Le Ponant hoists sails again and reinvents travel by sea
The sailing yacht Le Ponant which started it all for the company has been totally renovated. She is back to the sea after a makeover which lasted several months at the San Giorgio del Porto yard in Italy. As well as providing a remarkably private setting, the yacht is packed with cutting edge eco-responsible innovations. After having offered an exclusive collection of itineraries in the Mediterranean this summer, Le Ponant is sailing to the Seychelles where she will spend the winter, before arriving in Australia for spring 2023.
This is an invitation to go sailing, to recharge the batteries on voyages that respect the world around us, where privacy and exploring with others go hand in hand with eco-responsibility. Discover Le Ponant in video.
When luxury and privacy combine with the magic of travel and eco-responsible navigation
Thirty years after her launch, Le Ponant has been transformed to provide guests with a unique travel experience. After undergoing a complete renovation, the ship now accommodates just 30 guests and as many crew. The sleek, refined layout was designed by the Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel and Sterling Design International to create a sense of luxury, privacy and tranquillity that makes guests feel as if they are on their own private sailing yacht.
The four passenger decks provide 16 spacious staterooms. The 60m2 Owner’s Suite, on the upper deck ‘Zephyr’ has a private balcony. The common areas have been refitted to allow guests to fully enjoy the panoramic gastronomic restaurant, to re-energise in the spa, wellness area or gym, or relax in the solarium in an ambiance of quiet contemplation. Guests have direct access to the sea from the marina aft to swim or take part in a host of activities such as fishing, snorkelling, glass bottomed kayaking or taking out an electric underwater scooter, to name a few.
In line with the company’s policy, Le Ponant reflects an ongoing commitment to a more responsible tourism. The sailing ship is equipped with all the latest technologies to optimise emissions reduction: connecting to electricity grids where available in ports, using the sails, an innovative SCR filter system to eliminate fine particles and cut nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%, sorting waste and latest generation wastewater treatment. Every guest experience has been thought through to help protect the environment and heritage, such as non-motorised watersports and individual or small-group landings at ports of call with the focus on local heritage.
“Le Ponant has regained her splendour and more, while setting new eco-responsible navigation standards,” says Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT. “Aboard LePonant, the jewel in our fleet’s crown, everyone can reconnect with nature and their own inspirations, as they live out their desires following the wind. We are proud to extend this invitation to travel by sea to new secluded, little-known destinations.”
Far from the madding crowd, Le Ponant offers guests the ultimate luxury of stretching time and an invitation to enjoy authentic experiences and moments of rare privilege close to nature. Being under sail is the preferred mode of travel. On board, an expedition leader and naturalist guides are eager to share their knowledge of the fauna and flora with a sharp eye always out to discover unusual treasures at sea and during ports of call.
Depending on the destination there are yoga sessions at sunrise or sunset and meditation, as well as introductory sessions to scuba diving or bike rides. And of course, the day-to-day pleasure of enjoying exquisite cuisine based on locally sourced ingredients. Aboard Le Ponant, every detail has been included to offer a timeless experience, a voyage that awakens all the senses within a bubble of exploration at its most authentic.
- 2022-23 programme of exclusive itineraries - Le Ponant sets sail again on legendary routes with hard-to-find little known ports of call, offering tailor-made itineraries off the beaten track. For Winter 2022-23, the yacht heads for the Seychelles then on to the Kimberley region in Australia for spring 2023. Services are initially offered in English for this destination, yet 5 departures will also offer them in French.
- The Seychelles under the trade winds - Mahé – Mahé, 11 sailings, 22 November 2022 to 20 February 2023, 10 days – 9 nights, from €10,200 – Find more about these cruises
- Kimberley Sailing Expedition aboard Le Ponant - 24 sailings, 6 April to 30 September 2023, from €9,490 – Find out more about these cruises
ABOUT PONANT
Explore to Inspire: explore to better understand, learn, share and protect. PONANT has been committed to more responsible tourism, and purposeful voyages of exploration for over 35 years. Aboard a fleet of 14 French-flagged small ships, fitted with the latest environmental technologies, the journey of exploration is always elegant, authentic and inspiring. For more information www.ponant.com.
