Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique have marked a milestone in luxury maritime travel with a significant dual ceremony, heralding the arrival of Orient Express Sailing Yachts. The event, deeply rooted in maritime heritage, celebrated both the keel laying and coin placement rituals, officially launching the construction of the Orient Express Corinthian—the world’s largest sailing yacht.

A Historic Keel Laying in Saint-Nazaire

Held at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, the keel laying ceremony signified the start of the ship’s structural assembly, just ten months after the initial steel-cutting phase. The prestigious event saw industry leaders including Sébastien Bazin, President and CEO of Accor Group, Philippe Hetland Brault, CEO of Silenseas, and Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, come together to position the first 606-ton steel block in the dry dock.

In line with long-standing maritime customs, newly minted coins were placed on the steel base, symbolizing prosperity and safety for the vessel during its construction and future voyages. Over the next two months, a further 13 steel hull blocks and three balestron blocks will be meticulously assembled, culminating in the ship’s grand launch in June. Following the hull’s completion, the yacht will transition to the outfitting dock, where the final phase of construction will take place before its delivery.

Pioneering the Future of Sustainable Sailing

Spanning an impressive 220 meters, Orient Express Corinthian boasts 4,500 square meters of sails distributed across three towering tilting masts that rise 100 meters above the water. This innovative SolidSail concept, developed over a decade by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, allows the yacht to harness the power of the wind, reaching speeds of up to 17 knots under optimal conditions—exceeding the pace achievable through conventional propulsion.

Sustainability is at the heart of Orient Express Corinthian’s design. The yacht’s hybrid propulsion system integrates wind energy with a cutting-edge power plant powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Additional green features include an advanced artificial intelligence system designed to prevent collisions with marine mammals while minimizing underwater noise pollution, as well as dynamic positioning technology that negates the need for anchors in fragile ecosystems. These advancements reflect a deep commitment to ocean conservation and eco-friendly maritime practices.

In collaboration with top international sail racing specialists, the yacht’s itineraries are being curated to optimize wind conditions, ensuring an unparalleled sailing experience across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and the Caribbean.

Orient Express Olympian: The Fleet Expands

The same day also marked the steel-cutting ceremony for the second vessel in the Orient Express Sailing Yachts fleet—the Orient Express Olympian. This event signified the official commencement of its industrial phase, as the first of 80,000 steel components for its hull was precision-cut at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s advanced steel workshop. The Olympian, envisioned as the Corinthian’s sister ship, is set to further redefine luxury sailing with unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation.

A Vision of Luxury and Elegance

Orient Express Corinthian is slated to embark on its maiden voyage in June 2026, offering an exclusive sailing experience defined by refined aesthetics and superior comfort. Designed by renowned artistic director Maxime d’Angeac, the yacht’s interiors exude sophistication, featuring 54 suites with panoramic sea views, including six opulent penthouse suites on Deck 7—unprecedented in the cruise industry.

Guests aboard will indulge in world-class amenities, including five gourmet restaurants, eight stylish bars and lounges, an amphitheater, a cinema, a recording studio, and a state-of-the-art spa and wellness center. The vessel’s high crew-to-guest ratio promises impeccable service, elevating the onboard experience to new heights.

Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

The collaborative efforts between Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique exemplify a relentless pursuit of excellence in luxury yachting. By seamlessly integrating advanced sailing technology with sustainable practices and unparalleled design, the Orient Express Sailing Yachts fleet is poised to revolutionize the high-end maritime industry.

With its commitment to environmental stewardship and groundbreaking innovation, the Orient Express Corinthian is not just a yacht—it is a symbol of a new era in sailing, where tradition meets the future of luxury travel on the open seas.

“Orient Express’ universe knows no bounds—a realm of dreams, discovery, connection, movement, and emotion. With Orient Express Corinthian and Orient Express Olympian, the Orient Express legend is set to sail the world’s most beautiful seas, offering an unprecedented experience of travel and an authentic discovery of shore destinations. Inspired by the golden age of luxury travel, Orient Express Sailing Yachts reinvents motion and comfort on water while being designed to meet sustainability challenges of today and the future. A source of pride for all of us,” said Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor.

“With the celebration of these two industrial milestones, we are witnessing the birth of exceptional ships that will enter the legend of the most beautiful and high-performing vessels created here in Saint-Nazaire. Today, we are also taking partake in a major advance in the decarbonization of the maritime industry. This technological breakthrough is the result of 10 years of research and development on the SolidSail concept and the historical expertise in naval architecture and shipbuilding of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Thanks to Orient Express, the world’s largest wind-powered yacht will set sail: we appreciate their trust in this pioneering project – an incredible industrial, and above all, human adventure.” – Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique

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