Garcia Yachting Exploration 45
About this yacht
The Garcia Yachting Exploration 45 stands as one of the most capable bluewater cruisers in her class. Built in aluminum since 2014, this 13.98-meter sailing yacht emerged from a collaboration with renowned offshore sailor Jimmy Cornell, who brought his Northwest Passage experience to bear on every design decision. The result is a vessel that has become a benchmark in high-latitude and remote ocean cruising. This performance cruiser carries CE certification class A, qualifying her for open ocean navigation. Her aluminum hull, built with plating ranging from 5 to 12 millimeters thick, provides exceptional impact resistance. Watertight bulkheads at both bow and stern add redundant protection, while the propeller shaft sits within a protective fin and the aluminum rudders feature composite sacrificial zones that preserve hull integrity even after impact. The centerboard configuration defines the yacht's versatility. With draft reduced to just 1.05 meters, the Exploration 45 accesses lagoons, shallow anchorages, and remote beaches that remain off-limits to deeper-keeled vessels. This shallow-water capability extends your cruising grounds from tropical atolls to poorly charted high-latitude coastlines, offering shelter options in deteriorating weather that fixed-keel yachts cannot reach. True autonomy comes from generous tankage: 500 liters of fresh water, a watermaker, and 700 liters of diesel fuel. Combined with optional hydrogenerators, solar panels, and a generator, this sailboat supports extended passages far from marinas. The carrying capacity approaches two tons, distributed across interior stowage, a dedicated workshop, a voluminous sail locker, and exterior storage designed for expedition gear—kayaks, bicycles, diving equipment, even skis for polar regions. The deck layout prioritizes safety and efficiency for short-handed sailing. An IMOCA-inspired helm station sits just outside the companionway, protected by a rigid hardtop that shields the helmsman while maintaining forward visibility and proximity to sail controls. Canvas enclosures add protection in severe weather. Inside, a second helm station at the chart table provides complete access to navigation instruments and engine controls with a 270-degree panoramic view, allowing watch-keeping in warmth regardless of conditions on deck. Architect Olivier Racoupeau designed the hull for both performance and comfort at sea. Weight distribution is optimized with anchor chain, water, and fuel tanks centered for improved seaworthiness. The twin-rudder configuration and raised centerboard create exceptional stability when running downwind, allowing the yacht to surf through breaking waves without broaching, even under autopilot. Daily runs exceeding 160 miles demonstrate genuine passage-making capability. Climate control addresses extremes at both ends of the spectrum. Seventy-four millimeters of hull insulation, insulated flooring, double glazing, and strategic ventilation maintain comfort in tropical heat and polar cold. A diesel-fired central heating system distributes warmth evenly and quietly through radiators, while also providing sound insulation against wind and sea noise. The interior, designed by Isabelle Racoupeau, accommodates eight guests across three cabins. Large windows and hull portholes maintain constant visual connection with the surrounding environment—a defining characteristic of the deck saloon layout that creates the sensation of being outside while protected inside. Brushed aluminum trim accents the woodwork, LED lighting complements abundant natural light, and finishes can be customized to reflect individual preferences. Every system aboard this cruising sailboat has been engineered for accessibility. Hull penetrations, fuel and water systems, electrical networks, and technical equipment remain within easy reach for routine maintenance or emergency repairs at sea—a practical consideration that distinguishes expedition vessels from coastal cruisers. The Garcia Exploration 45 delivers what serious offshore sailors require: a secure, autonomous, easily handled yacht capable of reaching the planet's most remote destinations. For couples or small crews seeking to explore beyond established cruising routes, this bluewater sailing yacht provides the foundation for genuine adventure.
Activities & Experiences
- Fishing — Facilities and layout suitable for recreational fishing activities on board
- Sea & Ocean Exploration — Long-range capability, typically around 3,000 nautical miles, enabling ocean crossings and remote destinations
- Travel & Cruising — Suitable for extended cruising, typically from 300 nautical miles and above
- Regatta Participation — Designed or suitable for participation in sailing regattas
Onboard Amenities
- Explorer Capability — Designed for operation in remote and challenging regions such as polar areas or extreme environments
Suitable For
- Travel — Suitable for extended cruising journeys
- Southern Areas — Design optimized for warmer southern climates
Specifications
- Length
- 13.49 m
- Guests
- 8
- Category
- Sailing
- Hull Type
- Monohull
- Hull Material
- Aluminium
- Design School
- French
- Country of Build
- France
- Engine Type
- Inboard
- Engine Power
- 80.00 HP
- Fuel Capacity
- 700.00 l
- Navigation Category
- CE Category A (Ocean)
- Price
- 1200000.00 EUR