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BOOT 2015: A GLANCE AT THE NEW GARCIA EXPLORATION 45

From vision to reality: the no-compromise boat

One thing is sure, there are no quiet moments on-board the Garcia Exploration 45‘. Long awaited and nominated for the European Yacht of the Year Award 2015 in the category “Bluewater Cruiser”, the publicity around the boat is high. What began as a vision of Jimmy Cornell, multiple circumnavigator, can today be admired in hall 15, stand A26, at the boat show “boot” in Düsseldorf. The GE45 measures 14 meters, weighs 14 tons and is definitely unique in the yachting market.

Inspired by his former yachts, Cornell imagined a no-compromise boat that would take him as safely to high latitudes as to tropical regions. The result is the Garcia Exploration 45. Developed at the French boatyard by architect Olivier Racoupea, she is based on Cornell’s ideas and demands. One of them was to give the monohull the same impression of space as on a catamaran! Hard to realize? Sure, but not impossible for the French Design and Yard team.

Having given utmost priority to functionality, safety and comfort, the GE 45 looks unusual and different from other Bluewater Cruisers such as Allures, Southerly or Ovni. The most striking exterior novelty is the aggressive-looking deck salon that fulfills the multi-feeling-on-a-monohull wish. Basically, a deck salon is nothing new on a sailing yacht. But the coachroof of the GE45 leans forward and thus resembles a work boat.

Inside the deck salon, double-glazed windows all around permit a 270° panoramic view. And, if that weren’t already enough, the huge navigation area is just striking! Sitting down there feels like being the captain of a big ship. The autopilot and engine can be controlled from this interior wheelhouse. Not less useful: the galley where cooking seems feasible even in rough conditions. Three steps down and you enter the owner’s cabin, located in the bow. A comfortable looking aft cabin is on the port side.

The GE45 presented at the “boot” has two bunk beds and a big fridge in the other stern cabin on star board side. Different equipment is feasible on this semi-custom yacht, depending on the owner’s wishes. The overall interior is just amazingly comfortable, well-thought-out and inviting for long trips.

Also on deck, the designers included a long list of special features that evoke the character of a really safe and robust ship. To begin with, the aluminum hull – extra thick in sensitive areas – with an internally-ballasted centerplate. Therewith, draft can be reduced to a little more than a meter. Entering shallow waters and beaches will be no problem.

Due to the sheltered cockpit area next to the companionway, similar to those of ocean racing yachts, a long watch in the cockpit seems not too bad even in heavy weather. And if you need to hold on, no problem, handrails are spread over the cockpit. Like everywhere on the boat, handy stowage options characterize the cockpit, whose configuration is made for short-handed crews. All lines, such as halyards and sheets, lead to the cockpit area. Unlike on other yachts, the doors leading from the cockpit below deck are proper doors and completely watertight.

Communication between crew in the deck salon and the cockpit crew is facilitated by the fact that they are nearly on the same level – only separated by two steps.

Whereas on a “normal” yacht a stern is a stern, it is a storage and functionality wonder on the GE45. Apart from the life raft that is stowed in a huge garage with easy access, equipment, such as a stern anchor line, a hydrogenerator, solar panels, outboard engines and much more, can easily be placed.

On the way to the bow, you pass stainless steel handles (“granny bars”) placed on the extra stable coachroof to provide safe handling at the mast. Another striking feature of the bow area is the anchor chain that is stowed under a hatch just before the deck salon superstructure – it is usually in a case at the bow. The idea behind: Relocate more weight to the center of the boat.

Discovering its surprises could go on for hours, but (unfortunately, as it feels right now…) there are other boats to visit at the “boot”.

The conclusion for now: The Garcia Exploration 45 is perhaps not a beauty in everyone’s eyes, but she can definitely create beautiful moments during extraordinary voyages to the most remote places of the world.

BOOT 2015: A GLANCE AT THE NEW GARCIA EXPLORATION 45

Details

  • Route de Vire, 14110 Condé-sur-Noireau, France
  • GARCIA yachts