That’s the Spirit

Spirit of Ponant, Ponant’s new catamaran, sets sail this European summer.

Photography by ©PONANT - Nicolas Claris

06 May 2024

The latest addition to Ponant’s fleet is the Spirit of Ponant, a 24-metre maxi-catamaran with six staterooms offering a unique sailing experience.

With up to 12 guests and four crew including a chef, the Spirit of Ponant combines the pleasures of sailing with all the refinements and personalised service that are the hallmarks of Ponant voyages.

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

“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.”

With this catamaran, Ponant is adding another string to its bow of offers in exclusive intimate settings. A bold and innovative move that confirms the company’s commitment to more responsible tourism and its historic attachment to sailing.

Spirit of PONANT offers an intimate voyage with a maximum of 12 guests on board.

The Lagoon Seventy 7 yacht boasts spacious interior and exterior areas.

Built in France, the Spirit of Ponant promises an immersive experience, sailing to some of the world’s most beautiful islands. The yacht is being launched in June 2024 and will spend the summer in Corsica, France, before heading 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,” explains Guillaume Le Brec, expert in ship routing and propulsion at Ponant and the experienced skipper in charge of this project.

“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. Guests will appreciate the high-end finishings as much as her exceptional sailing qualities,” adds the highly experienced skipper.

An intimate voyage with a maximum of 12 guests on board. A dedicated crew includes the captain, a chef selected by Ponant, one seaman and the personal services of a steward as befits the signature service of excellence aboard all Ponant vessels. The itinerary is developed based on the captain’s recommendations and what the guests would like to do for an intimate and personalised experience.

Ponants gastronomy, wine cellar and signature cocktails, room service, nautical activities (paddleboarding, wakeboarding, snorkelling), all are included on these exceptional itineraries.

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

Spirit of Ponant - the 24-metre maxi-catamaran with six staterooms offers a unique sailing experience.

Sailings in the Seychelles (Mahé to Mahé) will open later this year and in 2025.

“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, seven-night cruises will start in Corsica from 13 July 2024, from Bonifacio to Bonifacio, followed by sailings in the Seychelles (Mahé to Mahé) later this year and in 2025. Prices start from AUD $12,400* per person.

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

*Subject to change, conditions apply.

ponant.com