The Orient Express Corinthian showed off its tiltable sails system during a recent visit to the Port of Lisbon.

Considered the world’s largest sailing cruise ship, the 15,000-ton vessel is equipped with three 1,500-square-meter rigs that rise over 100 meters above its top deck.

Christened at the French port of St. Nazaire in late April, the new ship visited the Portuguese port earlier this month as part of its inaugural cruise.

While approaching the Lisbon Cruise Terminal, the Corinthian lowered its sails, allowing it to successfully pass under the 25 de Abril Bridge. The bridge has a 70-meter aircraft clearance for ships.

Designed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the unique tiltable system of the Corinthian is said to allow the rigs to be positioned nearly horizontally.

The feature was designed to enable the vessel to easily pass under bridges in Europe and other destinations.

As the first ship in the Orient Express Sailing Yachts fleet, the Corinthian’s sails use Chantiers’ SolidSail concept.

According to the shipyard, the product was created to allow for cleaner operations and features rigid, high-performance carbon fiber, foldable sails.

The rigs allow the vessel to operate 100 percent on wind power and have a 360-degree rotation capability, ensuring optimal sail positioning regardless of the ship’s heading or wind direction.

During sea trials, the Corinthian reached 12 knots using solely its sails, which can also be used to assist the vessel’s LNG-powered main engines.

After being delivered in late April, the Corinthian embarked on its maiden voyage on May 2, 2026. Sailing from St. Nazaire to Marseille, the cruise will be followed by an inaugural season in the Mediterranean.

Designed to offer an experience that blends romance and sustainability, the 108-passenger vessel will offer itineraries to destinations in the French Riviera, the Adriatic and more.

Photos: Rui Minas Agostinho