The Orient Express Corinthian, a sweeping embodiment of luxury and sustainability, was gently floated out on June 16 at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint‑Nazaire (France), marking a pivotal moment in maritime design and hospitality. At 26,200 GT and stretching 220 meters in length, the vessel is poised to become the largest sail-equipped yacht, charting a new course for the famed Orient Express line under Accor’s banner.
Construction commenced with steel cutting in early 2024, leading to keel-laying in January 2025. The hull, composed of 14 structural sections, has now been transitioned into fitting-out. A traditional balestron rig supports three pivoting 100‑meter masts, each hoisting approximately 1,500 m² of rigid sails—a configuration known as SolidSail, the first commercial installation of this design, with sail units folding when unused.
Under favourable winds, the Corinthian is capable of sailing solely on her sails, reaching up to 17 knots. When additional power is needed, a hybrid propulsion system takes over, combining LNG engines with future provision for green hydrogen usage. The vessel will also carry advanced environmental technology, including dynamic positioning that avoids seabed disturbance, an AI-driven detection system designed to safeguard marine mammals, and chemical‑free UV-based ballast treatment.
Accommodation will include 54 suites, among them a palatial presidential suite spanning nearly 1,000 m². Public spaces will feature two swimming pools, five dining venues helmed by Michelin-starred Yannick Alléno, a speakeasy bar, amphitheatre-cabaret, recording studio, spa, and cinema.
Following sea trials in late 2025, Corinthian is scheduled for delivery in early 2026 with a maiden voyage set for June. Her initial deployments include voyages through the Mediterranean and Adriatic before crossing to the Caribbean for winter cruising.
This vessel inaugurates a new chapter for Orient Express Sailing Yachts and Accor, which plans a sister ship, Olympian, in summer 2027. With both luxury and innovation at its helm, the Corinthian signals an era where sail-driven elegance meets cutting-edge sustainability on the open seas.