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A legacy sets sail: Orient Express announces first luxury sailing yachts
By Tessa Crowley | 11 July 2025 | Cars & Yachts, Indulge, Yachting
Long-established as a leader in luxury rail travel, Orient Express sets its sights on conquering the seven seas, with the float out of its first sailing yacht
The name Orient Express needs little introduction, immortalised in literature as the host of Agatha Christie’s most intriguing murder mystery. To the modern reader, the name summons up a tantalising cocktail of escapism and indulgence, combining sweeping vistas with the sartorial trappings of aristocratic elegance.
For fans of slow travel, the Orient Express is arguably the Holy Grail of luxury train voyages. As we continue to crave discovery and connection with people and place, the famed train’s popularity has boomed, enhanced by new routes, elegant experiences and considered partnerships.
Now, Accor’s Orient Express is building upon this esteemed foundation, with the launch of a host of other hospitality ventures, already imbued with its fashionable aura and unrivalled legacy. This month, the next step in this ambition was achieved, with the float-out of its first luxury sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian — a collaborative venture between Accor and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a global designer and builder of cruise liners. Setting sail next year, Orient Express Corinthian will be followed in 2027 by Orient Express Olympian.
With Orient Express Corinthian’s float-out complete, this pivotal milestone formally ushered in the world’s largest sailing yacht. As one would expect of such an acclaimed brand, spectacular interiors and revolutionary sailing technology are held in equal regard, with revolutionary ‘SolidSail’ technology allowing up to 100% propulsion under suitable weather conditions.
Inside, Architect Maxime d’Angeac, Artistic Director of Orient Express, has taken inspiration from the golden age of rail travel, with contemporary interiors echoing the grandeur of legendary ocean liners. The sailing yacht will feature 54 suites, ranging from 485 ft² to 2 476 ft². Each one is framed by expansive picture windows or terraces and elevated ceilings, offering a rare sense of spaciousness at sea. The sailing yacht will offer a selection of five restaurants and private dining spaces, under the direction of multi-Michelin starred chef Yannick Alléno, Executive Chef of both The Orient Express train and the sailing yacht.
From May to October 2026, Orient Express Corinthian will glide through the Mediterranean and Adriatic on twenty-seven itineraries, from two-night escapes to fourteen-day voyages, each route combinable for tailor-made journeys. Navigation will follow the most favorable winds to minimise environmental impact and offer a true sailing experience around remarkable destinations.
With plans continuing at pace, the brand’s ambition and expansion shows no sign of stopping with its first hotel, Orient Express La Minerva, launched in Rome this year, soon to be followed by the Palazzo Donà Giovanelli, in Venice.