Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique celebrated a highly symbolic dual ceremony, opening a new chapter for Orient Express Sailing Yachts.
In true maritime tradition, the keel laying and coin placement ceremonies were held, marking the official birth of Orient Express Corinthian, the largest sailing yacht in the world.
The sailing yacht’s keel laying took place at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, just 10 months after the cutting of the first steel plate. At the ceremony, Sébastien Bazin, President and CEO of Accor Group, Philippe Hetland Brault, CEO of Silenseas, the ship-owning and operational structure of Orient Express Sailing Yachts and Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique lowered the first 606-ton steel block for the new ship in the dry dock. As part of the longstanding maritime tradition, executives from the cruise company and the shipyard placed newly minted coins on the first piece of steel to bestow good luck on the ship during both the construction process and future sailings.
Over the next two months, 13 further steel hull blocks and three balestron blocks will be meticulously lifted and assembled by two large gantry cranes to form the ship’s metallic hull which will be launched in June. Once completed, the ship will be transferred to an outfitting dock for the ultimate phase of its construction until delivery.
Orient Express Corinthian spans 220 meters long and develops 4,500 m² of sails spread across three tilting masts, reaching 100 meters above sea level. The SolidSail concept has been developed over the past ten years by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Under optimized wind conditions, the ship will be able to navigate under sails only and reach speeds of up to 17 knots, even exceeding the standard engine propulsion speed. The highest attention has been paid to set new standards for environmentally friendly operations and design.
The hybrid propulsion formula will combine wind power with a state-of-the-art powerplant running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and Orient Express’ Commitment to sustainability has resulted in numerous additional state of the art equipment such as an advanced AI detection system intended to protect marine mammals by avoiding collisions and minimizing underwater noise pollution, or a dynamic positioning technology that reduces the yacht’s impact on the seabed by eliminating the need to drop anchor in shallow sensitive areas. Together, these efforts ensure a harmonious relationship with the ocean and its ecosystems. Orient Express Corinthian’s itineraries have also been developed to take advantage of the wind with special works in progress developed together with routing specialists coming in from the international sail racing world.
STEEL CUTTING CEREMONY FOR ORIENT EXPRESS OLYMPIAN
Maritime traditions continued the same day with the steel cutting ceremony for the second yacht in the Orient Express Sailing Yachts fleet, marking a symbolic launch of the industrial phase of Orient Express Olympian, sistership to Orient Express Corinthian. A name that embodies the very ambition and grandeur of the world’s largest sailing yachts, today’s steel cutting ceremony cut the very first of 80,000 pieces that will make up the yacht’s hull. This ceremony takes place at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s steel cutting workshop, where three plasma cutting machines operate continuously.
These maritime traditions embody the shared commitment to excellence and sustainability, standing among the greatest achievements in innovation. They also mark the continued partnership between Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a collaboration pushing the boundaries of luxury yachting and engineering mastery.
“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
Orient Express Corinthian is scheduled to set sail in June 2026 with itineraries across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and the Caribbean. A technological jewel engineered by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, this exceptional sailing yacht features a sleek and elegant profile, completed with stunning interiors designed by Maxime d’Angeac, Artistic Director of Orient Express. Orient Express Corinthian will propose 54 suites with panoramic openings to the sea, including six exceptional penthouse suites on deck 7, all of unforeseen sizes in the cruise market. With an exceptional crew ratio, the ship will offer five restaurants, eight bars and lounges, an amphitheater, cinema room, recording studio and a sophisticated spa wellness center.
