Three-Masted Le Ponant To Return Next Month After Complete Refit

27 July, 2022

Ponant will debut the three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant following a refurbishment by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio. In August 2022, the 288-foot yacht will relaunch in the Mediterranean with 10 departures and three new itineraries, followed by winter 2022-23 in the Seychelles and summer 2023 in western Australia's Kimberley region.

The intimate vessel offers access to less-traveled sites and new ports of calls. Outfitted with the latest environmental innovations including a SCR filter system that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent, Le Ponant represents Ponant’s commitment toward responsible tourism. Other sustainability-centered initiatives include non-motorized water-based activities, individual and small-group disembarkations only, an emphasis on local, organic products and periods of sailing using just wind power.

The first voyage will depart on August 14 with a seven-night itinerary along Croatia’s coastline, from Dubrovnik via the Bay of Kotor, on to the Adriatic islands of Mljet, Korčula, Vis, Hvar, Brač, Šipan and Lopud. Activities include wine tasting, traditional sword dance performances, visits with local artists, diving excursions to World War II shipwrecks and a tour of the oldest fishing port in the Adriatic.

In August, Le Ponant will depart on a seven-day island-hopping journey around Greece. Beginning in Dubrovnik, the yacht will set sail toward the Ionian and Aegean seas, stopping in the islands of Paxos, which is only available to smaller ships; Kefalonia, characterized by limestone cliffs and white sand beaches; the fortified peninsula of Monemvasia, in the southeastern Peloponnese; and Kythnos, one of the region’s lesser-known islands with over 100 beaches.

In September, Le Ponant will circle around Greece’s Cycladic islands on an eight-day itinerary beginning and ending in Athens. Guests will enjoy access to exclusive ports of call on Tinos, Polyaigos, Folegandros, Monemvasia, Kythnos and Spetses.

New for this year is “The Seychelles Under the Trade Winds” itinerary, with 11 departures on Le Ponant during the 2022-2023 season. Sailing roundtrip from Mahé, the nine-night journey explores a new island each day, including two new ports of call for Ponant—the African Banks north of the Amirante Islands and Thérèse Island, both of which are uninhabited and will be available to guests for the day. An on-board expedition leader, a trio of naturalist guides and a free dive instructor will be on hand to lead excursions on the Seychelles. Activities include scuba diving, free diving initiation, sunrise and sunset yoga, meditation, paddle boarding, snorkeling and outings in glass-bottomed kayaks.

In summer 2023, Le Ponant will set sail for Australia’s northwest with 26 departures to Kimberley’s coast. The Kimberley is a vast, remote region with waterfalls, white sand beaches, mangrove forests, rugged sandstone gorges and the largest population of migrating humpback whales in the world. Zodiac boats will enable guests to reach hard-to-access points, while an exclusive partnership with the Paspaley Group will offer private flights onboard a vintage Grumman Mallard flying boat to whisk guests to or from their embarkation/disembarkation point. Guests can opt to explore the Northern or Southern Kimberley Coast.

With just 16 staterooms and suites accommodating a maximum of 32 guests, Le Ponant offers a 1-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio. Cabins are spread over three decks, each with large windows overlooking the sea. Guests can relax on the sun lounge looking up to the white sails, take a dip in the saltwater pool, order a drink from the outdoor bar and enjoy organic dishes at Le Diamant. The wellness space offers Biologique Recherche treatments; daily yoga sessions are held on the deck.

For more information, visit us.ponant.com.

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