World's Largest Sailing Yacht Orient Express Corinthian Sets Sail

The Orient Express Corinthian, the world's largest sailing yacht at 722 feet, has set sail after being christened at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The vessel, a decade in the making, features a SolidSail propulsion system with three 328-foot masts supporting over 16,000 square feet of rigid sails that can rotate 360 degrees and tilt 70 degrees. Sea trials in February showed it can reach 12 knots under sail alone in 20 knots of wind. The hybrid propulsion system uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) for reduced emissions. Designed by Orient Express artistic director Maxime d'Angeac, the interiors blend golden age rail travel aesthetics with contemporary design, involving nearly 2,000 French artisans. The yacht offers 54 suites (485 to 2,476 square feet), five restaurants by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, eight bars, a Guerlain spa, a pool, and a marina. From May to October, it will cruise the Mediterranean and Adriatic, then cross to the Caribbean for fall and winter. A sister ship, Olympian, launched in April and is expected to sail next year. New itineraries in the eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe are planned for 2027.