The Exploration 45 is an aluminium centreboarder capable of taking on any adventure, from polar exploration to tropical sailing. She was voted ‘Best Boat’ and ‘Boat of the Year’ in 2015.
The number one Exploration Sailboat
AN ALUMINIUM CENTREBOARDER DESIGNED FOR ALL LATITUDES
Over the past forty years, Jimmy Cornell has logged hundreds of thousands of nautical miles; the Garcia shipyard has built the most emblematic boats for offshore cruising; and Berret Racoupeau has designed just as many. The coming-together of these three could only give rise to a sailboat with a distinct character, which was to become the Exploration 45.
The first of a line dedicated to sailing all the seas of the world, whether high-latitude or tropical, it is obviously made of aluminium and is a centreboarder. With twin rudders, the control in rough seas and the smoothness of handling are simply exceptional.
All sailing manoeuvres are grouped together in the cockpit, which is particularly well protected by its innovative cap with a view forward. Moving around on deck remains particularly safe, with handrails always within reach and sturdy granny bars. This allows for easy access to the forward sail locker, separated from the rest of the interior by a watertight bulkhead, the ideal complement to the aft technical room.
Inside, the audacity of the layout quickly becomes convincing, with the intelligence of the solutions provided. The deck saloon offers an unexpected panoramic view of the sea: the privilege of comfortably enjoying the exceptional landscapes that surround you. Safety, always keeping a visual eye on your route, while controlling it from the interior watch-keeping position. Available in two or three cabin versions, the interior benefits from remarkable cabinet-making skills. The warmth of Afrormosia, or the brightness of light oak – all you have to do is choose which.
Key elements of the specifications
FROM POLAR EXPLORATION TO THE TROPICS
Sailing
Comfort
Safety
Technique
Naval architecture
Under autopilot or from one of the two wheels that always offer the ideal position, the twin rudders, protected by skegs, control the generous hull effortlessly and precisely, whatever the wind and sea conditions.
Designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, the modern hull works wonders in every aspect of long-distance cruising: power, load capacity, crew protection and smooth passage through the sea. The latter is in particular the result of a very careful centring of weight, for instance having the chain locker at the mast foot.
The sail plan is particularly well balanced, and is easily adaptable with the staysail set on its furling system and all the reefing lines returning to the cockpit, then for downwind work with code zero, gennaker or asymmetric spinnaker on the solid platform bowsprit.
The ergonomics of sail handling combine ease and efficiency, the result of experience and specific work on the deck layout. Everywhere, you feel both safe and closely connected to your environment.
Interior design
This serenity is even more evident inside. Bringing together all the essential functions in 45 feet was a challenge. The success is that this is immediately forgotten once you’ve gone through the solid watertight door of the companionway.
Only two steps from the outside, you are welcomed into a real cocoon with a view of the sea. Thermal and sound insulation of the hull and windows protect you from the elements. Note that Sébastien Roubinet, an extreme adventurer in high latitudes, supervised the design of the boat’s thermal insulation.
Between the watertight bulkheads, forward, separating you from the sail locker, and aft, which isolates the steering gear, the layout extends in a logical and comfortable fashion. Deck saloon, helm station with panoramic view, large galley, two cabins and as many bathrooms, one with separate shower, a large technical room with workshop (or a third cabin), there is nothing missing. Moving around, resting, preparing, sharing, or simply enjoying the trip is a joy every day.
“I was looking for a sailing boat adapted to a trip that combined sailing at high latitudes and in the tropics, but was unable to find a solution on the market. I finally decided to design a new boat that would come close to being the perfect cruising sailboat. I am very happy to share my enthusiasm with the Garcia Yachts shipyard team, which is one of the world’s best aluminium boat builders.”
Jimmy Cornell
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Technical specifications
Longueur hors tout
Longueur coque
Longueur à la flottaison
Largeur coque
Tirant d'eau (dérive baissée)
Tirant d'eau (dérive relevée)
Tirant d'air hors antenne
Déplacement
Lest
Capacité gasoil
Capacité eau
Réservoir eaux noires
Overall length
Hull length
Waterline lenght
Beam
Draught (centerboard down)
Draught (centerboard up)
Air draught (excl. Antenna)
Displacement
Fixed ballast
Diesel capacity (est)
Water capacity (est.)
Black water capacity
2 layouts offered
Standard Version
Comfort Version