ATLANTIC BEYOND

SAILING THE SECOND EXPLORATION 60 ON A WEST-TO-EAST ATLANTIC CROSSING WAS IDEAL FOR A RIGOROUS TEST OF GARCIA'S NEW NOWHERE YOU CAN'T GO FLAGSHIP

The frenetic activity of the Caribbean season had already slowed by the end of April in Anse du Marin, where Albius IV waited on the pontoon. This commanding new 60-footer is part of an Exploration range that began 12 years ago from a meeting between Jimmy Cornell and the managers of Grand Large Yachting who were looking for a new project for the French brand which they took over in 2010.

The idea of the all-aluminium ocean-going centreboarder, which had won over so many sailors in the 1980s and 1990s, had lost a bit of momentum after the departure of Garcia's two founding brothers in 2005. For Cornell's part, the famous author-sailor knew this type of vessel better than most after three circumnavigations. Intending to attempt the Northwest Passage, he had a very precise idea of what he wanted for his fourth boat. This included the key incorporation of a deck saloon, for 270° visibility similar to that of a multihull. The coachroof on the resultant Exploration 45 was kept as low as possible so as not to compromise stability, and extended by a dodger that protects the front of the cockpit. This became the real signature of the range.

The 52 which followed and now this new 60, have all been designed by Berret Racoupeau, and are immediately recognisable by their coachroof design. The insulated double-glazed windows are vertical on the sides, and the forward-facing ones reversed as found on commercial vessels. This cuts down glare and ensures vision from inside is not impaired by the sun's rays.

The 60 incorporates other key features of the Exploration range that are less visible yet equally important, in particular safety aspects on which Cornell did not compromise. For example, there are watertight bulkheads fore and aft, and two skeg-protected rudders that are potentially independent in the event of damage. These have a sacrificial composite top section, which will crush without damaging the hull in the event of a collision.