PONANT Explorations Group has unveiled its latest brand, PONANT Yachting, alongside the addition of a new vessel to its fleet.
The group has ordered the Spirit of Ponant II, a Lagoon-built catamaran, which will be based in French Polynesia when she joins the fleet in late 2026. This will be the company’s 22nd ship.
“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,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT Explorations Group. “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.”
PONANT Yachting was launched in 2024 with a focus on luxury catamaran sailings. Each vessel carries between nine and 12 guests, with a four-person crew delivering itineraries, gastronomy, excursions and water activities including paddleboarding, snorkelling and wing foiling.
By the end of 2026, the brand will operate three catamarans – the Spirit of Ponant, La Désirade and the Spirit of Ponant II – sailing in destinations such as the Mediterranean, Seychelles, Caribbean and Polynesia.
The Spirit of Ponant II belongs to Lagoon’s new EIGHTY 2 series and is being built in France. Sailoé will support its operations across the destinations offered. The project also reinforces collaboration between PONANT Explorations Group, Lagoon, the Bénéteau Group and Sailoé.
PONANT Yachting is the company’s fourth commercial brand, joining PONANT Explorations, Paul Gauguin Cruises and Aqua Expeditions.