World’s largest sailing cruise ship sets speed record in sea trials

The Orient Express Corinthian is set to become the world’s largest sailing cruise ship, measuring 721 feet long with a displacement of 25,200 gross tons. Designed for exclusivity, it will accommodate 110 passengers in 54 suites. A standout feature is its advanced Solid Sail system developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, which includes three masts carrying nearly 48,500 square feet of sail area. These sails can rotate 360 degrees, and the masts can tilt up to 70 degrees to optimize wind capture and allow passage under bridges. When wind conditions are insufficient, the ship can switch to an LNG-fueled engine. During recent sea trials, the vessel achieved a speed of approximately 14 mph under sail alone in 23 mph winds, a record for a sailing cruise ship of this size. The sail technology behind the Orient Express Corinthian has been in development since 2009, with extensive testing including a one-fifth-scale demonstrator from 201