Silenseas - the largest sailing yacht in history

History behind the scenes

The concept itself is inspired by the legendary Orient Express, a luxury passenger train operated by the private company Orient-Express Hotels, which ran between Paris and Istanbul. The company that decided to create its own variation of the Orient Express is Accor. Accor is the largest hotel operator in the world and has been operating since 1967.

Initially, the giant sailing liner had the name Orient Express, but the name has recently been added to it by another name - Silenseas. Yes, yes, the full name of the sailboat will sound like Orient Express Silenseas.

The concept of the then just giant sailing yacht Silenseas was developed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique. The concept was shown in 2018, and Accor recently announced a collaboration with Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Among other things, the hotel operator announced that he plans to order two Orient Express Silenseas! The yacht is due to be launched in 2026.

The collaboration includes some as yet unannounced layout revisions and technical innovations. In total, several large companies are involved in the creation of this amazing giant. In addition to Accor and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the French company Stirling Design International will also have a hand in the project - it will work on an updated exterior design.

Renowned French naval architect Maxime D'Angac will oversee the remodeling and interior decorating of Orient Express Silenseas. By the way, remember we talked about the original Orient Express train? So, it is also planned to be launched along a slightly changed route again in its luxury splendor! This should happen in 2025. D'Anjac will also take part in the design of the train.

Specifications Silenseas

Now the fun part! What kind of animal is this - Orient Express Silenseas? The beast is very large and moderately innovative. So, let's start with its dimensions. In length Silenseas will have an impressive 220 meters. After launching, the liner yacht should become the largest in the world, overtaking sailing yacht A. 

It is clear that such a colossus is problematic to set in motion with classic sails. Therefore, instead of them, Silenseas will install the Solidsail system - an analogue of the system Wingsail. The yacht will have three huge masts over 90 meters high. These masts will carry three large rigid sails of 465 m2 each.

According to preliminary analysis of mathematical models, these sails are able to provide the 100% with the necessary propulsion for such a hulk. Thanks to this, it was possible (for now) to abandon prohibitively large and heavy engines. So far, Silenseas is positioned as an eco-friendly yacht with a minimum emission limit. As will be further - we'll see. 

There will still be engines on board, but they will be hybrid. They must run on liquefied natural gas and will pollute the atmosphere less than classic diesel engines.

Facilities and interior of Silenseas

As we have said, the creators are inspired by the classic interior and luxury of the Orient Express train. On board there will be 54 spacious luxury cabins, the area of one will be 69 m2. If you are interested in the area of the master cabin (although it’s more like an “apartment”), then its area is no less amazing than the dimensions of the yacht - almost 1400 square meters! Among other things, this apartment has its own balcony, which will have an area of 529 m2.

In addition, there will be two large swimming pools, two large restaurants and a bar on board. Well, where on such a luxurious superyacht without a spa, meditation rooms and much more. If you are a lover of high art (and there will definitely be such among visitors and vacationers), then Silenseas also has something to offer. So, on board there will be a whole amphitheater for performances by the theater and musicians, as well as a whole recording studio. At this point, our jaws dropped.

The yacht will become part of the Accor business family and the Orient Express hotel business. In total, there will be space for 120 passengers on board the liner. The Silenseas routes are the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. 

New stunning projects?

The Silenseas have not yet been launched, as other grandiose plans are already being prepared. Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor says: “With Orient Express Silenseas, we are entering an important new chapter in our history. The experience, excellence and luxury of traveling on the legendary Orient Express will be available on the water as well. Now, in addition to the beauties of continental Europe, people will be able to see the most beautiful and enchanting seas of the planet!

Our offspring is exceptional in every way, and above all it is an exceptional sailboat with a rich history. Unsurpassed service, exquisite design and high-class service will remind you of the golden age of legendary sea cruising.”

In addition to Accor, a number of other famous hotel brands are preparing to become part of the maritime industry. Among them are Ritz Carlton, Belmond, Aman and Four Seasons. All of them opened their own floating hotels. But it is Accor who wants to have time to create the first full-fledged cruise line of yachts. Immediately after the first Orient Express Silenseas in 2026, its twin brother is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2027. Booking tickets and rooms for the first Orient Express Silenseas will be open already in 2024!

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13.01.2023