Garcia Exploration 45

The Garcia Exploration 45 is a 45-foot aluminum bluewater cruiser conceived from the outset for serious offshore and high-latitude voyaging. Launched officially in May 2014 in Cherbourg, France, it was the product of collaboration between Garcia Yachting, naval architects Berret-Racoupeau, and celebrated circumnavigator Jimmy Cornell, who served as the first owner and guided the design brief toward a boat capable of tackling everything from the tropics to polar passages, including the Northwest Passage. The boat received Sail Magazine's Best Boat award and the European Yacht of the Year title in the Luxury Cruiser category in 2015, quickly establishing itself as a benchmark in expedition cruising.

The Exploration 45 is built to RCD Category A and carries a STIX score of 37.5, reflecting a genuine offshore pedigree. It is sized for a couple or small family wishing to cruise the world without restriction, and its features — twin rudders, dual helms, centerboard, deck saloon, and comprehensive insulation — reflect that intent rather than coastal convenience.

The hull is welded aluminum throughout, providing the durability and repairability demanded by remote cruising. Hull insulation reaches 74 mm, the flooring is insulated, and the saloon features double-glazed windows; heating is supplied by radiators fed from a central diesel-fired boiler, making the interior habitable in Arctic conditions. The only composite component is the coachroof, which is cored fiberglass. Internal ballast is carried low in the bilge, and a retracting centerboard extends below the keel for windward performance while allowing access to very shallow anchorages when raised, giving a draft of just over three feet.

A deep skeg protects the propeller and adds directional stability under power. Twin spade rudders provide steering redundancy and responsiveness. The anchor chain is routed under-deck directly to the windlass, keeping deck clutter to a minimum and weight centered. Six integral cockpit padeyes and mast-mounted granny bars reflect the offshore safety philosophy embedded throughout the design.

In testing, the Exploration 45 reached around 6.5 knots close-hauled in 20 knots of breeze and 7.5 to 8 knots or better on a beam reach — respectable performance for a heavily built expedition boat. The centerboard allows the crew to tune windward ability, while twin rudders deliver a light, responsive helm feel even in rough conditions. Sail handling systems are well-conceived for short-handed operation, and the deck saloon provides a sheltered interior helm position with a 270-degree view, allowing the boat to be managed from below in severe weather.

The rig is a cutter-capable sloop arrangement that suits long-passage sailing, with the option to fly a gennaker or spinnaker of up to 160 m² for downwind legs. Downwind sailing is described as comfortable and largely hands-off, with the boat tracking well without constant attention to the helm.

The interior is offered in two- or three-cabin versions with choice of afrormosia or light oak joinery. The benchmark "Jimmy Cornell" layout places an owner's stateroom forward with an island double berth and ensuite head, a pair of sea berths in the passageway, two singles in a starboard aft cabin, and a full double in the port aft stateroom, accommodating up to eight in a pinch. An alternative arrangement trades some berth count for more practical stowage. The galley runs along the port side inline and opens to the saloon, which benefits from panoramic glazing and natural light.

The navigation station doubles as an interior helm with immediate access to instruments and engine controls — a thoughtful arrangement for offshore passages. Storage throughout is extensive, including under-sole tankage and lockers sized for provisions on extended voyages. The same insulation package that handles polar cold also keeps the interior cool in tropical heat, giving the boat genuine all-latitude versatility.