With the Exploration 45 (YACHT 13/2014) and the brand new Exploration 52 (just presented as a world premiere at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf), the French company Garcia Yachting has underpinned its high standards in the field of blue water sailing. Garcia Yachting planned and implemented the extremely robust aluminium boats with their focused long-distance sailing orientation in close collaboration with blue water icon Jimmy Cornell.
Now a catamaran with a conceptual reference to the Exploration line is following. The two-hull vessel has now been unveiled as the Garcia SC52. The plans were drawn up by Frenchman Pierre Delion, a specialist in particularly robust ship designs for offshore use. And Jimmy Cornell was again involved in the development of the concept.
The hulls and the platform of the SC52 are made of aluminium at Garcia Yachting. The deck and cabin superstructure, however, are made of fibreglass composite. In this way, the shipyard aims to save weight and keep the centre of gravity as low as possible. Garcia Yachting pays particular attention to the insulation. The SC52 should be equally equipped for use in the far north and in the tropics.
Otherwise, the design of the Garcia SC52 appears to be based on the modern and tried-and-tested catamaran concept. This means: a raised steering position with a canopy option, fixed and accessible bimini, large and well-protected guest cockpit aft. The new cat will also have an additional seating area in front of the deckhouse. This recessed relaxation area in the foredeck will be directly accessible from the saloon through a watertight door.
For the time being, only one version with the layout typical of catamarans is planned for the interior. The starboard hull is designed as an owner's cabin with a large double bed at the rear and a spacious wet room in the foredeck. The toilet will be separate from the bathroom. Two separate cabins can be installed on the port side. It will also be possible to convert one of the two cabins into a technical room or workshop for long cruises.
Work on the first Garcia SC52 is already underway. However, the shipyard has not yet finalised the prices. Dealer Nils Schürg from Blue Yachting in Bremen expects a net price of less than one million euros.
