Top 12 Biggest Ships with Sails: Giants of Wind-Powered Seas

Discover the world’s top 12 biggest ships with sails – from traditional tall ships to cutting-edge wind-assisted cargo vessels. Explore how wind propulsion is redefining maritime sustainability in this engaging and insightful guide.

Sail power is making a comeback, but it never truly disappeared. From majestic historical tall ships to modern giants equipped with automated sails and rotor technologies, wind has remained one of the sea’s most faithful allies. Today, as the maritime industry faces pressure to decarbonise, some of the largest ships with sails are once again catching the global spotlight. Whether for nostalgia, cargo transport, or research, these massive wind-powered vessels offer an inspiring blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability.

Why Wind-Powered Ships Still Matter Today

The global shipping industry is responsible for nearly 3% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the IMO’s Fourth GHG Study (2020). With pressure mounting under the IMO’s 2023 GHG Strategy and EU regulations (like the FuelEU Maritime Initiative), wind propulsion has re-entered the maritime conversation as a viable emissions reduction solution.

Modern wind-assisted ships can reduce fuel use by up to 30%, according to DNV and IWSA (International Windship Association). Innovations such as rigid sails, rotor sails (Flettner rotors), and wing sails are being integrated into new builds and retrofits, showcasing a shift toward hybrid propulsion.

But large sailing ships are not just a sustainable curiosity. They are an embodiment of centuries-old maritime ingenuity fused with future-facing engineering. Let’s now explore 12 of the most impressive, largest sailing ships ever constructed or currently in operation.

The Top 12 Biggest Ships with Sails

1. Royal Clipper (439 ft / 134 m)

The world’s largest full-rigged sailing ship still in operation, Royal Clipper is inspired by the 1902 German windjammer Preussen. With five masts and 42 sails, she accommodates 227 passengers and offers a mix of cruise comfort and traditional sailing aesthetics.

  • Launched: 2000
  • Operator: Star Clippers
  • Flag: Malta
  • Purpose: Luxury sailing cruise

2. Black Pearl (350 ft / 106.7 m)

Built by Oceanco and delivered in 2018, Black Pearl is one of the largest and most innovative sailing yachts ever made. Her DynaRig sail system enables automated sail deployment, and she features regenerative power systems for onboard sustainability.

  • Owner: Private (rumoured to be Oleg Burlakov)
  • Sail Area: 2,900 m²
  • Notable Feature: Regenerative propulsion via under-sail turbines

3. Sailing Yacht A (468.5 ft / 142.8 m)

Designed by Philippe Starck and built by Nobiskrug, Sailing Yacht A is a futuristic hybrid sailing vessel owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko. With masts taller than Big Ben and a displacement of over 12,000 GT, it blends superyacht luxury with high-tech sail innovation.

  • Delivered: 2017
  • Height of Mast: 100 m
  • Cost: Over $500 million (approx.)

4. Maltese Falcon (289 ft / 88 m)

A trailblazer in DynaRig sail systems, Maltese Falcon features three free-standing rotating masts and 15 sails controlled by a single user interface. It transformed expectations for automation and sailing ease when launched in 2006.

  • Builder: Perini Navi
  • Speed under sail: Up to 24 knots
  • Previous Owner: Tom Perkins

5. KAIWO MARU II (361 ft / 110 m)

Japan’s training ship, Kaiwo Maru II, serves as a sailing school vessel for cadets. She can deploy 29 sails and is a familiar sight at tall ship festivals and maritime education events across the Pacific.

  • Built by: Sumitomo Heavy Industries
  • Crew Capacity: Over 190 (including trainees)
  • Flag: Japan

6. Dar Młodzieży (357 ft / 108.8 m)

Built in Poland in 1982 for maritime training, this tall ship continues to train merchant marine cadets and represent Poland in international sailing events.

  • Operator: Gdynia Maritime University
  • Masts: 3 full-rigged
  • Notable Voyages: Global circumnavigations

7. Flying Clipper (532 ft / 162.2 m)

Touted to be the largest sailing ship ever built by length, the Flying Clipper mirrors the France II in design. Though delayed and subject to ownership changes, it holds the record for projected tonnage and passenger sail capacity.

  • Shipyard: Brodosplit (Croatia)
  • Sail Area: 6,350 m²
  • Expected Capacity: 300+ passengers

8. SV Tenacious (213 ft / 65 m)

Operated by the Jubilee Sailing Trust, Tenacious is designed to be accessible for people of all physical abilities. It is the largest wooden tall ship built in the UK in over a century.

  • Launched: 2000
  • Crew: Mixed ability crew with volunteers
  • Material: Laminated wood and composite

9. Pelican of London (148 ft / 45.2 m)

Used extensively for sail training under the British charity Seafarers UK, Pelican of London is a classic sail vessel now upgraded with modern equipment.

  • Built: 1948, refitted in 2007
  • Educational Focus: Youth marine education

10. Canopée (397 ft / 121 m)

A groundbreaking hybrid cargo ship, Canopée is fitted with four massive articulated wingsails designed by AYRO. She was launched to support the Ariane 6 space programme by transporting heavy rocket components.

  • Delivered: 2023
  • Operator: Jifmar Guyane
  • Technology: Oceanwings® automated sails

11. Vindskip (Concept, ~750 ft / 229 m projected)

While not yet built, Vindskip is a visionary concept from Norway featuring a unique aerodynamic hull designed to act like a vertical sail. It integrates LNG-electric propulsion with wind assistance for significant emissions reductions.

  • Developer: Lade AS
  • Fuel Savings: Estimated up to 60%
  • CO2 Emissions Cut: Up to 80% potential

12. Michel Desjoyeaux’s MOD70 Trimaran Fleet

Not container vessels by any means, these racing trimarans represent some of the largest multihull sailing machines used in ocean racing. They consistently break transatlantic and circumnavigation records while showcasing the extremes of wind-powered engineering.

  • Length: ~70 ft / 21 m
  • Speed Potential: 40+ knots
  • Use Case: Extreme sports and sailing technology testing

How Wind-Sail Technologies Are Reshaping Cargo Shipping

It’s not just about nostalgic romance with the sea. Wind propulsion is now being considered as a commercially viable supplement to traditional engine power. According to the International Windship Association (2023), over 30 large commercial vessels are now fitted with wind-assist systems, ranging from rotor sails to kite rigs.

Notably, companies like Cargill, NYK Line, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen are actively investing in wind-powered retrofits and newbuilds. Classification societies such as Lloyd’s Register and DNV are already issuing performance certifications for wind-assist tech.

Case Study: Wallenius’ Oceanbird Project

Oceanbird is a bold project under development that aims to create a car carrier capable of reducing emissions by up to 90% using five giant telescoping wingsails. Although it hasn’t yet been launched, the prototype Orcelle Wind is expected to revolutionise maritime design.

  • Length: ~200 metres
  • Cargo Capacity: 7,000 cars
  • First Delivery Expected: Late 2026

Challenges and Realities of Building Large Sailing Ships

While the momentum is growing, wind propulsion still faces hurdles:

  • Initial Capital Cost: Flettner rotors or rigid sails can cost several million USD per installation.
  • Structural Integration: Retrofitting existing ships with sails can be challenging due to space and balance issues.
  • Port Compatibility: Larger masts must be factored into berth arrangements and bridge clearances.
  • Crew Training: Even with automation, wind propulsion systems require familiarisation and onboard competency.

Despite these barriers, regulatory trends, public interest, and green finance are nudging the sector forward. Hybrid solutions appear to be the most realistic short- to medium-term path.

FAQ

What is the biggest sailing ship in the world today?
The Royal Clipper is currently the largest full-rigged sailing ship in operation.

Are modern wind-powered cargo ships fully sail-driven?
No. Most use hybrid systems where wind-assist tech complements traditional engines.

How efficient are wind propulsion systems?
Depending on conditions, wind-assist can reduce fuel consumption by 10–30%, with some advanced systems promising more.

Are sailing ships still used for commercial cargo?
Yes. Several modern vessels like Canopée and concept ships like Oceanbird are designed specifically for commercial use.

Do sail-powered ships reduce CO2?
Yes. When effectively used, wind propulsion significantly reduces fuel usage and associated CO2 emissions.

Conclusion

From history’s mighty tall ships to tomorrow’s wing-sailed giants, the biggest ships with sails showcase humanity’s evolving relationship with the sea. In today’s climate-sensitive shipping world, their importance is more than symbolic. These vessels serve as technological beacons, blending aesthetics, engineering, and environmental responsibility. Whether you are a maritime student, sailor, or shipowner, keeping an eye on the wind might just be the smartest move in navigating the future.

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