TAFANELLI NOTEBOOKS | CORSICAN EVENTS

The Orient Express Corinthian in Corsica: the world's largest sailing yacht makes a stop on the island

It is 220 meters long, 16,000 tons, and deploys three sails of 1,500 square meters each thanks to patented technology. It houses 54 luxury suites for 110 privileged passengers. It was christened on April 29, 2026, in Saint-Nazaire by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique. It flies the French flag. Its name is the Orient Express Corinthian. It is officially the largest sailing yacht in the world, and this summer of 2026, it is stopping over in Corsica. A historic event for the island, for the Mediterranean, and for global yachting. Here is our complete guide.

A historic event for global yachting

Some ship launches become major events. The France in 1962. The Queen Mary 2 in 2003. Some launches redefine an era. In 2026, it is the Orient Express Corinthian that is ushering the history of global yachting into a new age.

This yacht is not just the largest sailing yacht in the world (an official record with its 220 meters). It is also the first to combine at this scale authentic sailing navigation (thanks to patented sail technology) and ultra-luxury hospitality managed by the legendary Orient Express brand, which has been writing the most beautiful chapters of high-end European travel since 1883.

For Corsica, this launch has a special meaning. The island is one of the privileged stopovers on the Corinthian's inaugural Mediterranean itineraries. Porto-Vecchio is explicitly listed in the 2026 itinerary books, and Corsican waters will regularly welcome the giant, offering the public rare opportunities to admire a feat of unparalleled engineering.

The Corinthian is not just another boat. It is an event. A turning point where French excellence (Chantiers de l'Atlantique, Orient Express, Guerlain) demonstrates that it can still, in 2026, write the most beautiful pages of global luxury. That this yacht passes through Corsica regularly is an honor for the island.

This article takes you behind the scenes of this exceptional project: its genesis, its technology, its itineraries, its Corsican stopovers, and the atmosphere on board. An editorial journey through French maritime luxury in the 21st century.

The christening in Saint-Nazaire, April 29, 2026

The christening ceremony of the Orient Express Corinthian was held on April 29, 2026, at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire. An event hailed by the entire maritime profession and followed by international media.

A French ceremony

The christening took place in the presence of executives from Orient Express, Chantiers de l'Atlantique, representatives of the French state, and numerous guests from the worlds of finance, culture, and luxury. The yacht officially flies the French flag, which sends a strong signal in a yachting world traditionally dominated by flags of convenience.

A moment of national pride

The christening of the Corinthian was presented as a symbol of French industrial renewal. The Chantiers de l'Atlantique, which build the largest ships in the world (notably the MSC and Royal Caribbean cruise liners), demonstrated their ability to innovate technologically to create a unique object: a 220-meter cruise sailing yacht capable of being propelled by wind.

Since May 2026, inaugural voyages have begun, with regular routes in the Western Mediterranean. The initial reviews from the privileged passengers who were able to embark on these first cruises are rave reviews.

Mind-boggling figures

To understand the sheer scale of the Orient Express Corinthian, one must dive into the official figures. They are impressive.

Dimensions

Total length: 220 meters (721 feet).
Weight: 16,000 tons.
Mast height: approximately 100 meters above sea level.

For comparison, the Eiffel Tower is 330 meters tall. The Corinthian is two-thirds the height of the Eiffel Tower, but lying on the sea. The Titanic liner was 269 meters long. The Corinthian, at 220 meters, sits in the same size category as the largest historical cruise liners.

The sails

Number of sails: 3.
Surface area of each sail: 1,500 square meters.
Total sail area: 4,500 square meters.
Technology: Patented "Solid Sail" in carbon-fiber-reinforced glass panels.

A single sail on the Corinthian covers the equivalent of four tennis courts. The total sail area is equivalent to that of an 8-story office building laid flat on the ground.

Passengers

Number of suites: 54.
Max number of passengers: 110.
Number of crew members: approximately 145 (more than one crew member per passenger).

This ratio of crew to passengers (more than 1.3 to 1) is extremely rare in the cruise industry. It guarantees an exceptional level of service, worthy of the greatest land-based luxury hotels.

A yacht that carries more crew than passengers is a sign that this is not a classic cruise. It is a stay, an accompaniment, almost a relationship. Each passenger has more than one person dedicated to their comfort, cuisine, safety, and journey. This is the luxury of a very grand house.

Solid Sail technology: a naval revolution

The true technical masterstroke of the Orient Express Corinthian is its sail technology. A patented system called Solid Sail, which redefines what a modern sailing yacht can do.

The challenge to solve

Sailing a 220-meter yacht cannot be done with traditional textile sails. They would be too heavy, too fragile, too difficult to maneuver, and incompatible with modern safety standards. The Chantiers de l'Atlantique had to invent a new solution.

The answer: Solid Sail

Solid Sail is a solid sail, made up of rigid carbon-fiber-reinforced glass panels. These panels are hinged together and can be oriented collectively to catch the wind. The system offers several major advantages:

Exceptional resistance to high winds and storms.
Simplified maneuverability via a hydraulic system, without the need for a large crew for the rigging.
Optimized aerodynamics by aeronautical engineers.
Increased durability compared to textile sails.
Reduced environmental impact thanks to wind propulsion (sailing), which reduces fuel consumption.

A French patent

The Solid Sail technology is a French patent filed by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique. It is an exemplary case of French industrial innovation with high added value, in a sector where competition from Italy (Fincantieri), Germany (Meyer Werft), and South Korea (Hyundai Heavy Industries) is fierce.

This technology is expected to equip other yachts and liners in the coming years. The Corinthian is the first commercial vessel to benefit from it at this scale. It paves the way for a new generation of hybrid sail-motor cruises, which are more environmentally friendly.

Solid Sail is a silent revolution. It does not make headlines, but it will change the cruise industry for decades to come. Seeing the Corinthian sail under its three rigid sails is seeing the future of sailing yachting. A French future, at that.

Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the master behind the feat

Behind the construction of the Corinthian is one of the gems of French industry: Chantiers de l'Atlantique, based in Saint-Nazaire.

An industrial history

Founded in 1861, the Chantiers de l'Atlantique have built some of the greatest liners in history: the Normandie (1935), the France (1962), the Queen Mary 2 (2003), and the MSC and Royal Caribbean liners. They are one of the few shipyards in the world capable of producing ships over 300 meters long.

Exceptional expertise

The unique feature of the Chantiers de l'Atlantique lies in their ability to combine naval engineering, fine craftsmanship, and technological innovation. On a ship like the Corinthian, it is not only engineers who intervene, but also artisans in wood, leather, marble, glass, and textiles. Each suite, restaurant, and lounge is the result of a dialogue between technique and aesthetics.

A long-term partnership

The collaboration between Orient Express and the Chantiers de l'Atlantique is not a classic contract. It is a multi-year partnership to develop groundbreaking technology, build a unique ship, and launch an entire fleet (several Sailing Yachts are announced for the coming years).

2026 Mediterranean itineraries

The Corinthian's Mediterranean schedule for 2026 offers an exceptional diversity of destinations. Here are the main itineraries offered.

Corsica and Sardinia from Rome (July 30 - August 3, 2026)

The flagship itinerary for Corsica lovers. Departure from Rome (Civitavecchia), stopover in Porto-Vecchio, stopover in Porto Cervo (Sardinia), return to Rome. 4 nights. Price: €25,960 incl. tax per suite. One of the most requested itineraries of the season.

Exceptional Stopovers: Capri and Porto Cervo from Naples (August 14-19, 2026)

Departure from Naples, stopovers in Capri, Porto Cervo, arrival in Valletta (Malta). 5 nights. Price: €28,500 incl. tax per suite. A dream itinerary in the most famous waters of the Mediterranean.

Adriatic (late August - September 2026)

Several Adriatic itineraries departing from or arriving in Venice, with stopovers in Trieste, Brioni, and Rovinj. Prices between €19,470 and €25,960 incl. tax per suite.

French Riviera and Monaco Yacht Show (late September 2026)

The Corinthian will be present at the Monaco Yacht Show (September 23-26, 2026), one of the major events in global yachting. Cruise from Monaco to Cannes, then Saint-Tropez and Marseille.

Transatlantic and Caribbean (late autumn 2026)

At the end of the Mediterranean season, the Corinthian will make a transatlantic crossing to the Caribbean, with stopovers in Saint-Barth, Anguilla, the Grenadines, and Antigua.

The passage through Corsica: Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio

For Corsica, the Orient Express Corinthian's stopover is the event of the 2026 season. Here is what you need to know about the confirmed and expected Corsican stopovers.

Porto-Vecchio: the confirmed stopover

Porto-Vecchio is officially included in the Corinthian's Corsica-Sardinia itinerary (July 30 - August 3, 2026). The yacht will stop there during the day, with passengers disembarking to discover the town, its surroundings (Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, nearby Bonifacio), and its gastronomy.

To learn everything about Porto-Vecchio, consult our complete 2026 Porto-Vecchio guide.

Bonifacio: expected stopover

The official Orient Express promotional visuals regularly show the Corinthian sailing past the cliffs of Bonifacio. The passage through the Strait of Bonifacio is likely one of the most striking visual moments of the entire Mediterranean itinerary. A 220-meter ship passing between the Bonifacio limestone cliffs, under its three deployed solid sails: it is an iconic image.

To go further, consult our complete 2026 Bonifacio guide.

Other possible stopovers

Throughout the seasons, the Corinthian could also stop in:

Ajaccio: Napoleon's city, a historic deep-water port suitable for large ships.
Saint-Florent: the Gulf of Nebbio, an intimate and refined stopover.
Calvi: Genoese citadel and protected bay, an exceptional setting.

These destinations are mentioned in several of the group's major yachting guides, and the evolution of the itineraries will likely make them regular stops in the years to come. To discover each one, consult our guides for Ajaccio, Saint-Florent, and Calvi.

The 54 exceptional suites

On board the Corinthian, every passenger is accommodated in a private suite. No standard cabins. No shared rooms. 54 suites, each designed as a luxury apartment.

Common features

All suites benefit from several distinctive elements:

Panoramic sea view from every suite, contractually guaranteed.
Bay window or private balcony for most suites.
Interior design signed by renowned French and Italian architects.
Noble materials: marble, precious wood, leather, haute couture fabrics.
Marble bathroom with Guerlain products.
Butler service available 24/7.
Gourmet room service.

The Signature Suites

The largest suites, known as Signature Suites, can reach several dozen square meters, featuring multiple rooms, a living room, a private dining room, and a terrace. They are reserved for a top-tier clientele, often high-profile figures from the worlds of finance, culture, or international business.

The Penthouse

At the top of the yacht, the Penthouse occupies an exclusive position with 360-degree views of the sea. It is the most prestigious suite, featuring a private pool, outdoor lounge, and personalized service. The price is available upon request only.

Restaurants and the art of living on board

Gastronomy on board the Corinthian is entrusted to Michelin-starred French chefs, in the tradition of the Orient Express, which has always placed dining at the heart of the travel experience.

The restaurants

The Corinthian houses several restaurants with distinct atmospheres:

A gourmet restaurant for dinner, with menus that change according to the ports of call.
A seaside brasserie for more relaxed lunches.
A cocktail lounge for aperitifs and after-dinner drinks.
A caviar bar for connoisseurs.
A pool deck space offering light Mediterranean cuisine around the main pool.

Mediterranean cuisine

During cruises through Corsica and Sardinia, the cuisine highlights local products: catch of the day, PDO Corsican charcuterie, cheeses from Balagne and Niolu, olive oil from Corsica and Sardinia, and wines from Patrimonio, Cap Corse, Sartène, and Sardinia. A beautiful showcase for our regional producers.

To learn more about Corsican gastronomy, consult our complete guide to AOC Corsican wines, our guide to Corsican cheeses, and our guide to PDO Corsican charcuterie.

The wine cellar

The wine cellar on the Corinthian is particularly remarkable. It features a selection of several thousand labels, including classic French grands crus (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne), prestigious Italian wines, and a fine selection of PDO Corsican wines.

Guerlain Ocean Rebirth: the signature spa

One of the highlights of the Corinthian experience is its signature spa, developed in partnership with Maison Guerlain, one of the greatest French perfume and cosmetic houses.

A sensory odyssey

The program is called "Ocean Rebirth." It is a collection of treatment rituals designed specifically for the sea-faring experience, using marine ingredients and techniques inspired by the world of navigation.

The facilities

The Guerlain spa on board includes:

Several individual treatment rooms with sea views.
A hammam and a sauna.
An indoor pool.
A hydrotherapy circuit.
An equipped fitness area.
A hair salon.
A Guerlain boutique to take the products used in treatments home.

It is likely the most accomplished spa ever installed on a cruise sailing ship. A wellness space on par with the greatest land-based luxury hotels.

A symbolic partnership: the Cannes Film Festival

In 2026, Orient Express Sailing Yachts became the official partner of the Cannes Film Festival for its 79th edition (May 12-23, 2026). A partnership that brings together two great French brands with international reach.

Two French histories

The Cannes Film Festival and Orient Express share several values:

French excellence exported to the entire world.
Cultural prestige and the art of living.
The power of imagination and staging.
The Mediterranean as a natural stage for international glamour.

What it meant in Cannes

During the Festival, the Corinthian was present in the bay of Cannes, at the disposal of cinema personalities and VIPs invited by Orient Express. Several private screenings, gala dinners, and cocktails took place on board, making the yacht one of the most sought-after addresses on the Croisette during the ten days of the festival.

This partnership inaugurates a new way of experiencing the festival: from a private yacht, with the comfort of a floating palace, away from the hustle and bustle on land. A model that could be replicated at the Venice Film Festival and other major European cultural events.

What the Corinthian changes for Corsica

The regular arrival of the Corinthian in Corsica is an event that goes beyond simply welcoming a beautiful ship. It reflects several structural evolutions for the island.

A reinforced premium positioning

The fact that Corsica is chosen as a recurring port of call for a yacht of this caliber confirms the island's premium positioning in the Mediterranean. We are in the same category as Capri, Porto Cervo, Monaco, or Saint-Barth. It is a strong international recognition.

A high-end clientele

The passengers of the Corinthian belong to the wealthiest segment of the global clientele. Each stopover involves guests who consume luxury products, discover prestigious local addresses, and take home souvenirs and recommendations. It is an exceptional vector for the international influence of Corsica.

An environmental challenge

A 16,000-ton yacht hosting 110 passengers also involves environmental responsibility. The Solid Sail technology helps reduce fuel consumption compared to a traditional yacht of this size, but the carbon footprint remains significant. The question of hosting such ships in Corsican waters remains open, balancing economic benefits with ecological impact.

A model for other events

The arrival of the Corinthian complements and strengthens the prestige maritime presence in Corsica. After the Corsica Classic (classic yacht regattas from August 23 to 31, 2026, for which TAFANELLI is a long-standing partner), the Corinthian confirms that the island is one of the most important maritime scenes in the Western Mediterranean.

To learn more about the Corsica Classic, consult our dedicated article.

How to see the Corinthian passing by in Corsica

Unless you are a passenger (€25,960 for a suite for 4 nights), the best way to experience the passage of the Corinthian in Corsica is to admire it from the coast. Here are our tips.

The best spots in Porto-Vecchio

From the heights of Porto-Vecchio or from the marina, the Corinthian will be visible for several hours during its stopover. Palombaggia Beach offers an exceptional panorama of ships approaching or leaving Porto-Vecchio.

The best spots in Bonifacio

From Cap de Feno, the cliffs of Bonifacio, or by boat from the marina, the sight of the Corinthian passing through the Strait of Bonifacio will be unforgettable. It is one of the most spectacular nautical landscapes of the entire Corinthian voyage in the Mediterranean.

Tracking its location

The Corinthian, like all commercial vessels, is trackable in real-time via maritime applications (MarineTraffic, VesselFinder). During the season, you simply need to follow its identification number to know exactly where it is.

Stay tuned for announcements

Follow the official Instagram account @orientexpresssailingyachts so you don't miss any date or port-of-call announcements. Major Corsican stopovers are generally announced 4 to 6 weeks in advance.

The TAFANELLI wardrobe to experience the event

Experiencing the passage of the Orient Express Corinthian in Corsica deserves a wardrobe to match. At TAFANELLI, our approach is close to the one that inspires the Corinthian: refusing ostentation, seeking the precision of the gesture, and respecting traditions while embodying French modernity.

Our essentials for observing the Corinthian

The Le Plongeur Méditerranéen T-shirt: 280g/m² cotton Made in France, a tribute to the insular Mediterranean, perfect for a day of observation by the sea.
The new La Trinità T-shirt: the Corsican landscape trinity, embodied in a sober and strong piece.
The Corsica 1755 T-shirt: a tribute to Paoli, consistent with the spirit of French excellence embodied by the Corinthian.
The Corsica Shark Cap: essential for long hours of observation under the sun.
The Corsican Bandana: a versatile, discreet, and signature accessory.

The Corinthian and TAFANELLI share the same approach: rejecting mediocrity, refusing to compromise on quality, and avoiding mass production. We manufacture in France, in small batches, using demanding materials. The Corinthian is built in France, as a unique edition, with unprecedented technology. This kinship is not incidental. It is that of contemporary French excellence.

To learn more about our manufacturing codes, consult our editorial manifesto of the TAFANELLI T-shirt.