revolutionary Wind Propulsion
- Orient Express Corinthian is the first cruise ship equipped with the SolidSail wind propulsion system, developed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique.
- The three rigs, each spanning 1,500sqm and rising 98m, are fully automated and can give 100 per cent wind-powered propulsion in favourable conditions.
- They rotate through 360 degrees to give optimal trim on any point of sail.
- The carbon masts can tilt to 70 degrees. This design, developed and built in the Bretagne and Pays de la Loire regions, allows the yacht to get under bridges.
- In 20 knots (37km/h) of wind, Corinthian made 12 knots (22.2km/h) under sail alone in sea trials in February 2026. That is remarkable sailing for a vessel of this size.
- The revolutionary sailing system is backed up by hybrid liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion and numerous energy efficiency features. They have earned Corinthian the best Energy Efficiency Design Index rating in its class.
Finest French: Luxury Interiors and Amenities
Corinthian's interiors draw on the golden age of travel — the age of the Orient Express train and great ocean liners. Nearly 2,000 craftspeople, artists and ateliers contributed to the project.
- The yacht has 54 suites, ranging from 45 to 230sqm, on four decks. Each suite features a 3.6m panoramic window.
- Leathers, precious wood veneers and marbles give the interior its refinement.
- There are five restaurants and private dining rooms, eight bars and a 115-seat cabaret room.
- The yacht has a Guerlain spa, 16.5m swimming lane, a pool and a marina.
Orient Express Corinthian represents a new era in sustainable luxury cruising, combining cutting-edge technology with timeless elegance.
