PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP Introduces New Brand – PONANT YACHTING
by Dori Saltzman
The Spirit of Ponant. Photo: Antoine Le Guen – Aix Production
PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is launching a third brand – PONANT YACHTING – and adding to its yacht fleet with the order of a new catamaran, the Spirit of Ponant II, which will be based fulltime in French Polynesia.
“With the acquisition of the Spirit of Ponant II, the 22nd ship in the fleet, we are expanding our offering in the luxury sailing segment,” said Hervé Gastinel, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP’s CEO. “We are developing a unique world, where each experience is tailor-made: itineraries, gastronomy, excursions and more.”
“This strategy is also embodied in the launch of our new brand, PONANT YACHTING, which combines the intimate experience of sailing with the sophisticated and personalized services of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP voyages. This strengthens our unique portfolio of brands in the cruise industry.”
PONANT Yachting, the group said, is targeted at a “more family-oriented customer base and groups of friends.”
The PONANT Group first dipped its toe into the yachting segment in 2024 with the launch of tailor-made voyages aboard the luxury catamaran Spirit of Ponant. Sailings with PONANT YACHTING come with the services of a crew of four (Captain, first mate, chef, and hostess), as well as an all-inclusive experience including personalized activities, dining, a selection of wines and cocktails, and a wide range of nautical activities such as standup paddle boarding, snorkeling, water skiing, wing foiling, underwater scooters, and more.
By late 2026, PONANT YACHTING will operate a fleet of three catamarans: the Spirit of Ponant, La Désirade, and the Spirit of Ponant II, each with a capacity of nine to 12 guests.
Built in France, the Spirit of Ponant II will be a catamaran in the brand-new Lagoon EIGHTY 2 series, a top-of-the-range yacht measuring almost 82 feet long and 36 feet wide.
Accommodating up to 10 guests, it features five double staterooms and 4,596 square feet of living space. It will be available exclusively for full private charter, from €64,000 / USD $ 74,930 (excluding flights and variable costs – mainly fuel, dining and drinks).
The maiden voyage will take place in late 2026.
