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!
Designed for long-distance voyages, theExploration 60 combines sturdiness, safety, and comfort thanks to its aluminium construction. Designed for grand adventures, it takes sailors to the most challenging destinations, from the polar regions to tropical waters.
Our teams will be on hand throughout the show to discuss your project and give you a tour of the boat.
Tours by appointment – Book now by clicking here.
While you wait for Cannes, discover the Garcia Yachts :
• Exploration 45• Exploration 52• Exploration 60• Explocat 52
*Visits by appointment only.
In a new video available on our YouTube channel, British sailor Pete Goss shares his perspective as a seafarer on what defines the essence of the Garcia Exploration line, from Exploration 45 Exploration 60. Aboard a Exploration 52, he discusses the design choices that have earned these sailboats their reputation: aluminium construction, centerboarder, safety “by design,” comfort on board, sustainable performance, and ease of sailing with a small crew.
More than just a technical presentation, this video illustrates a philosophy: designing sailboats that allow you to go farther, with greater peace of mind, and to fully enjoy the journey, no matter the conditions.
Watch the video now and immerse yourself in the world of Garcia Exploration.
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.