Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, was officially named on 29 April 2026 in Saint-Nazaire. Flying the French flag, the 220-metre vessel signals a new era in travel, where French decorative artistry meets advanced naval innovation.
Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique marked the occasion with a naming ceremony held in the historic Joubert graving dock. Following the celebrations, Orient Express Corinthian is set to depart Saint-Nazaire on 2 May 2026, heading for the French Riviera ahead of her inaugural Mediterranean season.
Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, says: “For more than one hundred and sixty years, Chantiers de l’Atlantique has been building ships that define their era. Orient Express Corinthian is the latest proof of this: 720 feet, 15,000 tonnes carried by the wind, three SolidSail sails… the fruit of ten years of research and development. 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. To them I owe this humble pride. And I thank Orient Express for the trust they placed in us from the very first day of this extraordinary project.”
Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor says: “Bringing Orient Express to the sea fits naturally within the imagination of this legendary brand: a journey rooted in discovery, unhurried time, excellence, and elegance. Orient Express Corinthian embodies this vision with majesty and boldness. Thanks to its sail-powered propulsion, its spaces enhanced by rare materials, and by offering a unique experience designed for an international clientele, we have met a threefold challenge: industrial, architectural, and artistic. This sailing vessel, born from the collaboration and trust built over the past two years between Accor and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, now proudly showcases the very best of French expertise and craftsmanship.”
A Ceremony Worthy of Maritime Legend
The naming ceremony took place in the historic Joubert graving dock, closely tied to France’s shipbuilding heritage. It began with an aerial display by four Fouga Magister jets in the colours of the French flag, followed by the hoisting of the three SolidSail rigs.
Catherine Chabaud, Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fisheries, formally presented the French flag to Laurent Castaing, granting the vessel the right to sail under French colours.
During the official handover, Laurent Castaing presented the ship to Sébastien Bazin and Philippe Hetland Brault, Président Orient Express Sailing Yacht, stating: “Dear Sébastien, dear Philippe, on behalf of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, it is with immense pride that I hand over to you today the ownership of Orient Express Corinthian. I wish her every success, fair winds and following seas, to her crew and to all the passengers who will have the privilege of sailing aboard her.”
Sébastien Bazin then entrusted command of Orient Express Corinthian to her captain, Éric Saint-Plancat, marking the moment with the raising of the French ensign and the Orient Express pennant to the sound of the Marseillaise. The ceremony concluded with a blessing by Monseigneur Nicolas, Orthodox archbishop, and the traditional breaking of a Balthazar.
A Technological Feat Under Sail
Orient Express Corinthian is the result of a collaboration between Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a global leader in naval engineering. This 15,000-tonne, 720-foot vessel brings together French art de vivre with the most advanced shipbuilding technologies of today.
She is the first cruise ship equipped with the SolidSail wind propulsion system, developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Her three rigs, each spanning 1,500 m² and rising over 320 feet, are fully automated and capable of delivering 100% wind-powered propulsion in favourable conditions. Rotating 360 degrees, they ensure optimal sailing performance regardless of wind direction. Carbon masts, which can incline up to 70 degrees and are designed and built in the Bretagne and Pays de la Loire regions, allow the ship to pass beneath major bridges worldwide.
Sea trials in February 2026 confirmed her capabilities: with winds of 20 knots, Orient Express Corinthian reached 12 knots under sail alone, a first for a vessel of this scale. This innovation is complemented by hybrid liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion and multiple energy-efficiency systems, earning her the best Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) rating in her category.
An AI-assisted detection system continuously monitors marine life and floating objects to reduce collision risks, while dynamic positioning technology protects the seabed by eliminating the need for anchoring.
A Setting for Hospitality and French Craftsmanship
Named a century after the launch of the Île-de-France, and built in the same shipyards that produced the legendary Normandie, Orient Express continues a tradition of elevating travel through craftsmanship and design.
Orient Express Corinthian reinterprets this legacy with interiors inspired by the golden age of travel, from the iconic Orient Express train to grand ocean liners, translated into a refined contemporary style. Nearly 2,000 craftsmen, artists and ateliers contributed to the vessel, under the direction of architect Maxime d’Angeac, Creative Director of Orient Express.
The Art of Living on Board
Orient Express Corinthian features 54 suites ranging from 45 to 230 m², spread across four decks. Each suite includes a 3.60-metre panoramic window and higher-than-standard ceilings. Materials such as leather, fine wood veneers and marble create an atmosphere of understated elegance, complemented by a dedicated butler service.
The culinary offering includes five restaurants and private dining spaces overseen by multi-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. Guests can also enjoy eight bars, an Art Deco-style speakeasy, a 115-seat cabaret and a recording studio. Wellness facilities include a Guerlain spa, a 16.5-metre swimming lane, a pool and an onboard marina. All experiences are offered on a fully inclusive basis.
Itineraries
After departing Saint-Nazaire on 2 May, Orient Express Corinthian will sail to the French Riviera before beginning her inaugural season. From May to October 2026, she will cruise the Mediterranean and Adriatic, followed by a transatlantic crossing to spend the winter in the Caribbean.
In 2027, her itineraries will expand to include the eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Routes range from one to four nights and can be combined to create fully bespoke journeys, visiting both iconic ports and lesser-known destinations.
Sister Yacht Orient Express Olympian Being Fitted Out
At the Penhoët quay in Saint-Nazaire, the sister ship Orient Express Olympian is currently being fitted out following her launch on 17 April 2026.
Pictures courtesy of Orient Express.
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