Explocat 52 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Explocat 52 traces back to Garcia Yachts' deep-rooted history in crafting metal boats, transitioning from steel to aluminum in their early days due to its superior efficiency and lightweight properties. The shipyard, established in 1974 by brothers Jean-Louis and Jean-Pierre Garcia, gained a formidable reputation for building durable vessels suitable for challenging voyages. After joining the Grand Large Yachting group in 2010, Garcia Yachts launched its acclaimed "Exploration" range, heavily influenced by circumnavigator Jimmy Cornell.

The Explocat 52, with its first unit launched in July 2020, extends this philosophy into the multihull domain, offering a new avenue for world exploration. Naval architect Olivier Racoupeau, known for his work on Garcia's Exploration monohulls, is also behind the design of the Explocat 52. The design prioritizes seaworthiness and the ability to handle extreme conditions, distinguishing it from many performance catamarans that might sacrifice robustness for sheer speed or flybridge amenities. The extensive experience of Garcia in building expedition yachts, combined with Racoupeau's expertise, aimed to create a comfortable, safe, long-distance catamaran that could be handled efficiently by a couple.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Garcia Explocat 52 is engineered for reliable performance in a wide range of conditions, designed for easy and safe handling by a small crew. With a reported sail area of 1,797.57 sq ft and a length overall (LOA) of 55.61 feet, she is equipped with a generous fractional sloop rig. The catamaran's design emphasizes expedition capabilities, providing a robust platform for extensive ocean voyages and challenging environments. Reviews highlight that while the Explocat 52 offers above-average cruising speeds, it prioritizes seaworthiness over outright performance, suggesting it sails best when not pinched upwind. In approximately 15 knots of true wind, it has demonstrated maximum upwind speeds of 9 knots. Owners and reviewers often praise its solid construction and comfortable motion, asserting its capability to tackle extreme conditions.

A notable design feature is the forward cockpit, which serves multiple functions, including providing a protected lookout position for navigating icy waters and facilitating anchor handling. The deck layout is meticulously designed for practicality and ease of operation, incorporating modern catamaran design principles for efficient sailing and comfortable living. The boat's aluminum construction contributes to its exceptional strength and durability, making it well-suited for high-latitude and expedition cruising where robustness is paramount.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Explocat 52 is crafted to offer a bright, spacious, and highly functional living environment, crucial for long-distance cruising. The catamaran form factor allows for significant volume and panoramic views from the interior, enhancing the liveaboard experience. Various interior layouts are available, allowing for customization, particularly in the hull configurations. For instance, the starboard hull can be configured as an expansive owner's suite, featuring a well-appointed nav station along with inside steering.

The main nacelle typically houses a bright and spacious saloon, providing easy access throughout the boat, and often includes a full-sized galley and a dedicated chart table on the port side. Interior design, often attributed to Darnet Design, focuses on combining the functional advantages of a catamaran with the specific needs of an exploration yacht, emphasizing ample storage and comfort. The use of aluminum for the hull and deck not only provides structural integrity but also contributes to the yacht's insulation, a critical feature for those venturing into colder climates. The emphasis is on quality finishes and practical materials that can withstand the rigors of extended cruising while maintaining a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Explocat 52 consistently praise its robust aluminum construction and its ability to inspire confidence for challenging voyages. They value the boat's design for being exceptionally safe and comfortable, even in demanding conditions. The ability to be handled by a couple, despite its substantial size, is frequently highlighted as a significant advantage. The emphasis on expedition capabilities, such as the insulated aluminum hulls and the protected forward cockpit for ice navigation, resonates strongly with owners who seek true adventure.

While the Explocat 52 is recognized for its seaworthiness, some might note that its performance, while respectable, prioritizes stability and robustness over the extreme speeds found in some lighter, more performance-oriented catamarans. Owners appreciate the various interior layout options, which allow for personalization, making the boat suitable for different cruising styles, from family adventures to owner-operated long-distance expeditions. The strong community fostered by Grand Large Yachting, Garcia's parent company, also adds to the ownership experience, providing support and opportunities for shared exploration.