Le Ponant. Photography by Nathalie Michel. PONANT is set to take luxury expeditions at sea to another level next year, recently announcing the iconic 32 guest, three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant for the 2023 Kimberley season. Since 1988, PONANT has created a new style of cruising, through a unique blend of pioneering spirit, French-inspired hospitality, and a commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Commencing operations in April 2023, Le Ponant will join the company’s two other small luxury expedition ships Le Lapérouse and Le Soléal, already present in the region.
The Le Ponant sailing experience has been meticulously crafted in an extensive and exclusive partnership with Australia’s prestigious Paspaley Group. Led by PONANT’s world-renowned expedition and destination experts, guests will be able to experience a breathtaking sailing environment as well as shore landings on state-of-the-art Zodiac boats. To add to the unique experience, an exclusive and private scenic flight onboard one of Paspaley’s vintage Grumman Mallard flying boats will take guests from or to their embarkation point, as well as private access to Paspaley’s pearl operations in Kuri Bay.
Having been entirely renovated with a sleek, sophisticated design by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio, Le Ponant provides guests with an intimate setting – there are only 16 staterooms for a maximum of 32 guests. The yacht offers an invitation to sail and experience the wonders of the world on a journey that combines voyage and eco-responsibility.
Le Ponant reflects PONANT’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism. Now fitted with the latest technical innovations, the ambition to reduce Le Ponant’s emissions is more relevant than ever. Every element has been thoroughly thought through with meticulous attention to detail and a strong emphasis on tailoring the experience to the destination and focusing on local heritage. Everything has been designed with environmental and cultural protection in mind.
The new itineraries onboard Le Ponant will be available for booking later in May 2022, along with a selection of pre- and post-land arrangements, including El Questro, Berkeley River Lodge and Broome accommodation. These will be combined with 7-14 night luxury sailing experiences from April to October 2023 in the Northern and Southern Kimberley regions.
