At the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival, Garcia is unveiling a new concept for sailing expedition catamaran yachts at aluminium, ranging from 62 to 82 feet. Presented through the design of a first 72-foot model, the project is based on a clear principle: to create a true sailing base camp capable of supporting demanding exploration programs in the most remote regions, particularly in high latitudes.
A lot of our boats roam the seven seas, experiencing the whole variety of sailing adventures and, to utilize a famous exposition line, “boldly go where no man has gone before.” You´d think that these skippers are skilled sailors with thousands of nautical miles offshore experience, and many indeed are. Yet there are those unbelievably great stories of the outsiders: Hair raising, exciting and inspiring. One of which is the story of the Garcia Exploration 52 christened IMPALER, belonging to the New Zealand-based skipper Graham Hunter: And boy, what a story this is!
Having sailed and guided for four seasons in Svalbard on our Garcia 68, I'm getting to know these unique and fascinating places very well. It's a territory that demands respect and preparation. Here are a few points of reference for those planning to sail there.
Often perceived as a demanding material,aluminium actually one of the best allies for long-distance sailors. Sturdy, durable, and repairable anywhere in the world, it offers a level of safety and reliability that is particularly valued in blue water cruising. Its maintenance relies less on complex procedures than on an understanding of the mechanisms that ensure its longevity, particularly the management of corrosion and the onboard electrical system. When well-designed and properly maintained, an aluminium sailboat aluminium its structural integrity for several decades, making maintenance a key factor in ensuring peace of mind for sailing far and for a long time.
Multihulls World takes a look at the announcement of the new line of exploration catamarans Garcia Yachts—true “base camps” in aluminium , designed to take you further.
There comes a time when you have to take a deep breath and enjoy the freedom of letting go!
Visiting the Lofoten Islands, Svalbard, Patagonia, or Antarctica is one goal. Being able to operate independently there is another.
Ski-sailing. Scuba diving. Kayaking. Paragliding. Land exploration.
Each activity requires its own equipment, storage space, operational resources, and specific onboard organization. These requirements are incorporated into the boat’s design from the outset.
The 72-foot design thus features ample storage space that can be configured according to the owner's needs. Its aft deck remains largely unobstructed for preparing equipment and engaging in activities.
Two tenders provide additional capabilities. A first, lightweight tender is mounted on a launch ramp integrated into the port-side hull at the stern. Readily available, it is particularly useful for conducting reconnaissance in poorly mapped areas or for hauling a mooring line ashore. A second, larger tender is stored on the flybridge and handled by a crane. It allows the crew to extend their range of operation beyond the boat.
The catamaran serves as the base from which the program is carried out.
At the heart of the design, Garcia and Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design have developed a full-fledged wheelhouse.
Located at the front of the deck and slightly elevated, the Belvedere Pilot House combines the interior Helm station , and a lounge area. The inverted roof offers a sweeping view of the surroundings and the boat.
The owner, skipper, and crew thus share a common, protected space centered on sailing, watch duty, and decision-making.
When conditions become challenging, the crew can stay warm and protected while still having a clear view of their surroundings.
The wheelhouse provides direct access to the flybridge helm station. Sheltered and enveloping, it serves as a second space from which to steer the boat. Its adjustable enclosure also allows it to be opened up when the voyage takes the boat to warmer latitudes.
Comfort is key here. It helps ensure that the crew remains alert and focused over the long term.
Garcia will offer this design in three sizes: 62, 72, and 82 feet.
Each unit will follow a semi-custom approach. The interior layout, storage, technical spaces, and crew organization can be configured according to the intended uses.
For example, the galley could be installed in the gondola or in a hull, combined with the crew quarters and mess hall.
A Charter Expedition configuration will offer greater passenger capacity for commercial operations. A Scientific Expedition version will meet the needs of programs requiring sample collection, onboard analysis, or the deployment of equipment at sea.
Different missions. Tailored configurations. The same commitment to consistency between the vessel and its mission.
This project draws on Garcia’s more than 50 years of experience in building sailboats made of aluminium.
It also ties in with another chapter inthe shipyard's history. In the 2000s, Garcia built large, custom-built vessels ranging from 70 to 80 feet.
More recently, theExplocat 52 has demonstrated the shipyard’s expertise in the production of the “ aluminium ” catamaran. Fifteen units are already sailing around the world. One was sailing in Patagonia last winter. Another is currently completing a crossing of the Northwest Passage from east to west.
The new project brings together these various areas of expertise: shipbuilding aluminium, multihulls, large vessels, and demanding exploration programs.
These new catamarans incorporate the core features of Garcia’s expedition sailboats:
• aluminium-formed hulls. • Double glazing.• Thermal insulation. • Central boiler heating. • Systems designed for long-term self-sufficiency.
These choices are designed to meet the challenges of high latitudes and demanding voyages.
But the program isn't limited to cold regions. The boats are also designed to remain fully functional and comfortable as the journey continues into temperate or tropical zones.
An expedition sailboat should not dictate the itinerary. It should provide the means to carry it out.
With this new family of 62-, 72-, and 82-foot sailing expedition catamarans, Garcia is opening a new chapter in its approach to exploration. These aren’t just bigger catamarans.
Sail-powered base camps designed to reach remote areas, operate there independently, and provide the necessary capabilities for the program.
Overall length: 22.9 mHull length: 21.3 mBeam: 10 mArea of mainsail : 137 m²Area of solent jib : 123 m²Air draft : 32 mArchitect: Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design
For the Explocat 52 Hafiz, the Northwest Passage began well before the first miles were sailed.
In Nuuk, the days leading up to departure were dedicated to preparation. Equipment was checked and adapted, provisions loaded, work completed on board, and fuel and water reserves brought up to the level required for the route ahead. Vanuily, Anne and Hugues’ Allures 45, was also in Nuuk at the time. The two crews would cross paths regularly as they made their way north.
On July 15, Hafiz took on 1,450 litres of diesel and filled her water tanks. Yann and Jörg had already joined Sadik, while Richard was due to complete the crew a few days later in Ilulissat.
Hafiz left Nuuk on July 16.
The first stages quickly established the rhythm of the voyage: adapting the programme to the wind, choosing anchorages according to the conditions, and navigating carefully in areas where charted information sometimes required additional caution.
The route led north through the fjords of Greenland's west coast, past Kangaamiut and towards Disko Bay. At several points, Hafiz and Vanuily found themselves following similar routes or sharing the same anchorages.
On July 17, information provided by Vanuily helped Hafiz prepare her approach to an anchorage in an imperfectly charted area. The following day, the two yachts sailed together for part of their passage through Ammaqqoq Fjord before continuing at their own pace.
As the miles passed, the crew alternated between sailing and motoring according to the weather while gradually settling into their routines on board.
During the night of July 20 to 21, Hafiz crossed the Arctic Circle for the first time.
Ahead lay Disko Bay and a very different sailing environment.
Approaching Ilulissat, the crew encountered increasing concentrations of ice originating from the nearby Icefjord. Hafiz initially continued under sail before the density of the ice required the sails to be lowered and the yacht to proceed under engine.
The following hours were spent finding the safest route through areas of varying ice concentration, with the continuous daylight of the Arctic summer allowing the crew to maintain a constant visual watch.
After a full night of navigation, Hafiz anchored off Ilulissat on the morning of July 21. Richard then joined the yacht, completing the four-person crew.
From Ilulissat, Hafiz continued north.
In these waters, following a predetermined route is rarely enough. An attempt to approach the Eqi Glacier, for example, was abandoned after information from another yacht indicated that ice was blocking the way. The crew adjusted the plan and changed course.
The following days alternated between remote anchorages, calm conditions and occasional opportunities to sail. The Arctic environment increasingly became part of everyday life on board: icebergs, isolated settlements and wildlife along the Greenland coast.
Vanuily remained on a similar route. On July 26, the two crews met again at the same anchorage. Two days later, Anne et Hugues welcomed the crew of Hafiz aboard their Allures 45 for dinner.
On July 29, Hafiz reached Upernavik, where Vanuily was already anchored.
This was the final planned stop in Greenland before crossing towards Arctic Canada. Once again, fuel, provisions and information gathering formed part of the preparation.
By then, Hafiz had covered 880 nautical miles in 15 days between Nuuk and Upernavik.
Persistent high-pressure conditions and light winds had required extensive use of the engines, with around 150 nautical miles completed under sail.
The next leg would take Hafiz away from the Greenland coast and across Baffin Bay.
Hafiz left Upernavik on July 31 with a favourable weather window.
Once offshore, southerly winds allowed the crew to set the full mainsail and gennaker. Boat speed regularly ranged between 6 and 10 knots as they headed west, with icebergs remaining a constant consideration during each watch.
With four people on board, the crew organised three-hour solo watches for the crossing.
Conditions changed during the following night. Dense fog significantly reduced visibility. Radar and continuous watchkeeping became essential for monitoring the icebergs and smaller pieces of ice surrounding them.
Despite the reduced visibility, Hafiz maintained good progress, at times sailing at around nine knots. During the crossing, Vanuily was following the same general route several dozen miles behind.
Closer to Canada, the wind eventually faded and the final part of the passage towards Pond Inlet was completed under engine.
On August 2, Hafiz reached the Canadian Arctic.
Further west, however, ice conditions remained a central concern. While the eastern part of the Northwest Passage was beginning to open relatively early, some areas further west were still blocked by ice.
As Sadik makes clear in his log, completing the Northwest Passage remained far from certain at this stage.
At Pond Inlet, the routes of the two yachts came together once again. Vanuily arrived during the night of August 2 to 3 and rafted alongside Hafiz. Anne, Hugues and the crew of Hafiz shared part of their stop before continuing west.
After two days in Pond Inlet, Hafiz resumed her passage on August 4.
The following day brought another significant geographical milestone.
After sailing through Navy Board Inlet, Hafiz reached Lancaster Sound. As forecast, an easterly breeze developed, allowing the crew to cross under full mainsail and gennaker towards Cuming Inlet on Devon Island. Vanuily was also making her way through Navy Board Inlet that day.
By evening, Hafiz was anchored deep inside Cuming Inlet, surrounded by cliffs rising directly from the sea.
The crew remained around Devon Island for the following days. A polar bear was spotted close to the anchorage at Cuming Inlet before Hafiz moved approximately 50 nautical miles west to Burnett Inlet on August 8. Musk oxen were also observed along the coast and around the anchorage.
When Hafiz arrived, Vanuily was already anchored in Burnett Inlet. Their routes continue to cross as the yachts progress west through the Canadian Arctic.
This is where Sadik’s latest published update leaves Hafiz.
As of August 8, the crew’s plan was to leave Devon Island and continue towards Fort Ross and Bellot Strait, while closely monitoring the evolution of the ice further west.
The Northwest Passage attempt is now fully underway.
But at these latitudes, progress is measured less by a fixed schedule than by the next weather window, the next ice report and the next decision.
We will continue to follow Hafiz, her Garcia Explocat 52, and her crew as they make their way west through the Arctic.
To learn more, check out Sadik's blog
Photo credit: Sadik—Hafiz's owner.
Designed for the most ambitious voyages, the Garcia Exploration 60 embodies all the expertise of Garcia Yachts in blue water cruising expedition sailing. Its aluminium hull , centerboarder, sheltered cockpit, and design centered on safety and self-sufficiency make it a sailboat capable of handling demanding voyages, from high latitudes to tropical anchorages. The entire boat was developed using a holistic approach in which sturdiness, comfort aboard, ease of handling, and risk management all contribute to a single goal: to enable you to go further, with greater peace of mind and capability.
True to its “Yacht-Class Adventure” signature,Exploration 60 the capabilities of a true expedition sailboat with the refinement, spaciousness, and quality of life of a yacht. A panoramic salon, dedicated technical spaces, Workshop, Laundry room, and carefully selected materials: every detail is designed to support long-distance crossings without compromise, while remaining perfectly maneuverable with a small crew.
Our teams will be on hand throughout the Cannes Yachting Festival to discuss your boating plans with you, answer your questions, and give you Exploration 60 best Exploration 60 opportunity Exploration 60 experience the Garcia Exploration 60 .Tours are by appointment only* – Book now by clicking here.
While we wait to see you in Cannes, check out the entire lineup Garcia Yachts :
• Exploration 45• Exploration 52• Exploration 60• Explocat 52
Download the Exploration 45 brochure and get ready to explore the unknown.
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