World’s Largest Sailing Yacht Floats Out In France

Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, has been floated out for the first time at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The float-out ceremony took place on June 16, 2025, marking a key milestone in the construction of this one-of-a-kind eco-luxury vessel.

The yacht is being developed by Orient Express, a luxury hospitality company operated by French hotel group Accor. The vessel was constructed in just four and a half months using fourteen structural blocks.

The float-out operation officially moved the yacht from its dry construction dock to the outfitting berth, where systems integration and interior finishing will take place.

Orient Express Corinthian is the largest sailing yacht ever built, measuring 722 feet (220 meters) in length and weighing 26,200 gross tons. It features three towering balestron rigs, each 100 meters (328 feet) tall, holding a total of 16,146 square feet of rigid sails. These sails fold down when not in use and are mounted on rotating bases that pivot and tilt to optimise performance.

This is the first time the innovative SolidSail propulsion system, developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, is being used on a commercial vessel. In the right weather conditions, the ship will be able to sail entirely under wind power. To support the sails, it will also have a hybrid propulsion system powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), allowing for near-zero-emission cruising.

The ship includes several advanced environmental technologies. Among them is an AI-powered floating object detection system, designed to reduce the risk of collisions with marine mammals. It also features dynamic positioning technology, which keeps the ship stable without the need for anchoring, helping to protect delicate seabeds.

Additionally, the BIO-UV Group is providing a chemical-free UV-based ballast water treatment system called BIO-SEA, which will treat water onboard safely and efficiently.

Inside, the ship is designed to reflect the timeless elegance of luxury travel. Architect Maxime d’Angeac, who serves as the Artistic Director of Orient Express, designed the interiors with inspiration from both the golden age of ocean liners like the Normandie and the heritage of the Orient Express train.

The vessel will offer 54 spacious suites, ranging from 485 square feet to 2,476 square feet, all with large windows or private terraces and high ceilings for added comfort.

Multi-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, who oversees cuisine for both the Orient Express train and the yacht, will lead the culinary program. The ship will include five restaurants and private dining rooms offering a refined gastronomic experience at sea.

Orient Express Corinthian will begin its inaugural cruise season in June 2026, with 27 different itineraries planned between May and October. The routes will take guests through the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas, with options ranging from short two-night getaways to longer 14-day voyages.

The journeys can be combined to create custom experiences, and sailing routes will follow favorable winds to reduce environmental impact and provide an authentic sailing experience.

After its summer season in Europe, the ship will cross the Atlantic to spend the winter in the Caribbean. It will sail under the French flag. A second vessel, the Orient Express Olympian, is already in development and expected to join the fleet in summer 2027.

Reference: Accor

Source: Maritime Shipping News