GARCIA EXPLORATION 45 OFFICIAL LAUNCH

Jimmy Cornell, best-selling nautical author, founder of the ARC and organiser of several round the world rallies, is preparing for a voyage that promises to be the culmination of his sailing life. During this coming summer 2014, Jimmy Cornell will sail his new yacht in his latest project, the Blue Planet Odyssey, a global event aiming to raise awareness of the effects of climate change. A transit of the Northwest Passage in the company of other like-minded sailors will highlight the direct consequences of those changes. To accomplish that voyage, Jimmy conceived the ideal boat, perfectly suited for both high latitude and tropical sailing.

The Garcia Exploration 45 has the benefit of a font of unmatched experience in the field of long distance cruising. While Jimmy Cornell will realise with this boat a masterpiece based on a life dedicated to offshore navigation, Garcia Yachting''s team of designers and builders contribute more than four decades of expertise in producing high quality yachts for long distance navigators.

"The Garcia Exploration 45, with a demanding sailing programme and attention to detail, matches perfectly with the DNA of the shipyard. Developing the first unit for Jimmy, leaving this summer bound for the Northwest Passage on a round the world voyage, was an added incentive. Thanks to the commitment and unique know-how of the Garcia Yachting teams we are proud to have accomplished this challenge.“ explains Benoit Lebizay, Managing Director of the shipyard

A press conference was held in the afternoon, where Jimmy Cornell introduced his new boat, and talked about Blue Planet Odyssey, a round-the-world rally aiming to raise awareness of climate change. Jimmy''s attempted transit of the Northwest Passage on board Aventura IV this coming summer will be undertaken as part of the Blue Planet Odyssey and under the auspices of UNESCO and the IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission).