A look back at a photo shoot in La Grande Motte, right after the Multihull Boat Show: lots of people on board, kids, sunshine, maneuvers, speed, and life. The Explocat also showed its family-friendly side.
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.
Garcia Yachts unveils at Cannes 2025 a new version of itsExplocat 52 aluminium catamaran, with redesigned layouts and two cockpit options to suit different programs.
There comes a time when you have to take a deep breath and enjoy the freedom of letting go!
Kids love trampolines—we all know that—and on a boat, it’s even more fun! It’s also reassuring for parents, who can keep an eye on their children thanks to the forward cockpit and the easy access it provides. It’s also the ideal spot to watch the sea up close and fully enjoy the sailing experience. It’s the perfect place, too, for spending time together during stops along the way.
These images also show that an exploration boat isn't just designed to cover miles; it must also be a pleasant place for the crew to live day to day, whether at anchor or underway.
From the Helm station , there is an unobstructed view of the sails, the surroundings, and the crew’s movements. This vantage point allows the helmsman to keep watch while remaining at the heart of life on board.
These simple moments also serve as a reminder of what has made theExplocat 52 such a success since its launch: an aluminium exploration catamaran aluminium comfortably accommodating family, friends, or a crew while maintaining a smooth flow of movement and well-defined living spaces.
Since this unit was launched, a new version of the Explocat has become available, featuring a new design and the option for a different Helm station configuration.
Check out the new version,Explocat 52.2.
Photo credit: Robin Cristol.
But between the dream and the departure, one question always ends up coming up:
Contrary to popular belief, blue water cruising just for a handful of exceptional sailors or seasoned adventurers. More often than not, the success of such a venture depends above all on preparation, the right mindset, and decisions made well before departure.
Ocean sailing often sparks the imagination: secluded anchorages, ocean crossings, freedom, exploration…
These images are very real. But experienced sailors know that no great voyage can be improvised.
Preparation, risk management, self-confidence, and a clear understanding of your project: these are all factors that often make the difference between a dream that never gets off the ground and an adventure that becomes a reality.
To explore these questions, Garcia Yachts is pleased to welcome Pete Goss, renowned offshore sailor and ambassador Garcia Yachts, for an exclusive live webinar.
With decades of experience at sea, Pete will share his insights, lessons learned, and his perspective on what really makes a difference when planning a long voyage.
This event is neither a technical conference nor a product presentation.
This is an in-depth look at the world of blue water cruising, designed to help you better understand how a travel dream can become a reality, as seen through the eyes of Pete Goss.
Exclusive Webinar with Pete Goss
📅 Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Choose from two sessions:
🕐 1:00 p.m. (CET) [Register for the webinar]
🕖 7:00 p.m. (CET) [Register for the webinar]
Whether you’re already planning a blue water cruising trip blue water cruising just starting to think about it, this webinar is designed to help you take the next step toward making your plans a reality.
Nowhere You Can’t Go
Sailing around the world remains a project in a class of its own. Ambitious, life-changing… and often put off. The World Odyssey rally, organized by the Grand Large Yachting group, offers the perfect opportunity to take that leap.
Starring:
A practical way to turn an idea into a well-structured and well-prepared plan.
Sailing far and for a long time, in a variety of settings. Taking the time to explore, share, and enjoy. The World Odyssey embodies this vision of blue water cruising a comprehensive experience that unfolds over time, with careful planning and the right resources.
You may already have a project in mind. Or perhaps just a vague idea.
In both cases, it often starts with:
The World Odyssey 29 is now available.
👉 Sign me up for World Odyssey 29
What is the World Odyssey 29?The World Odyssey 29 is a round-the-world sailing rally featuring a pre-planned route, full support, and a community of sailors united by a shared passion for blue water cruising.
Who can participate in a round-the-world voyage like the World Odyssey?The World Odyssey is open to owners of yachts built by the Grand Large Yachting Group, whether they are experienced or not, and whether they are traveling as a couple, with family, or with friends.
Do you need to already own a boat to register?No. You can register even if you’re still considering your options or in the process of purchasing a boat. The Garcia team can assist you in choosing and preparing your boat.
What kind of support is provided for a round-the-world sailing trip?World Odyssey offers support before, during, and after departure: boat preparation, advice, logistics, safety, and monitoring throughout the journey.
When should I register for World Odyssey 29?As soon as possible. Registering early allows you to take full advantage of the support offered and to prepare for your blue water cruising project with peace of mind.
Have a question? Need to confirm a schedule? Thinking about buying a boat? Our teams are here to help, at your own pace.
👉 Discuss my project
