Orient Express Launches The World’s Largest Sailing Yacht

Orient Express Corinthian is set to usher in a new era of luxury sailing as she launches her maiden Caribbean season this October. Blending advanced maritime engineering with refined French craftsmanship, the vessel offers a distinctive approach to ocean travel. Her 54 elegantly appointed suites and five dining venues are designed to elevate the experience of exploring tropical waters, while the innovative SolidSail system provides sustainable propulsion throughout the Caribbean’s crystal-clear archipelagos
Picture of Harrison MacManus

Harrison MacManus

Features Contributor at The Executive Magazine | Yacht Broker at Cecil Wright

Share this article:

The maritime luxury sector marks a defining moment as Orient Express Corinthian prepares for her inaugural Caribbean season. As the world’s largest sailing yacht, the vessel sets new standards for sustainable ocean travel, combining scale, innovation, and refined elegance.

Her debut voyage begins on 12 October 2026 with a 14-night transatlantic crossing from Lisbon to Barbados, designed as a wellness-led journey that sets the tone for a six-month Caribbean programme running through March 2027. 

It has been confirmed that reservations are now open for what promises to be a significant chapter in luxury sailing.

Charting New Waters with French Heritage

Orient Express Corinthian is powered by groundbreaking SolidSail technology, three rigid sails, each spanning 1,500 square metres, mounted on inclinable masts rising over 100 metres. Drawing from ocean racing expertise, this system allows for full wind-powered propulsion in favourable conditions.

The vessel’s interiors are the work of architect Maxime d’Angeac, who serves as Artistic Director for Orient Express. His vision pays tribute to French maritime heritage while reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens. Inspired by the golden age of ocean liners, most notably the iconic Normandie, and realised in collaboration with France’s finest artisans, the design fuses traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance to create spaces that feel both timeless and contemporary.

A New Standard in Yacht Accommodation and Cuisine

The vessel accommodates guests across 54 suites, ranging from 485 to 2,476 square feet. Each suite boasts expansive picture windows or private terraces, paired with elevated ceilings that create a remarkable sense of space. This generous layout ensures genuine comfort throughout extended voyages.

Culinary experiences aboard revolve around five restaurants and private dining venues, all overseen by multi-Michelin starred chef Yannick Alléno. As Executive Chef for both the Orient Express train service and the sailing yacht division, he brings a seamless culinary signature across the brand. The dining programme celebrates the vibrant flavours of Caribbean gastronomy, elegantly balanced with the sophisticated French techniques that define the Orient Express experience.

Discover the Caribbean’s Finest and Most Secluded Spots

The yacht’s Caribbean programme offers voyages ranging from two to nine nights, charting a course from Saint-Barth’s refined coastline to the untouched beaches of Moskito Island. It navigates the emerald waters of the Exumas and the vibrant coral reefs of the Tobago Cays, each destination carefully chosen for its distinct character and natural allure.

Beyond traditional port visits, the itinerary includes curated experiences that highlight each location’s unique qualities. Guests enjoy guided explorations of pristine nature reserves, immersive cultural encounters, and exclusive access to secluded anchorages beyond the reach of larger vessels. Thanks to the yacht’s size and agility, it navigates intimate coves and hidden inlets across the Caribbean archipelago with ease.

Unrivalled Amenities and Cultural Experiences at Sea

The vessel features a 115-seat cabaret theatre and a professional recording studio, offering distinctive entertainment options throughout each voyage. Two swimming pools provide relaxing retreats, while a dedicated marina supports water sports and tender operations.

Each evening unfolds with thoughtfully curated experiences, from intimate cabaret performances to al fresco dining beneath the Caribbean stars. The yacht’s design ensures smooth transitions between daytime exploration and evening entertainment, preserving the refined ambiance synonymous with the Orient Express brand across all its travel offerings.

Latest Stories

Continue reading