PONANT EXPLORATIONS has announced the launch of PONANT YACHTING, a new commercial brand focused on delivering sailing experiences that blend small-scale luxury with personalized service. The announcement comes as the company places an order for a new catamaran, the Spirit of Ponant II, which is scheduled to join the fleet in late 2026.
The new vessel, built in France by Lagoon, is part of the Lagoon EIGHTY 2 series and will be based in French Polynesia. Measuring nearly 80 feet in length, the catamaran will feature five double staterooms accommodating up to 10 guests. The Spirit of Ponant II will be available for full private charter, excluding flights and variable costs.
PONANT Expands Luxury Sailing Portfolio
“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 for intimate, sophisticated and responsible voyages. We are developing a unique world, where each experience is tailor-made: itineraries, gastronomy, excursions and more,” confirmed Herve Gastinel, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP’s CEO, in a media statement. “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 personalised services of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP voyages.”
By the end of 2026, PONANT YACHTING will operate three catamarans—Spirit of Ponant, La Désirade and Spirit of Ponant II—each designed to host between nine and 12 guests. Destinations will include the Mediterranean, Seychelles, Caribbean and Polynesia, offering access to secluded anchorages and itineraries tailored to weather conditions and guest preferences.
A four-person crew, including a captain, first mate, chef and hostess, will oversee each sailing. Guests will have access to an all-inclusive experience that incorporates refined dining, curated wine and cocktail selections, elevated menu offerings and a variety of water-based activities, such as paddleboarding, snorkeling, wing foiling and inflatable dinghy sailing.
The expansion follows the successful introduction of the Spirit of Ponant and reflects PONANT’s strategy to broaden its appeal to family-oriented travelers and small groups seeking exclusive sailing options within the luxury travel market.
For more information, visit us.ponant.com.
