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Garcia Explocat 52

GARCIA-EXPLOCAT-52_1

Description

If you have your heart set on long voyages, you will be looking for a cat that is capable of knocking out high miles-per-day averages. And if you want to go off the beaten track into higher latitudes, you will need a yacht that is rugged and capable of taking knocks.

Aluminium yachts are nothing new in the monohull world, so I guess it was just a matter of time before someone launched an aluminium catamaran capable of exploring most corners of the planet safely and comfortably. Lucky for us, that someone is Garcia Yachts from Cherbourg, France and Pierre Delion who are the team behind the Explocat 52 . This yacht is competing with the likes of the Windelo 54 , but it promises safety in higher latitudes.

Garcia (part of Grand Large Yachting Group who also own Outremer and Gunboat) developed the Exploration 45 with Jimmy Cornell. The Explocat is their follow up on 2 hulls to this successful monohull.

The idea? A comfortable, safe long-distance catamaran that can be handled by a couple and that cruises at above average speed. And all that with a finish that you might expect on something out of the Privilege catamarans range.

Photos: Garcia Yachts and Jermoe Houyvet.

Construction

garcia explorer catamaran

Let’s talk about how the Garcia Explocat 52 is built as this is one of her key USPs.

She’s built in aluminium of course. This material gives you better strength/weight ratios at this length – she comes in at 18.9 tonnes light displacement – slightly heavier than a Fountaine Pajot 51, for example, but you end up with a stiffer, more robust boat with a more powerful sail plan: the Explocat prioritises seaworthiness over flybridges.

You will squeeze more performance out of an Outremer 51, but the Garcia 52 is the more robust yacht. We are talking fibreglass versus aluminium, remember? The Garcia Explocat will always be heavier than a comparable fibreglass or carbon catamaran (read our Balance 482 review as an example). that is your trade off for strength, durability, sustainability and resale value.

The thinnest plating of the Explocat 52 is 5mm, which builds to 8, 10 and 12mm, reaching 14mm at the bottom of the hulls.

Fixed keels are welded to the bottom of the hulls (another safety feature for when you are off the beaten track). They are deeper and protect the rudders, allowing you to dry the boat out at low tide like a Prout.

Other safety features include fore and aft watertight bulkheads and skegs in front of the saildrives.

  • Aluminum structural bulkheads
  • Aluminum forward beam, composite forward longitudinal beam
  • Chain plates and reinforcement plates welded directly onto the hull and deck structure
  • Watertight forward and aft bulkheads welded directly onto the hull and deck structure

The aim on the Explocat 52 is to average 250 nm a day in decent conditions and with a steady breeze you should be hitting double figures with her powerful sail plan.

Even in lighter airs, the Explocat will get going quickly with a Code 0 or gennaker up. You won’t be matching TWS like you would in a Marsaudon, you’ll be around 2 knots slower, but this is still a nippy yacht.

Options of the rig include:

  • Carbon mast with kevlar rigging
  • Furling boom
  • Lighting in spreaders

garcia explorer catamaran

This means the lines are shorter and there is less friction from being routed around blocks. Simpler is better in this case. There is also an option to run these back to the helms if you prefer.

There are options on the helm position. One owner has gone for twin aft helms, while the standard set up is a swivel (pendulum) helm at the main bulkhead- a configuration that first came to market on Balance catamarans.

The Mainsheet and traveller are handled on the aft crossbeam, while the genoa, solent and gennaker/code 0 sheets, plus furling lines, are managed with electric Lewmar 65 winches on either side of the cockpit.

Garcia have done a great job of helping you to keep the working areas tidy with big bags for your ropes to keep the yacht ship-shape. Reefing lines come back safely to the helm, (there is an option to manage these at the mast if you prefer shorter lines).

The rig has two headstays, with an overlapping furling jib on the main forestay, and a self-tacking furling solent.

Add the furling spinnakers and lighter wind sails, and you have a flexible package that will optimise your sail plan in most conditions with minimum fuss. There is a safety fuse on one of the mainsheet blocks to the boom. When this blows, the mainsail is depowered.

The forward cockpit is a safe area to work when working on your halyards, topping lift and lighter wind sails (gennaker, Code 0 etc), and it offers great visibility for ice or reef spotting, and for working the anchor windlass.

And just like a Gunboat, if you throw the door open in warmer climes when you are on the hook, the breeze flows nicely through the boat. It also makes a great spot for a sundowner.

Living Space

garcia explorer catamaran

This catamaran has a lovely finish inside and down below thanks to Darnet Design. This is the same team that is behind the interiors of the Privilege Signature 580 and there are a lot of similarities in the look. It’s warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

If you are heading into the higher latitudes, you will appreciate the air extraction system that cycles air from the living area without having to open hatches.

The forward saloon windows have demisters, and there are lockers for your wet weather gear with ventilation and heating.

Up in the the saloon, the visibility is impressive and the whole area is bright. It’s a comfortable design with a sofa tucked in starboard forward and a galley with plenty of storage aft port of the saloon.

In pride of place is an ample forward facing nav station- this is a sailing boat after all.

Down below, various option are available on this semi-custom cat that boasts 2m headroom throughout.

There is space for one master cabin and two guest cabins in the standard version. Or go for the four cabin version.

Another option is to convert one of the forward cabins into a skippers cabin.

The aft cabins are soaked in natural light thanks to two hull windows, plus a wide aft window and opening ports aft and overhead.

Standard Specification

  • Aluminium hull and deck
  • Forefoot chain plates for towing, also works a a bumper and ice breaker
  • High bridge deck clearance for heavy seas
  • Forward and aft watertight aluminium bulkheads
  • Seacock valves above waterline
  • Rudders have sacrificial end-fittings
  • GRP coachroof and hardtop bimini gives you thermic and acoustic insulation
  • Thermic and acoustic insulation thanks to foam panels above waterline, and insulated floor
  • Swing helm with 2 steering positions : a high position for the marina and fair weather,  a low cockpit for rough weather
  • Optional inside steering, within the saloon
  • All sheets controlled from the aft cockpit for safety
  • Sail handling area (halyyards, reefing lines) in forward cockpit
  • Solid watertight door gives you access the forward cockpit

This is a robust catamaran designed for sailing and living onboard in both higher latitudes and tropical waters.

With it’s powerful sail plan and safety features, she’s been designed for sailing safely with a high degree of comfort in the roughest sea conditions. This is a catamaran that sits on its own in the market- there’s not much competition.

Is this the best aluminium catamaran on the market? Probably.

How much does a Garcia 52 Explocat cost? What is the price of this catamaran? With our usual disclaimer that it depends on your options, you will be starting the conversation off at around €1.3 m. Add more budget for a carbon mast with kevlar rigging, furling boom, light wind sails plus fittings, hydranet mainsail, tempered glass, joystick on nav station, updrade to 75HP engines, genset, hydrogenerator, solar panels, lithium batteries, water maker, and so on. There are a lot of options to choose from. Fire up your spreadsheets!

Technical Specification

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Jimmy Cornell: Why aluminium centreboarders are ideal for serious explorers

  • Jimmy Cornell
  • November 12, 2020

Having covered 100,000 miles in his aluminium centreboarders, Jimmy Cornell explains why he rates them so highly for adventure sailing

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A true exploration yacht: Jimmy Cornell’s Ovni 43 Aventura III in Antarctica

Both Aventura III , an Ovni 43, and Aventura IV , a Garcia Exploration 45, were aluminium centreboarders. Having clocked some 100,000 miles with them, including passages to Antarctica and the North West Passage , I can state unequivocally that for safety as well as convenience, a centreboard is a great advantage on a cruising boat.

In my case, the choice of aluminium for a boat intended for exploring areas off the beaten track was logical, and so was that of a centreboard. One of the main reasons for the latter was to increase my cruising options. The ability to reduce draught instantly is also a safety factor, as it allows access to a protected shallow spot if needing shelter in an emergency. Also, with a flat bottom, the boat can dry out.

Another advantage is that the board can be used for sounding when entering an unfamiliar anchorage, a new meaning for the term ‘sounding board’. While in the North West Passage we hit an uncharted rock quite hard, but the centreboard did its job and swung up, scraped along the top of the rock, then dropped back into its lowered position. The only damage was to my ego, but any other boat would have been in serious trouble!

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Both yachts have integral centreboards, so that when fully raised, the board retracts into the hull. The ballast is also internal, with a ratio to displacement of 32 in both cases, which is similar to that of most modern cruising yachts. This brings considerable performance advantages.

The main role of the board is to provide lift when sailing close-hauled, and to reduce leeway when reaching. With the board fully down Aventura III drew 2.4m, and, when trimmed properly, it could point as high, or almost as high, as most fixed keel cruising boats. With a draught of 2.8m with the board down, Aventura IV performed even better than her predecessor.

To take full advantage of this special feature, a centreboarder needs to be sailed quite differently, both on and off the wind. This is when the centreboard becomes a true asset as it allows the wetted surface to be reduced. The technique is to lift the board gradually as the apparent wind goes past 135°, and continue lifting it up to the point where the board is fully retracted. This is, for me, the greatest advantage as the risk of broaching is virtually eliminated.

Article continues below…

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Zero-carbon cruiser: Jimmy Cornell explains his electric multihull project

In 2010 I sold my [Ovni 43] Aventura III and, as I was 70, I felt the time had come…

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Allures 40.9 vs Ovni 400: French aluminium centreboarders go head-to-head

Back in the mid-2000s the niche market for aluminium centreboarders was disrupted by the arrival of a new upstart, Allures…

The absence of a keel to act as a pivot in a potential broaching situation means that the boat does not tend to round up when, in a similar situation, a fixed keeled boat would do just that. This has allowed me to keep the spinnaker up longer than I would have done otherwise.

With the board up, steering the boat in strong winds was easy, as there was no keel to act as a pivot if the person at the helm made a mistake, or a large wave forced the boat into a broach. With a flat bottom and no keel, Aventura III acted just like a large windsurfer, with the rudder having no difficulty keeping the boat on course. Aventura IV has twin rudders so tracked even better and was a joy to helm.

Alloy alternatives

If you are considering an aluminium centreboard, make sure to read our head-to-head test of the Allures 40.9 and Ovni 400 . If neither of those suit, you probably need to go up a level in size and price, to the more semi-custom options offered by shipyards such as Garcia, Boreal or even KM. It is pertinent, however, to note that many of these traditional monohull brands are now branching out into the multihull market too.

jimmy-cornell-aluminium-centreboard-yachts-garcia-exploration-45-credit-Morris-Adant

Photo: Morris Adant

Designed in collaboration with Jimmy Cornell to transit the North West Passage, this model set a new rugged standard for mid-size exploration yachts. In inclement weather, watchkeeping can be done from a completely protected position at the forward end of the cockpit, or from the helmstation inside the pilothouse.

Price: €498,000 (ex. VAT)

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Boreal 44.2

Boreal is a brand born from the experience of Jean-François Eeman, who spent six years sailing around the world with his four children. The new 44.2 will replace the ten-year-old, award-winning, Boreal 44. It has the same interior as the 47.2 (pictured), but with a single helm and rudder and a more enclosed cockpit.

Price: €485,520 (ex. VAT)

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Garcia Explocat 52

Garcia is maintaining its exploration focus with its first catamaran. Once again there is plenty of protection on offer. A hard-top runs almost back to the transom and there is a complete interior navigation station similar to Garcia’s monohulls. The Explocat also has a forward cockpit accessible from the saloon via a watertight door.

Price: €1,159,000 (ex. VAT)

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Vaan is a new brand, which uses recycled and sustainable materials – its first 42ft R4 is due for launch in early 2021. The aluminium hulls are formed from drinks cans, road signs and window frames, it uses cork decks and the upholstery is made from bio fabrics. It’s offered with electric propulsion and an optional regeneration system.

Price: €399,000 (ex. VAT)

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Allures & Ovni catamaran update

Plans to launch the first Allures multihull, the aluminium hulled and glassfibre decked C47.9 (above), have been put on hold due to the success of its sister company’s new Explocat 52.

Ovni’s multihull solution, meanwhile, is the Ovnicat 48, which has been on the drawing board for a couple of years but has yet to be built.

First published in the October 2020 issue of Yachting World.

garcia explorer catamaran

Explocat 52

garcia explorer catamaran

Naval Architect: Pierre Delion

Designer:  Franck Darnet Design

Overall Length: 55.61′ Beam:  26.90′ Draft: 4.92′ Engine:   Volvo Penta D2-60 or optional D2-75 engines Diesel capacity:  310 gallons Water capacity:  174 gallons

Stretching Boundaries

 Garcia Explocat 52, the ultimate aluminum exploration catamaran

A twin-hulled version of Garcia’s successful “Exploration” concept, the Explocat 52 combines all the benefits of multihulls for an unequalled result: space, safety, comfort, autonomy and performance.

Following in the wake of its monohull brethren, this cruising cat is designed, built and outfitted with world cruising in mind. From the Arctic to the Antarctic and everything in between, she leans on the principles of solid construction, safety and performance with elegant and well arranged interior and exterior spaces. 

Extremely resistant to impact and tearing while remaining lightweight, aluminum is the material of choice for serious cruising boats. Designed to accommodate all the equipment needed for living aboard and cruising (machine room, large storage capacity, spacious and functional facilities), this model offers unparalleled self-sufficiency for long distance voyaging. From its inception, performance was a priority, with the fine-entry bows and the choice of lightweight fittings. 

Getting aboard and life on board in general are facilitated by doors in the bulwarks that allow access to the cockpit and the saloon on one level. The forward cockpit, accessible from the saloon, offers a space to be enjoyed both at anchor and under way. Benefiting from technical solutions developed on the Garcia Exploration monohull range, the Explocat 52 is designed to guarantee its crew a high level of comfort and safety in all conditions. In addition to the three versions offered, the aluminum structure allows the yard to customize the yacht to meet all the expectations of the owner. Available in 3 or 4 cabin versions, each Explocat 52 is uniquely adapted to fit your cruising dreams.

garcia explorer catamaran

4 Cabin Layout

garcia explorer catamaran

3 Cabin Layout

04/07/2023, Marseille (FRA), Garcia Yachts, Explocat 52

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Aluminum catamaran Garcia Explocat 52

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Inspired by the success of the 48-foot catamaran and the Exploration series of monohull yachts, Garcia shipyard launches the Explocat expedition motor sailing catamaran. The body, which is lighter and stiffer than fiberglass, will provide excellent speed and safety. The high-quality interior will make you feel at home.

The new Garcia Explocat 52 is custom made with aluminum hulls and structures and fiberglass composite deck roofs. Aluminum shipbuilding has been Garcia's strength for over 40 years. Here in Normandy, the Garcia shipyard has built more than 300 monohulls, catamarans and trawlers up to 102 feet in length.

In the new ocean-going catamaran Garcia Explocat 52, the shipyard, in collaboration with architects, has resorted to the best solution - they have left the recognizable lines in Garcia and the proven composite material of the deck superstructure roof in the new catamaran. This represents a huge advantage for the future owner, as the weight is reduced and the acoustic and thermal insulation of the cabins' ceiling is significantly increased. Garcia Explocat 52 is specially designed for owners who want to walk in high latitudes and / or in the tropics.

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Sailing life

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Garcia Yachts -  it is 40 years of experience and passion for what you do! The French shipyard is considered the benchmark in the custom yacht building industry.  Garcia  Are exclusive aluminum expedition yachts that represent the pinnacle of excellence in the French yachting industry.

Since its inception, the goal  Garcia yachts  - accompany you on your journey! The shipyard manufactures boats that are able to meet any need and allow you to enjoy your journey in complete safety. More than 300 Garcia yachts are already sailing around the world, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Preparing for a big trip is never easy, just like the right moment is never. There are always so many real reasons to postpone a dream, but  Garcia yachts  here to help you bring it to life!

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* More detailed information can be obtained by ordering the catalog

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News and articles

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If you are looking for a marina in Italy, Venezia Certosa Marina in Venice, Marina D'Arechi on the Amalfi Coast and Marina Di Portisco in Sardinia are in stunning locations and offer first-class facilities at an attractive price.

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The Cannes Yachting Festival kicks off the autumn boat show season around the world. The choice of yachts is just crazy, the demand for all yachts and a lot of competition among yacht builders - all this only increases with each new season. Each shipyard is introducing a sea of innovations into its lineup, trying to strengthen its position in the market. But there are also constant leaders in the industry, who from year to year are not inferior to the championship, such as Fountaine Pajot.

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Many rigid sail technologies have been developed in the yachting industry over the past few years. Their performance was undoubtedly superior to classic sailing rigs. Used primarily in sailing races, stiff sails are still very difficult for day to day use and made for large sailing boats.

garcia explorer catamaran

GARCIA 60 EXPLORATION

GARCIA 60 Exploration: the all-terrain vessel of the sea

Minimal Logo

Garcia is fearless in its path; its distinctive aluminium cruising yachts have gained a strong reputation over the past 50 years. The latest model, the Garcia 60 Exploration , is a shoal-draught expedition yacht that will take you anywhere around the globe. As I discovered, sailing in more confined waters, she is also responsive and incredibly fun.

“Nowhere you can’t go” is the philosophy of the French shipyard Garcia. Jean Pierre and Jean Louis Garcia in 1974 founded the brand for bluewater aluminium yachts. In 2011 the new Exploration yacht was the result and influence of a long-distance navigator Jimmy Cornell and the passion of the Garcia team.

Jimmy Cornell , Yachtsman and bestselling author of World Cruising Routes , said, “I was looking for a sailing boat adapted to my trips that combined sailing at high latitudes and in the tropics, but was unable to find a solution on the market. I decided to design a new boat that would come close to being the perfect cruising sailboat. I was immediately very enthusiastic; they were the best builders of aluminium yachts in France, and they had with them one of the greatest naval architects Olivier Racoupeau. Without a doupt they were going to build the boat of my dreams.”

Discovering the Garcia 60 Exploration

It’s mid-March, and a few storms have hit France, so when Grand Large Yachting invited us to test the Garcia Exploration 60 , we were excited; it’s not often you get to try a sailboat in moderate wind.

We arrived bright and early in Cherbourg, France, jumping at the gate to climb aboard and get underway. What struck me first was the size of this aluminium beast; she’s 19.5 meters long by 5.4m in the beam , an absolute monster and by far the most significant sailboat I have tested to date.

I spent some time with the skipper familiarising myself with the technical workings of this Garcia 60 Exploration before we set off; it is something I like to do on all sailboats. It’s an excellent task, but Garcia has made this easy with its intelligent systems and ergonomic cockpit design.

All systems can be operated from both port and starboard helm pedestals. The central hydraulic servo system runs your forward sails fullers, windlass, centre board, genset, and vang. Time to go; we expect winds from the southeast between 15-20kn gusting to 28kn, so a good breeze to get this 33T lady moving. Manoeuvring out of a marina with twin rudders is not my favourite sport. Still, with the bow and stern thrusters, my five-year-old would make it look easy. If you’re worried, The aluminium hull is 5 to 12 mm thick. It is charitably dimensioned right down to its ribs and stringers, assuring foolproof impact resistance. For even more peace of mind, the structure includes a watertight bulkhead at the front and the rear, upstream of the steering system. A fin protects the shaft. The rudders are made of aluminium and preceded by a protective skeg; They also have a composite sacrificial zone in their upper part. In case of a violent shock, if the rudder stock should bend, the hull is protected, and the rudder remains functional. you don’t pierce your hull if you hit anything, don’t forget this is a first-class blue water sailboat, after all.

GARCIA EXPLORATION 60_HD_5

I appreciate with a potential shallow draft of 1.50 m; shallow anchorages stay accessible to such a sailboat. Moving away from tourist areas and choosing less frequented zones is possible. Going up rivers or rias is also likely. And most explorers will also be able to adventure into areas that still need to be appropriately mapped. It is reassuring the possibility of being able to reach shelter zones. With its modern and stable hull – designed by “ Olivier Racoupeau ” – and its generous sail plan, the Exploration 60 has high average speeds that shorten distances. The centring of the weights (chain wells at the foot of the mast, centred tanks) limits the Boat’s pitching and supports its seaworthiness and sailing comfort. Sailing downwind with the centreboard up, speeding up on the wave remains safe, and the movements are smoother without any hooking effect. Similarly, I expect the Boat to move freely between the waves in extreme sea conditions, less exposed to their power, but I have yet to find out.

While we are on the subject of stability, The Garcia 60 Exploration holds up to 800 litres of fresh water and 2,200 litres of diesel, and all the tanks are fixed centrally in the hull. You add 450KG of Anker chain by the mast and spare parts and copious amounts of stowage; all the technical equipment is grouped in a dedicated area, a properly Soundproofed engine room, easily accessible for maintenance and any repairs. This provides comfort for those living aboard.

The Garcia 60 Exploration also has an actual workshop. The tools and spare parts storage area is spacious enough to work in and care for the Boat. With its many interior storage spaces, large sail compartments and voluminous exterior storage spaces, the Exploration 60 has an exceptional carrying capacity of 4 tons. Water sports equipment such as paddle boards and scuba tanks can be taken on board for leisure or exploration.

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Below decks

As she settled into her rhythm, it was time for a well-earned cup of tea and a little poke around below decks to see what this lady had to offer.

DETAILS INTRUMENTS GARCIA 60

Moving forward, I found my spot for passage-making. In the raised salon (port side), you will find one of the USPs of Garcia, The chart table; it is like a wheelhouse, with all your instruments and engine controls. I have a 270° view here looking straight out the Double glazed windows. Whatever the weather conditions, the boat can be piloted from the inside, and the inverted shape of the roof prevents reflections. I can feel myself daydreaming about all the possible places we could adventure with this sailboat. I have never liked the cold, but imagining the look on my daughter’s face seeing an iceberg for the first time makes me smile and think of the possibilities and destinations. 

CARRE VUE

This full-width cabin can be set for two classic cabins or a double cabin and a technical area. You can customise this area as much as you like, but I would like it like this. There is more storage than you need, and every drawer has a sea bar lock so that nothing will open by itself. This owner had asked for an on-sweat head fitted to the starboard side of their cabin with a separate rain head shower. The volume of the boat is impressive, with a minimum under-ceiling height of 2 m everywhere. With portholes more than 40 cm high around the roof, light is everywhere inside the Exploration 60. The materials are chosen with taste and assembled with care.

CABINE 2 VUE 1 GARCIA 60

Below the saloon, a double cabin can complete the sleeping space for guests or be reserved for a crew member. The owner can thus accommodate a skipper or a crew member to accompany them on their voyages. 

Time to get some sea air again

COCKPIT VUE 1 GARCIA 60

The cockpit is protected by the elegant hard-top that runs far aft, which is my second favourite spot on this boat; as it started to rain, I can tell you it was out of the weather, but you feel part of the action, especially as once again you have a dedicated area to starboard with all your instruments so keeping watch hear will be a dream for most sailors like me.

Our cockpit area was fitted with side covers for added protection and insulation, making it feel more cosey; It is an additional living space, a natural second saloon, with a neat design, accessible by only three steps from the interior space. All too soon, it was time to gybe and head back to port. I feel robbed as we change course; this boat invites you to daydream about what might be possible on your adventures through life and unlimited destinations.

Garcia 60 Exploration: in Conclusion

This is a boat-borne of considerable experience and attention to detail , taking a proven concept and refining it to a new level . There are many small but clever touches that may take time to be noticeable but make a difference to life on board. So it offers a big step forward compared to the other blue water sailboats on the market. In particular, the more significant owner’s cabin makes living on board for extended periods more civilised. At the same time, the more oversized cockpit will work just as well in the tropics as at high latitudes. It’s a supremely capable yacht with long legs that effortlessly puts in good daily mileage when crossing oceans. Yet, it will also be fun to sail in your home waters. However, what’s unique is the combination of Garcia’s Four signature features:

  • Rugged aluminium construction.
  • Shoal draught with the ability to dry out.
  • The protection offered by the cockpit area.
  • Compleat autonomy on Expeditions

This latest edition to the Garcia fleet is a credit to their passion and expertise in building ultimate explorer sailboats. I am sure other shipyards will watch Garcia closely and adapt their sailboats to catch up.

This boat has left me wanting to sell everything I own, pack my family on board and see where this magnificent blue water sailboat will take us.

Having read closely this article written by a sailor with passion I am in a dream like state. This wonderful yacht is just that, a floating home to claim ones wander lust. This is undoubtedly the finest yacht to fulfil those aspirations. I concur with the writer. Sell up and explore the world. One has one life , just do it. .

Thank you, Mike; I am glad you enjoyed the article. Yes, the Garcia 60 is a real game changer; if it were within budget, we would be planning our world expedition. We feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to review this magnificent sailboat.

Great boat great article. Some errors in the copy possibly due to language not fully translating. I can find nothing regarding the power source. Is it a gen set powering electric drivetrain. Is it a normal engine driven prop. Does it regen using the prop to generate electricity to replenish battery banks? Where exactly is the laundry room?

Great review of an amazing boat – this ticks so many boxes for remote exploration and diving trips, both tropical and high latitude. Thanks!

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  1. Garcia Explocat 52 review: A go-anywhere aluminium catamaran

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  2. Lancement de la production du premier catamaran Explocat 52 chez Garcia

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  3. Garcia Explocat 52 review: A go-anywhere aluminium catamaran

    garcia explorer catamaran

  4. Garcia Explocat 52

    garcia explorer catamaran

  5. Explocat 52: The Ultimate Exploration Catamaran

    garcia explorer catamaran

  6. Garcia Explocat 52 review: A go-anywhere aluminium catamaran

    garcia explorer catamaran

COMMENTS

  1. Explocat 52

    Garcia Explocat 52, the ultimate aluminium exploration catamaran, offers a new way to explore the world, previously reserved for monohulls. Explocat 52 A two-hulled version of the "Exploration" concept, the Explocat 52 combines all the benefits of multihulls for an unequalled result: space, safety, comfort, autonomy and performance.

  2. Garcia Explocat 52 review: A go-anywhere aluminium catamaran

    Explocat 52, the ultimate aluminium exploration catamaran by Garcia Yachts The problem is, unlike being knocked down in a monohull, capsizing a multihull is always catastrophic.

  3. Garcia Explocat 52 Review

    The Garcia Explocat will always be heavier than a comparable fibreglass or carbon catamaran (read our Balance 482 review as an example). that is your trade off for strength, durability, sustainability and resale value. The thinnest plating of the Explocat 52 is 5mm, which builds to 8, 10 and 12mm, reaching 14mm at the bottom of the hulls.

  4. Aluminium Catamaran for Blue Water Cruising

    The catamarans of the Garcia Yachts shipyard are made of aluminum so that you can explore the world with confidence while enjoying the comfort of the catamaran. Catamaran Destined to sail off the beaten track, the Explocat 52 considerably broadens the field of possibilities in catamaran sailing: she offers a new way to explore the world ...

  5. Explocat 52, the ultimate aluminium exploration catamaran

    The ultimate aluminium exploration catamaran Garcia Yachts is delighted to announce the start of production of the very first Explocat 52 catamaran. Born from a close collaboration between naval architect Pierre Delion, designer Franck Darnet and the Garcia Yachts teams, the Explocat 52 has been designed to open up ...

  6. Garcia Exploration 52 test: The sailing equivalent of a 4x4 off-roader

    Under sail. We sailed the Garcia Exploration 52 in fine conditions from La Rochelle, with a Force 3 to 4 and only a slight sea. Under genoa and main we achieved 6 to 6.5 knots pointing at 45° to ...

  7. Explocat 52: The Ultimate Exploration Catamaran

    The Explocat 52 Catamaran is an aluminum explorer Catamaran built by Garcia Yachts of the Grand Large Yachting Group. Safety and Performance is the priority. FEATURED LISTINGS. TEL: +1 (954)589-2343. ... About the Explocat 52 Catamaran by Garcia Yachts. Twin aluminium hulls with shallow draft, built to withstand all the hazards of the most ...

  8. 2021 Multihull of the Year: Explocat 52 Explained [BOAT TOUR]

    In this video we tour 2021 Multihull Of the Year Winner, the Explocat 52 cruising catamaran by Garcia Yachts. It's a catamaran designed for blue water cruisi...

  9. On board Garcia Explocat 52 with Pete Goss

    First sailing impressions on board the Garcia Explocat 52, the ultimate aluminium exploration catamaran, by the famous British ocean racer and adventurer Pet...

  10. Jimmy Cornell: Why aluminium centreboarders are ideal for serious explorers

    Garcia Explocat 52. Garcia is maintaining its exploration focus with its first catamaran. Once again there is plenty of protection on offer. A hard-top runs almost back to the transom and there is ...

  11. S3#2. Garcia Explocat 52 review. Is this the ULTIMATE ...

    @Barefoot Doctors Sailing and Travel - Come Barefoot with us as we search for the PERFECT PERFORMANCE CATAMARAN for us as we upgrade from our Leopard 45 and ...

  12. 2026 Garcia Explocat 52 Catamaran for sale

    Garcia Explocat 52, the ultimate aluminum exploration catamaran. A twin-hulled version of Garcia's successful "Exploration" concept, the Explocat 52 combines all the benefits of multihulls for an unequalled result: space, safety, comfort, autonomy and performance. Following in the wake of its monohull brethren, this cruising cat is ...

  13. Garcia Explocat 52

    Garcia Explocat 52, the ultimate aluminum exploration catamaran. A twin-hulled version of Garcia's successful "Exploration" concept, the Explocat 52 combines all the benefits of multihulls for an unequalled result: space, safety, comfort, autonomy and performance. Following in the wake of its monohull brethren, this cruising cat is ...

  14. Exploration 52

    Garcia Exploration 52 is a high-end aluminum yacht with a centreboard and a pilot saloon, designed for blue water cruising around the world. Exploration 52 Arctic Ocean ? Scattered Islands ? Galapagos ? Patagonia ? Tuamotu ? the Garcia Exploration 52 is a centreboarder yacht with a pilot saloon, designed for demanding sailors determined to go ...

  15. Garcia Explocat 52 boats for sale

    Boats Group does not guarantee the accuracy of conversion rates and rates may differ than those provided by financial institutions at the time of transaction. New Garcia Yachts Explocat 52 3 listings. Find Garcia Explocat 52 boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Garcia boats to choose from.

  16. Garcia Yachts for sale

    Garcia boats for sale on YachtWorld are listed for an assortment of prices from $140,528 on the more modest side, with costs up to $2,467,070 for the more sophisticated, luxurious yachts. What Garcia model is the best? Some of the best-known Garcia models currently listed include: Exploration 45, Explocat 52, imoca 60, Exploration 52 and Passoa 47.

  17. Aluminum catamaran Garcia Explocat 52

    The new Garcia Explocat 52 is custom made with aluminum hulls and structures and fiberglass composite deck roofs. Aluminum shipbuilding has been Garcia's strength for over 40 years. Here in Normandy, the Garcia shipyard has built more than 300 monohulls, catamarans and trawlers up to 102 feet in length. In the new ocean-going catamaran Garcia ...

  18. GARCIA 60 Exploration: the all-terrain vessel

    The latest model, the Garcia 60 Exploration, is a shoal-draught expedition yacht that will take you anywhere around the globe. As I discovered, sailing in more confined waters, she is also responsive and incredibly fun. "Nowhere you can't go" is the philosophy of the French shipyard Garcia. Jean Pierre and Jean Louis Garcia in 1974 ...

  19. Exploration 45

    Designed with Jimmy Cornell, Exploration 45 is the first among Garcia Exploration range: high-end aluminum centreboarders with pilot saloon. Exploration 45 The Exploration 45 is an aluminium centreboarder capable of taking on any adventure, from polar exploration to tropical sailing. She was voted 'Best Boat' and 'Boat of the Year' in 2015.

  20. Garcia Yachts Explocat 52

    A catamaran designed for Exploration - Garcia Yachts - 'NOWHERE YOU CAN'T GO'THE STRENGTH OF ALUMINIUM AND LIVING SPACEA two-hulled version of the "Explorati...

  21. Garcia Yachts shipyard: aluminium blue water cruising sailing boats

    Garcia Yachts is a French shipyard building high-end blue water cruising aluminum sailing boats, monohulls or catamaran, from 45 to 60 feet.

  22. GARCIA EXPLORATION 60, ultimate world explorer, there is ...

    The New 2022/2023 GARCIA EXPLORATION 60 is the ultimate world explorer; there is nowhere you can't go; We did a full sea trial and walk-around tour of this i...

  23. Checking out Explorer 52 Garcia electric boat at Lanzarote ...

    This video is unedited. Thanks Daniel for showing us your wonderful yacht. The engine was rightly shielded for protection but it was good to hear the quiet...