At the Cannes Yachting Festival, where GARCIA will be exhibiting an Explocat 52, the shipyard will also be presenting a new version of its best-seller. A new look and a cockpit version for less extreme programs.
After several weeks immersed in the raw and fragile world of Antarctica, Balthazar is continuing her journey. From spectacular anchorages to precision navigation, the crew explores the peninsula a little further, encountering surprises, new people and moments suspended in time. This second episode brings to a close a journey that has been as demanding as it has been fascinating.
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.
Sailing beyond the polar circles, venturing into the Southern Ocean, exploring the world’s most remote areas—this is what we call extreme navigation. And it’s not just for professional explorers or scientific missions anymore. With the right expedition sailboat—robust, self-sufficient, and well-equipped—passionate sailors can embark on these exceptional journeys, too.
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!
A dozen sailboats from the Grand Large Yachting group took part in this unique journey through Northern Europe. From Sweden to Denmark, viaGermany, the Netherlands, Belgium and finally France, each stop was an opportunity to discover peaceful anchorages, lively ports and to forge new links between sailors.
Both on board and ashore, the atmosphere remained the same throughout the voyage: friendly, helpful and the pleasure of sharing a common passion for the sea and travel.
More than just a rally, the Grand Large Yachting Nordic Odyssey was a great collective and human experience. Learning from others, discovering new places, adapting to the rhythm of the sea...
For many, this experience will remain a milestone, a trigger, or simply a beautiful chapter in the history of their navigation.
A look back at this odyssey in pictures
Photo credits: Robin Christol and Grand Large Yachting
Open to all, the seminar is aimed at both experienced sailors and future adventurers wishing to take the plunge for the first time. Through conferences, voyage stories and privileged exchanges, this new edition tackles the essential themes: blue water cruising routes, weather, health on board, safety at sea, insurance, boat choice and daily organization. An event designed to offer concrete, honest and personalized answers to every project.
Xavier Desmarest, co-founder of the Grand Large Yachting group, will talk about the origins of the project and the importance of sharing experience when preparing for a long-distance race.
Meteorology expert Christian Dumard will help you better understand the climatic conditions of far-flung destinations.
Committed sailor Roland Jourdain will share his views on how the blue water cruising experience changes our relationship with the world.
Peggy and Emmanuel Lapierre, owners of an Outremer 45, will recount their three-year voyage between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
Laurent Marion, an instructor specializing in blue water cruising, will shed light on the challenges of safety at sea.
Jan and Martine Van Opstal, owners of a Garcia Exploration 45, will talk about their expeditions from Antarctica to Polynesia.
It's also an opportunity to join a real community of enthusiasts. You'll be able to talk freely with experienced sailors, ask questions to the experts and meet owners who, like you, have chosen to live an extraordinary adventure.
Whatever your background or level of experience, the blue water cruising seminar will show you that ocean cruising is an accessible project, guided above all by preparation, passion and the desire to go further.
Sign up today* and take the first concrete step towards your own round-the-world adventure. Whether you're just beginning to think about it, or already close to departure, this seminar is the ideal step to move from dream to action.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION: January 31 & February 1, 2026 - Paris - Péniche Thalassa - Session in French only
*Limited number of places.
This year's event brought together some thirty participants for a program combining testimonials, workshops and technical presentations. One of the highlights of the event was a talk by Christian Dumard, an expert in meteorology and routing, on the subject of planning ocean voyages.
The testimonies of Brigitte and Johan, owners of an Allures 40.9 engaged in a round-the-Atlantic race, and of Fiona and Adrian, an Australian couple sailing in Europe aboard their Garcia Exploration 45, offered a concrete look at life on board, the organization of daily life and the realities of long-distance travel: managing autonomy, coping with the unexpected, but also savoring the simple pleasure of sailing together and exploring the world at your own pace.
"This sharing between navigators is essential. They give confidence, inspire and remind us that every project is unique." Jérôme GUILLOU - Marketing Manager Allures and Garcia
The thematic workshops addressed the major topics of blue water cruising :
These participatory discussions, led by the shipyard and group teams, reflect the DARE TO DREAM spirit: to support each owner in making his or her blue water cruising project a reality.
Over coffees, lunches and shared evenings, participants strengthened the bonds that unite the Allures and Garcia communities. In a simple, friendly atmosphere, everyone found a listening ear, advice and inspiration to prepare for the next stage of their adventure.
"Thank you so much for sharing and for this seminar. We came home with stars in our eyes, more confirmed than ever in our choice to embark on a grand tour by boat. The exchanges, the stories, the energy... it all really touched us. What's more, we've met some wonderful people, with whom we hope to keep in touch via the WhatsApp group we've created. Thank you and bravo again for all the organization. "Agnès
The choice of the island of Tatihou, accessible only at low tide or by amphibious boat, adds a symbolic dimension to the event. Between sea, wind and clear horizon, the setting invites reflection and escape - a perfect metaphor for the journey we're all preparing.
Signature event for Allures Yachting and Garcia YachtsDARE TO DREAM is a privileged moment for listening and sharing within the voyageur sailing community. More than a simple gathering, it's a key stage in the customer journey, where owners, shipyard and Grand Large Yachting teams share experiences, know-how and visions of the voyage.
This appointment fully embodies the spirit of Allures and Garcia: personalized support, a lasting relationship, and a shared passion for freedom and adventure at sea.
The Garcia Exploration 60 is revealed in a new video.
DiscoverExploration 60 in detail
