garcia yachts exploration 60

• Boat Tests , News , SAILBOATS

GARCIA 60 Exploration: the all-terrain vessel of the sea

• April 12, 2023

Garcia is fearless in its path; its distinctive aluminium cruising yachts have gained a strong reputation over the past 50 years. The latest model, the Garcia 60 Exploration , is a shoal-draught expedition yacht that will take you anywhere around the globe. As I discovered, sailing in more confined waters, she is also responsive and incredibly fun.

“Nowhere you can’t go” is the philosophy of the French shipyard Garcia. Jean Pierre and Jean Louis Garcia in 1974 founded the brand for bluewater aluminium yachts. In 2011 the new Exploration yacht was the result and influence of a long-distance navigator Jimmy Cornell and the passion of the Garcia team.

Jimmy Cornell , Yachtsman and bestselling author of World Cruising Routes , said, “I was looking for a sailing boat adapted to my trips that combined sailing at high latitudes and in the tropics, but was unable to find a solution on the market. I decided to design a new boat that would come close to being the perfect cruising sailboat. I was immediately very enthusiastic; they were the best builders of aluminium yachts in France, and they had with them one of the greatest naval architects Olivier Racoupeau. Without a doupt they were going to build the boat of my dreams.”

Discovering the Garcia 60 Exploration

It’s mid-March, and a few storms have hit France, so when Grand Large Yachting invited us to test the Garcia Exploration 60 , we were excited; it’s not often you get to try a sailboat in moderate wind.

We arrived bright and early in Cherbourg, France, jumping at the gate to climb aboard and get underway. What struck me first was the size of this aluminium beast; she’s 19.5 meters long by 5.4m in the beam , an absolute monster and by far the most significant sailboat I have tested to date.

I spent some time with the skipper familiarising myself with the technical workings of this Garcia 60 Exploration before we set off; it is something I like to do on all sailboats. It’s an excellent task, but Garcia has made this easy with its intelligent systems and ergonomic cockpit design.

All systems can be operated from both port and starboard helm pedestals. The central hydraulic servo system runs your forward sails fullers, windlass, centre board, genset, and vang. Time to go; we expect winds from the southeast between 15-20kn gusting to 28kn, so a good breeze to get this 33T lady moving. Manoeuvring out of a marina with twin rudders is not my favourite sport. Still, with the bow and stern thrusters, my five-year-old would make it look easy. If you’re worried, The aluminium hull is 5 to 12 mm thick. It is charitably dimensioned right down to its ribs and stringers, assuring foolproof impact resistance. For even more peace of mind, the structure includes a watertight bulkhead at the front and the rear, upstream of the steering system. A fin protects the shaft. The rudders are made of aluminium and preceded by a protective skeg; They also have a composite sacrificial zone in their upper part. In case of a violent shock, if the rudder stock should bend, the hull is protected, and the rudder remains functional. you don’t pierce your hull if you hit anything, don’t forget this is a first-class blue water sailboat, after all.

I appreciate with a potential shallow draft of 1.50 m; shallow anchorages stay accessible to such a sailboat. Moving away from tourist areas and choosing less frequented zones is possible. Going up rivers or rias is also likely. And most explorers will also be able to adventure into areas that still need to be appropriately mapped. It is reassuring the possibility of being able to reach shelter zones. With its modern and stable hull – designed by “ Olivier Racoupeau ” – and its generous sail plan, the Exploration 60 has high average speeds that shorten distances. The centring of the weights (chain wells at the foot of the mast, centred tanks) limits the Boat’s pitching and supports its seaworthiness and sailing comfort. Sailing downwind with the centreboard up, speeding up on the wave remains safe, and the movements are smoother without any hooking effect. Similarly, I expect the Boat to move freely between the waves in extreme sea conditions, less exposed to their power, but I have yet to find out.

While we are on the subject of stability, The Garcia 60 Exploration holds up to 800 litres of fresh water and 2,200 litres of diesel, and all the tanks are fixed centrally in the hull. You add 450KG of Anker chain by the mast and spare parts and copious amounts of stowage; all the technical equipment is grouped in a dedicated area, a properly Soundproofed engine room, easily accessible for maintenance and any repairs. This provides comfort for those living aboard.

The Garcia 60 Exploration also has an actual workshop. The tools and spare parts storage area is spacious enough to work in and care for the Boat. With its many interior storage spaces, large sail compartments and voluminous exterior storage spaces, the Exploration 60 has an exceptional carrying capacity of 4 tons. Water sports equipment such as paddle boards and scuba tanks can be taken on board for leisure or exploration.

Below decks

As she settled into her rhythm, it was time for a well-earned cup of tea and a little poke around below decks to see what this lady had to offer.

Moving forward, I found my spot for passage-making. In the raised salon (port side), you will find one of the USPs of Garcia, The chart table; it is like a wheelhouse, with all your instruments and engine controls. I have a 270° view here looking straight out the Double glazed windows. Whatever the weather conditions, the boat can be piloted from the inside, and the inverted shape of the roof prevents reflections. I can feel myself daydreaming about all the possible places we could adventure with this sailboat. I have never liked the cold, but imagining the look on my daughter’s face seeing an iceberg for the first time makes me smile and think of the possibilities and destinations. 

This full-width cabin can be set for two classic cabins or a double cabin and a technical area. You can customise this area as much as you like, but I would like it like this. There is more storage than you need, and every drawer has a sea bar lock so that nothing will open by itself. This owner had asked for an on-sweat head fitted to the starboard side of their cabin with a separate rain head shower. The volume of the boat is impressive, with a minimum under-ceiling height of 2 m everywhere. With portholes more than 40 cm high around the roof, light is everywhere inside the Exploration 60. The materials are chosen with taste and assembled with care.

Below the saloon, a double cabin can complete the sleeping space for guests or be reserved for a crew member. The owner can thus accommodate a skipper or a crew member to accompany them on their voyages. 

Time to get some sea air again

The cockpit is protected by the elegant hard-top that runs far aft, which is my second favourite spot on this boat; as it started to rain, I can tell you it was out of the weather, but you feel part of the action, especially as once again you have a dedicated area to starboard with all your instruments so keeping watch hear will be a dream for most sailors like me.

Our cockpit area was fitted with side covers for added protection and insulation, making it feel more cosey; It is an additional living space, a natural second saloon, with a neat design, accessible by only three steps from the interior space. All too soon, it was time to gybe and head back to port. I feel robbed as we change course; this boat invites you to daydream about what might be possible on your adventures through life and unlimited destinations.

Garcia 60 Exploration: in Conclusion

This is a boat-borne of considerable experience and attention to detail , taking a proven concept and refining it to a new level . There are many small but clever touches that may take time to be noticeable but make a difference to life on board. So it offers a big step forward compared to the other blue water sailboats on the market. In particular, the more significant owner’s cabin makes living on board for extended periods more civilised. At the same time, the more oversized cockpit will work just as well in the tropics as at high latitudes. It’s a supremely capable yacht with long legs that effortlessly puts in good daily mileage when crossing oceans. Yet, it will also be fun to sail in your home waters. However, what’s unique is the combination of Garcia’s Four signature features:

• Rugged aluminium construction.
• Shoal draught with the ability to dry out.
• The protection offered by the cockpit area.
• Compleat autonomy on Expeditions

This latest edition to the Garcia fleet is a credit to their passion and expertise in building ultimate explorer sailboats. I am sure other shipyards will watch Garcia closely and adapt their sailboats to catch up.

This boat has left me wanting to sell everything I own, pack my family on board and see where this magnificent blue water sailboat will take us.

4 Responses

Having read closely this article written by a sailor with passion I am in a dream like state. This wonderful yacht is just that, a floating home to claim ones wander lust. This is undoubtedly the finest yacht to fulfil those aspirations. I concur with the writer. Sell up and explore the world. One has one life , just do it. .

Thank you, Mike; I am glad you enjoyed the article. Yes, the Garcia 60 is a real game changer; if it were within budget, we would be planning our world expedition. We feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to review this magnificent sailboat.

Great boat great article. Some errors in the copy possibly due to language not fully translating. I can find nothing regarding the power source. Is it a gen set powering electric drivetrain. Is it a normal engine driven prop. Does it regen using the prop to generate electricity to replenish battery banks? Where exactly is the laundry room?

Great review of an amazing boat – this ticks so many boxes for remote exploration and diving trips, both tropical and high latitude. Thanks!

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Garcia Exploration 60

Designer:  Racoupeau Yacht Design

Overall Length: 63.97′

Beam: 17.72′ Draft centerboard up/down : 4.92′ / 11.97′ Displacement: 77,000 lbs Diesel Tank: 660 gallons Water tank:   211 gallons

Nowhere you can't go

Building on the success of her little sister,  the Exploration 60 carries on the features of the Jimmy Cornell inspired Exploration 45: shallow draft capability, deck saloon with 270 degree views, insulated aluminum hull with collision bulkheads and watertight companionway, and bulletproof systems with unparalleled access.

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Exploration 60

Following the success of the Exploration 45 and 52 sailing boats, Garcia Yachts has designed an even more adventurous yacht. The Exploration 60, to bring the entire planet within reach.

THE QUINTESSENTIAL BLUE WATER CRUISING SHIP

For the flagship of the Exploration range, Garcia Yachts and Berret Racoupeau Yacht design have combined the best of their know-how to create the absolute cruising yacht. Unequalled elegance and comfort enhance the remarkable seaworthiness, always part of a Garcia vessel.

The refinement of the lines doesn’t detract from the functions expected for potentially extreme sailing conditions. On the contrary, it serves them, just like the rigid cap, something that is now inseparable from the range. From the outside you will appreciate the dynamics, while from its shelter and its large glass panels, you’ll never tire of contemplating the elements that surround you. The deck, totally flush in front of the characteristic panoramic coachroof, makes it easy to move around, sailing manoeuvres are safer, as is going forward, to the fine bow, always robust, and more elegant than ever.

If you are won over by the exterior, you won’t fail to be seduced by the layouts created by interior designer Isabelle Racoupeau. Only two steps from the vast cockpit, unrivalled space, light and view of the outside await you.

In a cosy-marine atmosphere, with refined elegance, the deck saloon, interior helm station and saloon redefine the notions of space on board. Several layout plans have been created to meet different programmes, combining owner’s and guest cabins, crew and more technical areas.

Outside and inside, top-of-the-range equipment is at your service, and the entire Garcia Yachts team is at your disposal to personalize your yacht of a lifetime.

Key elements of the specifications

FROM POLAR EXPLORATION TO THE TROPICS

• Aluminium centreboarder
• Chain locker centred at the mast foot
• Twin rudders (JEFA system on self-aligning bearings)
• Deck saloon with panoramic view
• Watchkeeping position, with good visibility forward
• Generous storage spaces throughout the boat
• Watertight companionway door
• Forward and aft bulkheads in aluminium
• Through-hulls above the waterline
• All essential sail-handling done from the cockpit
• Reinforced stem
• Integrated arch for: instruments, solar panels, wind generator, dinghy

With its particularly solid aluminium hull and deck structure, its easily controlled cutter rig, the Exploration 60 is a centreboarder designed for the high seas. A ship that can be controlled with the tips of your fingers from one of the two magnificent steering consoles, which transmit with millimetre precision the slightest of your intentions to the twin rudders.

By protecting its crew, offering them perfect handling ergonomics, an unrivalled view from the cockpit and from the inside, our flagship takes you to a new dimension of exploration sailboats.

The cockpit becomes an outdoor lounge, the sugarscoop becomes even more versatile, sometimes a diving platform, boarding platform or swimming platform.

Its generous dimensions make it possible to combine luxurious living spaces, technical areas and storage volumes, making it possible to plan to go ever further, for even longer… with or without crew.

Offering better, providing more, that was the philosophy that guided the interior design of this outstanding sixty-foot boat.

We’ve taken advantage of every centimetre to offer more comfort here, more space there, whether it’s for work or rest. We have used the available volumes to provide new functions: a lounge area on the port side, an independent interior helm station, a crew cabin, a master cabin forward or aft, multiple technical areas and even a sauna, the range of possibilities offered by Exploration 60 will certainly surprise you.

This unique creation is served by materials with irreproachable aesthetic and technical qualities, and lighting designed with extreme care for the different phases of life on board while highlighting the exceptional cabinet-making work carried out in the type of wood you have selected.

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Legend READ LISTING DISCLAIMER

LEGEND is the ultimate adventure vessel to fulfil the exploration charter of a lifetime. Capable of navigating the world's most remote territories, an unforgettable and wild charter experience awaits guests onboard luxury explorer yacht LEGEND.

Looking for the charter adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than state-of-the-art luxury explorer superyacht M/Y LEGEND. Refitted in 2015 to the highest in modern luxury standards, this 77.4m superyacht is equipped with Arctic capabilities to take guests off the beaten track and into the wildest corners of the world. From submersibles and snow mobiles to heli operations and jet skis, LEGEND boasts all of the toys and equipment to complete an out-of-this-world charter experience for an adrenaline-fuelled stay at sea.

This luxury explorer yacht's spectacular amenities are almost too many to list; counting among them a lavish 16-person jacuzzi, plush cinema room, Balinese spa and fully-equipped gym to ensure guests travel in utter and uninterrupted luxury. In contrast to her rugged explorer exterior, LEGEND's interiors can be characterised as comfortable and sophisticated. Accommodating an impressive 22 guests, LEGEND is perfect for friends, families and large groups as well as intimate gatherings. 28 dedicated and rigorously trained crew members are on hand to ensure every guests' want and need is tended to, with capacity to board up to 10 extra expedition staff if required.

LEGEND is a true go-anywhere superyacht. Just as comfortable in the icy lakes of the Arctic as she is in the South American Fjords or Northern Europe's Baltic Sea, nowhere is too wild or out of reach onboard M/Y LEGEND. Built with state-of-the-art explorer capabilities including an ice-breaking hull, fully certified helideck and fit-for-purpose toy collection, guests onboard LEGEND are guaranteed to get the most out of their luxury charter experience. 

LEGEND is a fine epitome of the hybrid explorer yachting trend which is increasingly in demand in today's charter market. Her rugged exterior and vast storage ensures she is capable of long range autonomy at sea, for the more adventurous itineraries, while her inside 6-star luxury awaits to welcome guests in sharp contrast with their wild surroundings. Her exploration capabilities are limitless; with her outdoor heating, remarkable stability and an experienced and well-trained crew, LEGEND boasts a long range of up to 7,640 nautical miles. Navigating untamed landscapes by day and enjoying the very finest in superyachting amenities by night, LEGEND is truly the charter yacht of the future and extremely in demand on today's market. 

Accommodation

 LEGEND's luxurious 11-cabin arrangement is perfectly equipped to accommodate any variety of groups up to 22 guests. With each suite assigned its own particular character themed to a specific destination around the world, guests will want for nothing when it comes to luxury accommodation onboard LEGEND.

The master or Paris suite on its own dedicated deck is meticulously appointed with a king sie bed, his and hers ensuites both with a bath and show, walk-in wardrobe, study and its own lounge area. There are three more VIP suites on upper and main deck (Moscow, Paris and New York suite) all en suites and accentuated by rich mahogany and plush materials to give an inviting feel. LEGEND is family ready for child and carers with two convertible twin suite on the main deck, the Sydney and Rio de Janeiro suites, both with ensuite shower room. The Panama suite on the upper deck can also be converted to a double room, also with an en suite shower room. 

From her Balinese style spa, choice of jacuzzis, fully equipped gym, 14-seater cinema to her piano and whiskey bars, LEGEND is designed to entertain guests of all ages. Her accommodation is designed to the finest standards and with the richest materials, so that guests are assured a stay in absolute luxury.

The particulars on this page are a general guide to give a broad description of the yacht. They are not intended to constitute part of an offer or contract. All prices, photographs, measurements, plans and specifications referred to are given as a guide only and should not be relied upon for the charter of this yacht. The copyright of all details,photographs and deckplans remains the property of their respectful owners.

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