Ponant adds 24m French maxi-catamaran to fleet

Ponant has added a French-built 24m maxi-catamaran with six staterooms to its fleet, adding a unique sailing experience for up to 12 guests and four crew, including a chef.

The Spirit of Ponant is set to combine the pleasures of sailing with all the refinements and personalised service.

“The Spirit of Ponant is a new expression of our pioneering spirit, as the travel format is a first in the luxury cruise sector,” Ponant CEO Hervé Gastinel said. 

“Our guests will experience what it is really like to be a sailor, including interacting with the captain to create a voyage that meets their desires and expectations. They will benefit from hidden away anchorages in magical places, while enjoying the high-end services for which Ponant is renowned.”

Spirit of Ponant destined for beautiful islands

The Ponant catamaran adds to the company’s commitment to more responsible and sustainable tourism and also its historic attachment to sailing. The Spirit of Ponant will head to some of the world’s most beautiful islands. It will be launched in June this year and will spend the summer in Corsica, France. It then heads to the Seychelles for winter 2025.

“Embarking on the Spirit of Ponant is to have an authentic experience of sailing at sea, with extremely easy access to the sea and water sports activities,” said Guillaume Le Brec, expert in ship routing and propulsion at Ponant. 

The highly-experienced skipper in charge of this project at the French company.

“The concept and design of this Lagoon Seventy 7 yacht has been praised by everyone in the industry, won over by the spacious interior and exterior areas,” he said. “Guests will really appreciate the high-end finishings as much as her exceptional sailing qualities.”

A sail with Spirit of Ponant will be an intimate experience with a maximum of 12 guests on board, plus a dedicated crew of the captain, a chef, one seaman and the personal services of a steward.

Itinerary recommended by the the captain

The itinerary is based on the Captain’s recommendations and what the guests would like to do. Ponant dining, wine cellar and signature cocktails, room service, nautical activities (such as paddleboarding, wakeboarding, snorkelling), are all included on the itineraries.

“It is with great pride we announce the acquisition of our new vessel, the Spirit of Ponant,” says Chris Hall, Ponant CEO Asia Pacific & Special Advisor. “This sublime intimate vessel further exemplifies Ponant commitment to influencing and contributing to a more sustainable type of tourism.”

“At the heart of Ponant’s ethos is the ambition to provide a world-leading experience to each of one our guests, no matter which vessel is chosen, or exploration is undertaken. Spirit of Ponant is a direct testament of that and we can’t wait to host our guests for a trip of a lifetime.”

During this year’s European summer, 7-night cruises will start in Corsica from July 13, 2024, from Bonifacio to Bonifacio. That will be followed by sailings in the Seychelles (Mahé to Mahé) later this year and in 2025. Prices start from AU$12,400 per person.

The full deployment of itineraries and price lists will be announced later this month for booking.