Yachting Art Magazine

In line with its premium positioning, Ponant Explorations Group is strengthening its offering for lovers of intimate cruising and exceptional sailing trips. This dynamic is reflected in the creation of Ponant Yachting, a new commercial brand that embodies discreet luxury, personalised itineraries and tailor-made service, while drawing on the group's recognised expertise.

At the same time, the group has ordered a new catamaran: the Spirit of Ponant II. Built by Lagoon, the world leader in pleasure sailing catamarans, this vessel will join the fleet at the end of 2026 and will be based in French Polynesia, a destination where Ponant already enjoys a solid reputation. This acquisition enriches Ponant Yachting's overall range of vessels, targeting an ultra-intimate experience for travellers seeking refinement, sailing and nature.

For more than 35 years, Ponant Explorations Group has distinguished itself as an international benchmark in luxury exploration cruises.

Operating mainly with small-capacity ships (less than 500 passengers), it offers authentic voyages, far from tourist routes, to iconic or off-the-beaten-track destinations. The group, owned by the French holding company Artémis (Pinault family), comprises three main brands: Ponant Explorations, Paul Gauguin Cruises and, more recently, Aqua Expeditions. These different entities share a strong commitment to responsible tourism, respect for the natural environment and the promotion of local cultures.

Launched in 2024, Ponant Yachting's offering is aimed at customers who want a personalised sea voyage, combining the advantages of sailing with the refinement of inclusive service and a family or friends atmosphere. The success of the Spirit of Ponant, the first vessel of its kind, has confirmed this segment as a growth area, both for private passengers and lovers of high-end sailing.

The typical crew consists of four people: captain, first mate, chef and cabin attendant. The service is all-inclusive: exclusive itineraries, personalised excursions, refined cuisine (with a selection of wines and cocktails) and a variety of water sports (paddleboarding, snorkelling, wing foiling, water skiing, etc.).

Comfort and attention to detail are an integral part of this experience.
By the end of 2026, the Ponant Yachting fleet will consist of three catamarans: Spirit of Ponant, La Désirade and Spirit of Ponant II, with a capacity of between 9 and 12 passengers depending on the vessel. Each ship will provide access to exclusive anchorages while sailing in prestigious regions such as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Seychelles and Polynesia.

Spirit of Ponant II: features and pricing

The Spirit of Ponant II belongs to the Lagoon EIGHTY 2 series, a high-end catamaran model measuring nearly 25 metres (24.97 m) long and 11 m wide. It will have five double cabins and approximately 427 m² of living space, designed to offer comfort, privacy and elegance. The vessel will only be available for private hire, at a base rate of €64,000 (excluding flights and variable costs such as fuel, catering and drinks).

Based in French Polynesia, it will offer tailor-made itineraries adapted to passengers' preferences and weather conditions. The focus will be on tranquillity, authentic discovery and the environment, with exclusive stopovers and immersive experiences.

A French partnership for a sustainable project

The Spirit of Ponant II is being built in France by Lagoon, part of the Bénéteau group, which is collaborating with Ponant on this type of project to combine nautical expertise, modern comfort and contemporary design. All operations will be supported by Sailoé at the destinations involved.

This partnership, along with the high construction standards, underlines the group's commitment to responsible French-style tourism, combining luxury, respect for the environment and a unique travel experience.

Vision, ambitions and market positioning

With this strategy, Ponant Explorations Group is affirming its multiple ambitions:

• To consolidate its position in the luxury sailing cruise segment by offering more intimate experiences than large expedition ships.
• To meet the needs of a demanding clientele that wants quality, personalisation, exceptional services and respect for the environment.
• To strengthen its presence in flagship or exotic destinations, while maintaining consistency in its offering, service and well-being on board.

Hervé Gastinel, President of the group, sums it up: "With the acquisition of the Spirit of Ponant II..., we are expanding our offering in the luxury sailing segment for intimate, refined and responsible travel. We are developing a world of our own..."

Challenges and prospects to watch

While the strategy is ambitious and attractive, several points deserve attention:

• The cost of complete privatisation, all-inclusive, remains high, which restricts access to a limited clientele.
• The logistical challenges of operating in remote areas such as Polynesia place high demands on maintenance, supplies and local skills.
• Criteria such as sustainability, environmental impact and expectations in terms of social responsibility are becoming increasingly important; maintaining these standards will be crucial.