VIDEO: Sailing yacht Le Ponant emerges after makeover at Italy's San Giorgio del Porto yard

   October 31, 2022 ,   Cruise Industry

The sailing yacht Le Ponant has been totally renovated

The Ponant Cruises' vessel is back to sea after a makeover that lasted several months at Italy's San Giorgio del Porto yard.

As well as providing a private setting, the luxurious yacht is packed with cutting-edge eco-responsible innovations. Following an exclusive collection of Mediterranean itineraries this summer, Le Ponant is sailing to the Seychelles where she is scheduled to spend the winter, prior to arriving in Australia for spring 2023.

30 years after her launch, the yacht has been transformed to provide passengers with a unique travel experience. Following a complete renovation, the vessel now accommodates just 30 passengers and as many crew members. The refined layout was designed by Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel & Sterling Design International to create a sense of privacy, tranquillity, and luxury that makes vacationers feel as if they are on their own private sailing yacht.

The 4 passenger decks provide a total of 16 spacious staterooms. The 60 m2 Owner’s Suite, on the upper ‘Zephyr’ deck has a private balcony. The common areas were refitted to allow passengers to fully enjoy the panoramic gastronomic restaurant, to re-energize in the spa, wellness area, or gym, and relax in the solarium. Guests have direct access to the sea from the marina to swim/take part in a host of activities like fishing, snorkeling, taking out an electric underwater scooter, or glass-bottomed kayaking.

2022-2023 program includes exclusive itineraries off the beaten track. In Winter 2022-2023, the yacht is heading for Seychelles and then on to Australia's Kimberley region for spring 2023. Services are offered in English for this destination, but 5 departures will also offer them in French.

The 9-night "The Seychelles under the Trade Winds Cruise" itinerary (roundtrip from Victoria/Mahe Island) visits African Banks, Alphonse Islands, Poivre Islands, Therese Island, Curieuse Island, Aride Island, Grande Soeur Island (Big Sister Island), Praslin Island and La Digue Island. Le Ponant's Seychelles program has 11x sailings (November 22, 2022, thru February 20, 2023). Prices start from EUR 10200 pp with double occupancy.

Kimberley Sailing Expedition aboard Le Ponant (24 sailings from April 6 to September 30, 2023) prices start from EUR 9490 pp.