A century after the golden age of ocean liners, a new icon has taken shape on the Atlantic coast. In Saint-Nazaire, within one of France’s most storied shipyards, the Orient Express Corinthian—the world’s largest sailing yacht—was officially named, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of luxury travel. 

Stretching 220 metres (720 feet) in length and flying the French flag, the Corinthian is not simply a ship—it is a synthesis of advanced engineering, environmental ambition, and the highest expression of French craftsmanship. Entirely built in France, it represents a bold extension of the Orient Express legacy from rail to sea, translating a myth of travel into a new, floating reality. 

A Naming Ceremony Steeped in History

The setting for the ceremony was the Joubert graving dock, a landmark of French industrial heritage. Built during the interwar period and once used for the fitting-out of legendary liners such as the Île-de-France and Normandie, the dock provided a symbolic bridge between past and future. 

The event itself reflected this sense of continuity. Four Fouga Magister jets traced the French tricolour across the sky, recalling Saint-Nazaire’s dual legacy in naval and aeronautical engineering. Below, the yacht’s towering SolidSail rigs were raised in a precise, almost theatrical sequence before the official proceedings began. 

The French ensign was formally presented, granting the vessel the right to sail under national colours, before the ceremonial transfer of ownership from Chantiers de l’Atlantique to Orient Express leadership. As the Marseillaise played and the ship’s colours were broken, the Corinthian was entrusted to her captain, concluding a ceremony that combined ritual, pride, and technical achievement. 

Engineering a New Generation of Sailing

The Orient Express Corinthian is the culmination of more than a decade of research and development. At 720 feet in length, with a beam of 83 feet and a draught that can extend to 36 feet with its daggerboard, the vessel represents a remarkable balance of scale and performance. Displacing around 15,000 tonnes and classified by Bureau Veritas, it has been designed to carry 130 guests in 54 suites, supported by a crew of 170. 

What distinguishes the Corinthian most is its propulsion system. It is the first cruise vessel to incorporate the SolidSail concept—three rigid sails, each spanning 1,500 square metres and rising more than 320 feet above the water. Mounted on carbon masts capable of tilting up to 70 degrees, these sails rotate fully to capture wind from any direction, allowing the ship to maintain optimal performance under varying conditions. 

In favourable weather, the system enables the yacht to operate entirely under wind power. Sea trials conducted in early 2026 demonstrated this capability, with the vessel reaching speeds of 12 knots in 20-knot winds using sail alone—an unprecedented achievement for a ship of this size. 

This innovation is complemented by a hybrid liquefied natural gas propulsion system, ensuring reliability while significantly reducing environmental impact. The Corinthian achieves one of the best Energy Efficiency Design Index ratings in its class, supported by features such as AI-assisted marine life detection and dynamic positioning systems that eliminate the need for anchoring and help preserve delicate seabeds. 

A Floating Expression of French Craftsmanship

Beyond its technical achievements, the Corinthian is equally defined by its artistry. Conceived under the direction of architect Maxime d’Angeac, the yacht draws inspiration from the golden age of travel, reinterpreting the spirit of the original Orient Express trains and early 20th-century ocean liners in a contemporary idiom. 

Nearly 2,000 craftsmen, artists, and ateliers contributed to its creation, shaping every detail to bespoke specifications. The interiors favour a restrained elegance, where fine leathers, rare wood veneers, and carefully selected marbles create an atmosphere of quiet refinement rather than overt opulence. 

Life on Board: Intimacy at Scale

Despite its size, the Corinthian offers an experience defined by intimacy. With just 54 suites accommodating 130 guests, the emphasis is on space, privacy, and personal service. Suites range from 45 to 230 square metres and feature expansive 3.6-metre panoramic windows, along with ceiling heights exceeding industry standards. Each is attended by a dedicated butler, reinforcing the sense of individualized care. 

Dining is central to the onboard experience, with five restaurants and private dining spaces overseen by multi-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. The culinary offering is complemented by eight bars, including an Art Deco-inspired speakeasy, as well as a cabaret seating 115 guests and even a recording studio—spaces designed not just for leisure, but for cultural expression. 

Wellness and relaxation are equally integral. A Guerlain spa, a 16.5-metre swimming lane, a pool, and an onboard marina provide guests with a continuous connection to both comfort and the sea itself. Every aspect of the journey is offered on a fully inclusive basis, reinforcing a seamless, unhurried experience. 

Voyages Designed Around Experience

Following its departure from Saint-Nazaire on 2 May 2026, the Corinthian will head toward the French Riviera before beginning its inaugural season. Over the course of the year, it will sail through the Mediterranean and Adriatic, later crossing the Atlantic to spend the winter in the Caribbean. 

Future itineraries will extend into Northern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, with routes carefully curated to include both iconic destinations and lesser-known ports. Unlike traditional cruises, journeys range from one to four nights and can be combined, allowing guests to construct entirely bespoke itineraries tailored to their own pace and interests. 

A Broader Vision for Orient Express

The Corinthian forms part of a wider transformation of the Orient Express brand, which has expanded beyond its legendary trains into hotels and now maritime travel. Since joining the Accor Group in 2022 and entering a strategic partnership with LVMH in 2024, the brand has accelerated its development across multiple luxury domains.

Alongside new hotel openings in Rome and Venice and the launch of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, the Corinthian represents the brand’s most ambitious venture yet—bringing its philosophy of travel to the open sea.

Meanwhile, its sister ship, the Orient Express Olympian, is already being fitted out in Saint-Nazaire following its launch in April 2026, signaling the beginning of a new fleet designed to carry this vision forward. 

A New Definition of the Journey

In the Orient Express Corinthian, speed gives way to intention, and transit becomes experience. It is a vessel shaped as much by wind and craft as by ambition—a ship that does not simply move across the ocean, but redefines what it means to travel upon it.

Here, the journey is not a means to an end.
It is, once again, the destination itself.

For more information vist www.orient-express.com/en/sailing-yachts