Orient Express Corinthian has reached a pivotal yard milestone that is equally a technical benchmark and programme landmark.
The yacht underwent her float-out: this operation formally ushered the world’s largest sailing yacht from structural build into systems-integration and finishing phases, marking her official debut on the water.
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.
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. Valves will open, the dock will fill, and, 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.
A triumph of engineering and artistry, Orient Express Corinthian is the product of a visionary collaboration between Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a world leader in naval innovation. Designed with both grandeur and purpose, 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. The world’s largest sailing yacht 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 of 2027.
THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND
With extraordinary dimensions, 722 ft in length, made for comfort, and with three towering masts supporting 16,146 ft² rigid sails. Yet beyond its sheer scale, this yacht is a pioneer: Orient Express Corinthian 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 485 ft² to 2 476 ft². Each one is framed by expansive picture windows or terraces 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 will glide 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 will follow the most favorable winds to minimize environmental impact and offer a true sailing experience around remarkable destinations.
Book your journey today: orient-express.com/en/sailing-yachts
ABOUT ORIENT EXPRESS
Artisan of travel since 1883, Orient Express sublimates the art of travel with luxury trains, unique experiences and collections of rare objects. Orient Express has just launched its first hotel, Orient Express La Minerva, in Rome – which will be followed by Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovanelli in Venice in 2025. The luxury travel experience continues with the recent launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, followed by Orient Express Corinthian in 2026, the first of two Orient Express Sailing Yachts, and finally, the return of the legendary Orient Express train to railways. Since 2022, Orient Express is part of Accor Group’s leading collection of luxury brands with a century-old legacy in the hotels and fine-dining sectors. In 2024, Accor and LVMH entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of Orient Express. Follow the journey at @orientexpress on Instagram or visit the website at www.orient express.com.
ABOUT ORIENT EXPRESS SAILING YACHTS
The result of an exceptional French partnership between Accor, the world leader in hospitality, and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a leading global builder of cruise liners, the futuristic Orient Express Corinthian and Orient Express Olympian, two exceptional sailing yachts boasting spectacular interiors will set sail in 2026 and 2027. Capitalizing on the experience gained in the world of ocean racing, Orient Express Corinthian and Orient Express Olympian will be propelled by sails designed with the revolutionary ‘SolidSail’ technology: three rigid sails, each spanning 1,500 m2, will be mounted with sprit sail rigging on three inclinable masts towering over 100 m high, allowing up to 100% propulsion under suitable weather conditions.
About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group
Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor’s mission is reflected in the Group’s purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
Stéphanie Le Badezet
Vice President, Global Brand & Communication
Accor
Please visit:
Our Sponsor