The new wind-powered Orient Express yacht will take quiet luxury to the next level
Published on Jun 10, 2025 at 9:53 PM (UTC+4)
by Jason Fan
Last updated on Jun 10, 2025 at 11:54 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
The Orient Express yacht is currently under construction in Saint-Nazaire, France, and it’s attracting attention for the right reasons.
Scheduled to set sail in June 2026, the vessel is expected to be the largest sailing yacht of its kind, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
It marks the brand’s expansion from historic trains and luxury hotels into maritime travel.
At the center of this project is a clear goal – blending luxury with sustainability.
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The ship, named OE Corinthian, is the result of a partnership between French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique and the Orient Express brand, now under the Accor group.

Of course, this isn’t the first cruise venture by a major hotel brand.
Just look at the Ritz-Carlton superyacht, which boasts fives restaurants and a mini-marina.
What makes the Orient Express yacht stand out is that it’s the only sailing yacht among several new cruise ventures by major hotel brands.
While the other ships rely on conventional propulsion, this one is built around a modern sailing system called Solid Sail.
Developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the Solid Sail concept uses rigid, pivoting sails that are more durable and efficient than traditional fabric sails.

The OE Corinthian will also include a dual-fuel engine that runs on liquefied natural gas and can act as a backup when wind conditions aren’t favorable.
This hybrid system is designed to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.
The yacht’s propulsion setup includes twin controllable-pitch propellers with a direct electric drive, developed with engineering firm Brunvoll.
In addition, TCM Compressors from Oslo will supply a compressed air system aimed at lowering overall energy use on board.
These combined systems reflect an effort to create a lower-impact vessel in a traditionally fuel-heavy industry.
The design takes cues from classic ocean liners of the mid-20th century, with interiors created by French architect Maxime d’Angeac.
Planned onboard features include two swimming pools, a 115-seat cabaret-style lounge, and several dining options led by a chef with multiple Michelin stars.

With its focus on sustainability, engineering innovation, and design rooted in historic luxury, the OE Corinthian represents a new direction for both the Orient Express brand and the future of luxury cruising.
Of course, the Orient Express yacht faces stiff competition from other luxury hotel brands, like Aman Resorts, which plans to launch a superyacht with 47 opulent balcony suites in 2027.
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Jason Fan is an experienced content creator who graduated from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore with a degree in communications. He then relocated to Australia during a millennial mid-life crisis. A fan of luxury travel and high-performance machines, he politely thanks chatbots just in case the AI apocalypse ever arrives. Jason covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on technology, planes and luxury.