The sailing ship Le Ponant has been completely renovated and has returned to the sea after a makeover that lasted several months in the shipyards of San Giorgio del Porto (Italy).
In addition to offering a private environment, the yacht is packed with cutting-edge eco-responsible innovations. After offering an exclusive collection of Mediterranean itineraries this summer, Le Ponant is sailing towards the Seychelles, where it will spend the winter, before arriving in Australia in spring 2023.
Thirty years after its launch, Le Ponant has been transformed to offer its guests a unique travel experience. Following a complete renovation, the ship now accommodates only 30 guests and an equal number of crew members. The elegant and refined layout was designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel and Sterling Design International to create a sense of luxury, privacy, and tranquility, making guests feel as if they are on their own private sailboat.
The four passenger decks offer 16 spacious cabins. The public areas have been renovated so guests can fully enjoy the panoramic gourmet restaurant, recharge in the spa, wellness area, or gym, or relax on the sundeck in an atmosphere of tranquil contemplation. Guests have direct access to the sea from the stern of the marina for swimming or participating in a wide range of activities such as fishing, snorkeling, glass-bottom kayaking, or taking an underwater electric scooter out, to name a few.
In line with the company's policy, Le Ponant reflects a continued commitment to more responsible tourism. The sailing ship is equipped with all the latest technologies to optimize emissions reduction: connection to the electrical grid when available in ports, use of sails, an innovative SCR filtration system to eliminate fine particles and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%, waste sorting, and state-of-the-art wastewater treatment. All guest experiences have been designed to help protect the environment and heritage, such as non-motorized water sports and individual or small-group disembarkations in ports of call, with the aim of respecting the local heritage.
“Le Ponant has been restored to its former glory while setting new standards for eco-responsible sailing,” says Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT. “On board Le Ponant, everyone can reconnect with nature and their own inspirations, living out their dreams with the wind. We are proud to extend this invitation to travel by sea to new, secluded, and little-known destinations.”
Le Ponant offers its guests the ultimate luxury of stretching time and an invitation to enjoy authentic experiences and privileged moments close to nature. Sailing is the preferred mode of travel. On board, an expedition leader and naturalist guides are eager to share their knowledge of the flora and fauna, with a keen eye always ready to discover unusual treasures at sea and during port calls.
Le Ponant sets sail once again on legendary routes with lesser-known ports of call, offering tailor-made itineraries off the beaten track. For winter 2022-23, the yacht heads to the Seychelles and then to the Kimberley region of Australia for spring 2023.
