Growth of luxury yachting sector ‘excellent news’, says Orient Express boss

The growth of the luxury yachting sector is “excellent news”, according to Orient Express’ president of sailing yachts.

Speaking to Aspire, Philippe Heltland-Brault said: “It’s excellent news that Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Aman, together with Orient Express sailing yachts, are paving the way together for a new category.”

He was speaking on board the group’s first sailing yacht Orient Express Corinthian, which was baptised in France yesterday (April 29).

Despite a growing number of brands launching luxury vessels, Heltland-Brault remains confident Orient Express will be able to “differentiate” itself.

He said: “We identified just after Covid this design for a sustainable sailing yacht, so what would differentiate us is the sails.

“The capacity of combining hybrid mode and sometimes sailing only, that’s clearly one of the differences.”

The vessel is said to be the world’s largest sailing yacht, with three rigs able to deliver 100% wind-powered propulsion in favourable conditions.

Heltland-Brault also said that, with a maximum capacity of 130 passengers over 54 suites, the yacht’s size suits those accustomed to yachting but seeking a larger-scale experience.

“We are closer to yachting than cruising,” he said. “We share clients with the yachting [sector] and we have that privatisation [option].”

The unveiling of Orient Express’ first yacht follows the launch of the inaugural vessel from Four Seasons last month, and comes as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection gears up to debut its third ship in July.

Amangati, the maiden vessel in Aman Group’s luxury yacht arm, is also scheduled to set sail next year.