Orient Express and French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique have celebrated a landmark moment in the development of the ultra-luxury Orient Express Sailing Yachts fleet with the keel laying of Orient Express Olympian, the brand’s second vessel.
The ceremony — a longstanding maritime tradition that marks the official start of assembly — took place at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard ten months after the first steel plate was cut on 30 January 2025. Using one of the site’s iconic gantry cranes, engineers positioned the first of 17 hull sections onto keel blocks, beginning the structural construction of what will become one of the largest sailing yachts in the world.
The milestone was commemorated with a Coin Ceremony, during which newly minted coins were placed on the steel block for good fortune during construction and future voyages. Once the hull is fully assembled, the vessel will move to an outfitting quay where its interiors will be installed. Delivery is scheduled for spring 2027, one year after sister ship Orient Express Corinthian.
At 220 metres long, Orient Express Olympian — along with Corinthian — will become the world’s largest sailing yacht. The vessel will feature SolidSail technology, a large rigid sail innovation developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique to reduce emissions and enable hybrid wind-powered propulsion.
Three tilting, self-supporting masts equipped with 4,500 m² of sail area will allow Olympian to operate fully under sail or in hybrid mode using liquefied natural gas (LNG). The automated rigging will be controlled from the wheelhouse, integrating systems inspired by offshore racing to maximise wind efficiency.
The yacht will also use dynamic positioning technology, allowing it to maintain position without dropping anchor — a measure designed to protect seabeds in ecologically sensitive areas.
Meanwhile, Orient Express Corinthian is preparing for its maiden voyages, with sea trials beginning in December. The vessel will enter service in May 2026 in the Mediterranean before sailing the Caribbean under the trade winds. Bookings for the 2026 season are already open, with 2027 departures to follow shortly.
Reservations: https://sailing-yachts.orient-express.com/