New Le Ponant sets sail

ANTICIPATION continues to build towards next year’s Australian deployment of Ponant Cruises’ three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant, which has emerged from several months of renovation at the San Giorgio del Porto shipyard in Italy.

The massive makeover has seen the newly imagined ship transformed to now accommodate just 32 guests, with a 1:1 passenger to crew ratio.

The vessel previously carried 64 passengers, with the newly refined layout created by Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel and Sterling Design International aiming to “create a sense of luxury, privacy and tranquillity that makes guests feel as if they are on their own private sailing yacht”.

Ponant CEO Herve Gastinel said “Le Ponant has regained her splendour and more, while setting new eco-responsible navigation standards”.

“Aboard Le Ponant, 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.”

The sailing ship is equipped with the latest technologies to optimise emissions, including the ability to connect to shore power, special filtration systems to eliminate fine particles and cut NOX emissions, advanced waste management and more - not to mention its ability to also operate under wind power.

The 16 spacious staterooms are spread across four passenger decks, while the common areas have been refitted to feature a “panoramic gastronomic restaurant” as well as a spa, wellness area & gym along with a relaxing sun lounge area.

Le Ponant will now undertake a series of itineraries in Greece and Croatia, before heading to the Seychelles for the southern hemisphere summer and then embarking on her Kimberley season which will run from Apr-Oct next year.