Yachting Monthly visit Boot 16 in Düsseldorf, Europe’s largest boat show, to see the new Garcia Exploration 52
Garcia Exploration 52
I was sad after I came off the Garcia Exploration 52, just because it appeared such a well thought out, well made and well, stylish boat it saddened me I’ll probably never be able to afford her. Take the knowledge gleaned from serial circumnavigator Jimmy Cornell, add the style of Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design and you end up with a truly special boat with go-anywhere appeal. The cockpit is similar to the Exploration 45 we tested in YM (Aug 2014) but it’s improved no end by the larger watch keepers position sheltered by a solid sprayhood but unlike the 45 the 52 benefits from forward and side facing windows, there is still a back of instruments, but there’s also space to keep the sort of stuff which it’s handy to keep to hand, jackets, binoculars, lifejackets, harnesses etc.
Down below the saloon has a real wow factor with panoramic windows giving an almost 360 degree view out, all while seated in the salon. There’s a small central set of steps which take you up to the parallel bench seats. These face both inboard and outboard so each side get a fair share of the views. There’s also a large forward facing chart table with views out over the foredeck. Cabin wise there’s a double cabin aft to starboard, a single cabin which can be converted to a double beneath the saloon, and a further single berth aft to port. An area I’d personally convert into the infinitely versatile tech space. Forward is a great owners cabin with the double berth near the centre of the boat but offset to starboard, a space at the forward end lets the outboard crew extract themselves without climbing over their partner. Forward of that is the en suite with a shower/toilet area separate from the mirrored sink area.
The galley is long linear and takes up all the port side of the saloon area, stowage is as plentiful as anyone could wish, and there’s a neat unit just behind the cook. The only thing I didn’t like were the square finger-hole latches which could break fingers in rough weather with ease. Good news then that Garcia can customize their boats to their owners’ requirements. I just need to find a way to afford £860,000 for the boat on display here.
Who would she suit?
The world cruisers looking for comfort and luxury wrapped up in and aluminium lifting keel hull.
Price €838,800 inc VAT (Around £639,360 inc VAT)
LOA 16.55m 54ft 4in
LWL 14.59m 47ft 10in
Cabins Four
Beam 4.80m 15ft 9in
Draught 1.27/3.00m 4ft 2in/9ft 10in
Displacement 18,880kg lbs
Contact Garcia Yachting
Tel +33 (0)2 33 43 22 20
Website http://www.garcia-yachting.com