Exploration 60 (Garcia) Information, Review, Specs

The Exploration 60's reputation is built on its ability to combine the ruggedness required for extreme conditions with the luxurious amenities expected in a high-end cruiser, cementing its place as a formidable choice for true blue-water adventurers.

The genesis of the Garcia Exploration 60 is rooted in Garcia Yachts' long-standing commitment to building durable metal yachts, a legacy that began in 1974 with founders Jean-Louis and Jean-Pierre Garcia. Having transitioned from steel to aluminum in their early history, Garcia became synonymous with the robust and efficient construction material perfectly suited for expedition vessels. The Exploration range itself, greatly influenced by explorer Jimmy Cornell, began with the iconic Exploration 45 in 2011, followed by the 52, culminating in the launch of the 60-foot flagship in 2022.

Olivier Racoupeau's design philosophy for the Exploration 60 centered on creating a modern, stable hull capable of achieving high average speeds while prioritizing ease of handling for a small crew, often a couple. The design emphasizes greater autonomy and generous living spaces, reflecting the needs of those undertaking long-distance voyages. Consistent with Garcia's core ethos, the vessel features an exceptionally strong aluminum hull and a centerboard, a signature design element that allows for a shallow draft of 4.92 feet for access to remote anchorages, while extending to a deep draft of 11.98 feet for enhanced offshore performance and stability. While standard and carbon mast options are available, the overall design ensures the structural rigidity and material safety inherent to Garcia's aluminum construction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Garcia Exploration 60 is engineered to deliver impressive sailing performance and remarkably smooth handling, even in demanding conditions. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.57, she is well-equipped for good performance in lighter air, ensuring she can maintain momentum across a wide range of wind conditions. Her displacement to length ratio of around 206.7 places her in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser, suggesting a solid, seakindly motion through the water.

While her ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.276 is typical for an expedition cruiser, the yacht's robust aluminum hull and twin rudders contribute significantly to her inherent stability and precise control. Reviewers and owners consistently praise the Exploration 60 for working "very well under sail" and maintaining smooth movements even when heeled, offering a comfortable ride during long passages. She is noted for her ability to achieve high average speeds and her reasonable angle of heel, even when sailing close-hauled. The twin rudders are a key design feature, enhancing maneuverability and contributing to the ease of handling, making the Garcia Exploration 60 an ideal model for a couple venturing to explore the world.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Garcia Exploration 60, designed by Isabelle Racoupeau, pushes Garcia's renowned standards of comfort to a luxurious level, blending contemporary aesthetics with practical liveaboard functionality. The spacious and stylish interior is crafted with top-tier materials and emphasizes superior craftsmanship, reflecting its design for long-distance cruising without compromise.

Typical interior arrangements are highly versatile, with options for three or four cabins, including a large owner's cabin that can be configured in various ways. The layout is thoughtfully designed to contribute directly to safe navigation, featuring panoramic views from the interior saloon, a signature Garcia trait that enhances the liveaboard experience and provides excellent situational awareness. The galley is spacious, featuring an extensive work surface, often made of Corian with deep fiddles to prevent spills, catering to the needs of offshore cooking. While owners often prefer to dine in the well-protected cockpit, the interior saloon remains a comfortable and usable space for meals, even in colder climates. Overall, the accommodations are described as conveying a sense of ruggedness and safety, seamlessly combined with a perception of luxury, making extended time onboard both secure and enjoyable.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Garcia Exploration 60 consistently praise the yacht as the "ultimate world explorer" and a vessel truly built for adventure. They highlight its solid construction, inherent safety, and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway, often describing an Atlantic crossing as having "remarkably smooth" movements despite considerable heel. A frequently cited strength is the boat's design for easy handling by a small crew, often just a couple, which is crucial for the extensive, often remote, voyages these yachts are intended for. The high average speeds and robust nature of the aluminum hull are also highly valued, providing confidence and efficiency on long passages. While specific recurring problems are not widely reported in public forums, the collective owner sentiment emphasizes a profound satisfaction with the boat's capability, comfort, and the peace of mind it offers for global exploration.