Orient Express Corinthian – sails unfurled and interiors unveiled

A sleekly lined jewel of technology designed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in partnership with Accor, Orient Express Corinthian will be the world’s largest sailing yacht. Spanning an impressive 220 metres and sporting 4,500 square metres of sails mounted on three inclinable masts, the ship will be able to reach a speed of 17 knots propelled solely by the wind.

Designed by architect Maxime d’Angeac, Artistic Director of Orient Express, the yacht will boast exceptionally refined décor inspired by the golden age of the Orient Express and the spirit of innovation and comfort that has bestowed legendary status on this iconic brand.

“The entire design of the yacht including each its suites have been conceived as unique spaces that break the boundaries of Orient Express’s classic decorative grammar while remaining true to its very particular codes,” d’Angeac explains. “A contemporary vision of Orient Express, that of an era in which high quality is synonymous with excellence and calls for a real aesthetic revolution.”

By combining the consummate workmanship of France’s most talented gold and silversmiths with the excellence of the engineers working for one of the world’s most prestigious shipbuilders, Orient Express Corinthian offers an unrivalled, experience, which will be enhanced by cutting-edge technology and perfect comfort on board. Truly reinventing our relationship with time, the yacht will offer a new perspective for discovering the land from the sea, offering unforgettable experiences around iconic experiences, moorings and stopovers.

Orient Express Corinthian houses 54 suites all measuring between 45 square metres and 230 square metres. Each of them comprises a luxurious bubble offering passengers complete intimate spaces and utmost comfort. 48 of the suites are located on decks 4, 5 and 6, while six premium class suites are situated on deck 7. Featuring panoramic bay windows guaranteeing stunning views, the suites have all been designed as cocoons opening onto the sea. Havens of peace, relaxation and contemplation, the suites offer passengers intimate surroundings in which to read, write, eat and drink, or simply relax while admiring the view. All of the rooms are decorated with wood, leather and marble fashioned by exceptionally talented, meticulously selected craftsmen and women.

And to satisfy all tastes, the yacht boasts five elegant restaurants adorned with warm and timeless décor, each with its own strong personality. Eight bars including a 1930s-style speakeasy, a 115-seat cabaret exuding a Parisian atmosphere with art deco overtones, a recording studio, a cinema and a spa round up the range of services available to passengers.

The marina at the stern of the boat offers a prestigious setting, far from the madding crowd, to enjoy dinners and sea activities right at the water’s edge. And for total relaxation, the 16.60 m long swimming pool on deck 6 provides a perfect opportunity for swimmers to keep in shape.

140 years after the launch of the first luxury trains and a century after the epoch-making maiden voyage of the Normandie steamer, Orient Express continues to write history and perpetuate the brand legend by adding a maritime chapter that innovates with style and panache.

Capitalising on the experience gained in the world of ocean racing, Orient Express Corinthian will be propelled by sails designed with the revolutionary ‘SolidSail’ technology: three rigid sails, each spanning 1,500 square metres, will be mounted with spritsail rigging on three inclinable masts towering over 100 m high, allowing up to 100 per cent propulsion under suitable weather conditions. To make the voyage even more sustainable, sailpower will be backed up by a state-of-the-art LNG-powered engine capable of running on green hydrogen once the corresponding technology has been approved for ocean-going passenger ships.

WORDS BY Pauline Brettell