LE PONANT | 1990

Best for: multi-generational groups seeking genuine expedition sailing, with adventurous groups of friends a close second.

LE PONANT is an 84-metre three-masted sailing yacht, rebuilt from the hull up so that every suite, deck and fitting is effectively new, and she carries 34 crew to look after just 32 guests across 16 large cabins. The standout: her rigging uses giant hydraulic rams to trim the sails, meaning the vast deck areas stay clear of running rigging and guests can sit, watch, and feel her move silently under sail. Captain Pascal Goger and his crew make every effort to sail rather than motor, which on a vessel this size is a rare and memorable thing.

The crew includes a French Executive Chef supported by a full galley team of five, an Expedition Leader, an expert Naturalist, a Beautician and a Sports Coach, which tells you exactly who this boat is built for: groups who want serious exploration wrapped in genuine comfort. Four expedition Zodiacs (each carrying up to ten passengers) are designed for real coastline exploration, backed by kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, convertible SUP and windsurf boards, underwater sea scooters, a jellyfish pool and full SCUBA equipment with qualified crew on hand. Itineraries cover the Kimberley coast of northern Australia, Indonesia and Papua, places that rarely come with this level of space and service.