The Company was created in April 1988. Le Ponant, three-masts sailing ship of 32 cabins, built by the French Company of Shipbuilding (SFCN) according to plans drawn by Michel BIGOIN (also designer of "Le Phocea") was delivered in May 1991.

Another important stage in the history of the Compagnie du Ponant was the building of a new ship, Le Levant, which started in December 1996. Le Levant was delivered in November 1998 and was inaugurated by Mrs Bernadette CHIRAC (wife of former French President Jacques CHIRAC). Le Levant is an upscale 100-meter long yacht with 45 outside cabins.

In 2004, the company acquired Le Diamant, a 124-meter-steamer with 113 outside cabins. This ship is also an expedition ship, perfectly equipped to reach the polar destinations. That same year, the Company acquired the Parisian Tour-Operator, Tapis Rouge International, specialized in luxury travel.

Le Boréal was delivered in May 2010, and her sister-ship, L'Austral, will follow next year. Built in the style of superb mega-yachts, these two 132 - stateroom/suite “sister-ships” remain faithful to our philosophy: to offer small capacity ships providing a unique and subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. Smooth and quiet to provide maximum comfort, Le Boréal and L’Austral have also earned the international “green ship” label for their numerous eco-friendly features (dynamic positioning system to avoid having to drop anchor, waste water treatment on board).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This brochure is condensed - 16 pages. For full version, please see other Summer 2012 brochure.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Welcome to Star Clippers!

Combine the thrill and excitement of sailing on an authentic, majestic tall ship with all the amenities and comforts of a luxury cruise liner. Our ambition is to provide an exciting alternative to mass market cruising, while at the same time being in full harmony with the environment – the sea, the wind, the land – and away from ports congested with tourists. Imagine gliding silently through the open seas under full sail, discovering out-of-the-way ports that few tourists can even get to. Anchor off a private secluded beach for an afternoon of sunbathing. You’ll never feel confined. In fact, you’ll find these ships offer more outdoor space per passenger than most conventional cruise ships. Snorkeling, SCUBA diving, banana boating, waterskiing, windsurfing – are all part of the warm-water, small harbor package we are able to offer.

Star Clippers offers this and more. Our newest addition to the fleet, the Royal Clipper – with 56,000 square feet of sail – is truly a sight to behold. All of our ships are outfitted with state-of-the-art navigation systems and every comfort and luxury that one could wish for. Star Clippers creates a truly intimate setting, and a marvelous sailing experience that often costs less than one might pay for an average cabin on a typical tourist cruise ship.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS