The world's largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian, has been delivered. On April 29, 2026, the naming ceremony was held in Saint-Nazaire, France, marking the official handover to the owner, Orient Express Sailing Yachts. With a displacement of approximately 15,000 tonnes, she also set a speed record for wind propulsion among vessels of her size.

Image source: Orient Express Sailing Yachts

Built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the shipyard emphasized that this vessel is the culmination of a decade of research, design, and development. The yard developed the "Solid Sail" technology that propels the ship and views it as a technical solution to the challenge of maritime decarbonization.

The sailing yacht is equipped with three rig systems, each with a sail area of 1,500 square meters and a mast height exceeding 100 meters. These systems are fully automated and, when weather conditions permit, allow for 100% wind propulsion. The rigs can rotate 360 degrees, enabling the sails to be positioned at the optimal angle regardless of the ship's heading or wind direction. The carbon-fiber masts can tilt up to 70 degrees, allowing the vessel to pass under height-restricted obstacles such as bridges.

During sea trials conducted in February 2026, the ship achieved a speed of 12 knots in 20 knots of wind, powered solely by the wind—a feat the shipyard emphasized is a first for a vessel of this size. The ship has a displacement of 15,000 tonnes, a gross tonnage of 26,300 GT, and an overall length of 220 meters.

Beyond wind propulsion, the vessel is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system powered by liquefied natural gas. Its design incorporates numerous energy-saving devices and utilizes an AI-assisted detection system that continuously monitors the sea for marine mammals and other objects, thereby reducing collision risks. Furthermore, the ship employs dynamic positioning technology, allowing it to hold position without anchoring, thus protecting the seabed from damage.

Orient Express Corinthian departed Saint-Nazaire on May 2 for the French Riviera and is set to formally enter commercial service shortly thereafter. Her inaugural season will be spent cruising the Mediterranean before repositioning to the Caribbean for the winter season.

The vessel features 54 guest suites spread across four decks, ranging in size from 45 to 230 square meters. She can accommodate 110 passengers, served by a crew of roughly equal number. Guests will find five restaurants and private dining rooms onboard, alongside a 115-seat theater, a recording studio, and a spa. Amenities also include a swimming pool and a watersports marina.

Her sister ship, Orient Express Olympian, was launched at the shipyard on April 17 and is now commencing outfitting, with delivery expected in 2027.

These two vessels represent a new wave of luxury hotel brands venturing into the cruise sector—extending their operations to the sea. Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons have already launched their own yachts, and Aman is currently building a luxury yacht-style cruise ship in Italy, set to enter service in 2027.