On January 31st, 2025, Orient Express and Chantiers de l'Atlantique conducted a dual ceremony at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard in France, marking significant milestones for their sailing yacht projects. The events included the keel laying and coin placement for the Orient Express Corinthian, as well as the initial steel cutting for its sistership, the Orient Express Olympian.
The keel laying ceremony, held 10 months after the first steel plate was cut, involved the lowering of a 606-ton steel block into the dry dock. In accordance with maritime tradition, executives from both companies placed newly minted coins on the steel block to bestow good fortune upon the vessel during its construction and future voyages.
The Orient Express Corinthian is set to become the world's largest sailing yacht upon its completion. Spanning 220 meters in length, the vessel will feature 4,500 square meters of sails distributed across 3 tilting masts, each reaching 100 meters above sea level. The yacht will house 54 suites, ranging from 45 to 230 square meters (484 to 2476 ft2), all equipped with panoramic bay windows to offer expansive sea views.
Following the keel laying, the steel cutting ceremony for the Orient Express Olympian commenced, marking the start of her construction phase. This vessel will share design elements with the Corinthian, emphasizing luxury and advanced engineering.
These ceremonies underscore the collaborative efforts between Orient Express and Chantiers de l'Atlantique to advance luxury sailing. The Orient Express Corinthian is scheduled to embark on her maiden voyage in June 2026, offering itineraries across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Caribbean seas.