Allures 45 or Garcia Exploration 45? How to choose an aluminum yacht?

Allures 45 and Garcia Exploration 45 are two completely different French yachts that share an aluminum hull and 45 feet, and these aluminum cruisers and their owners do not like the beaten track - they are made to conquer the oceans!

Allures 45 or Garcia Exploration 45? How to choose an aluminum yacht?

High quality and semi-custom manufacturing of cruise yachts has always taken place in the niche market, and the exceptional strength-to-weight ratio of the aluminum hull has never been in doubt, and this material has long been a favorite among ocean cruisers.

Shipyard Allures yachting belongs to the group Grand large, which also includes the equally famous and successful fiberglass catamarans Outremer, and a specialized yacht builder Garcia yachting... These three shipyards offer a very different product, but they have one thing in common: they produce high quality boats that attract professionals and active cruisers.

The entire line of yachts Allures developed Berret-Racoupeau, and includes 3 models: 40-foot, 45-foot, and 52-foot... The aluminum hull and deck are very high quality and the aluminum sheets are so skillfully rolled and welded into a rounded hull. After finishing, the result is an amazing smooth curve. Sheathing thickness ranges from 10 mm at the bottom, up to 8 mm at the waterline and up to 6 mm at the freeboards.

Allures 45

5mm deck welded in one piece with the body for maximum strength at the joints, and additional reinforcement is provided in highly loaded areas. A longitudinal set of aluminum stringers adds extra strength and rigidity, and the forepeak bulkhead is welded together with the bow sections.

Fuel and water tanks, both 550 liters each, are installed in the hold, where their weight will be most useful, along with solid ballast - 4.4 tons out of a total weight of 11.8 tons.

Most of the interior decoration is completed before the fiberglass composite deckhouse roof is glued and secured in place. The designers chose this material for the roof for several reasons: the stylish molding provides a more elegant shape than welded aluminum sheets and also reduces weight and improves thermal insulation.

Individual version the yacht is designed for small crews planning long voyages. The layout includes a spacious forward double stateroom, a double aft stateroom and a useful workshop on the port side, with a bathroom aft.

Cruise version includes a bow cabin with a bathroom, two double aft cabins and a large bathroom with a shower aft.

Family version adapted for long-distance crossings, offering an additional cabin for up to 8 people on board. As you would expect, Allures offers many options for installing equipment such as a generator, watermaker, additional electronics, second autopilot and more.

The big plus is that yacht owners Allures can optimize their boats according to their needs, whether it is ocean voyage or coastal sailing.

Allures 45

Quality interior Allures 45, gives the amazing feeling that this yacht is not mass-produced. The galley is located along the port side and the dining area in the saloon is located opposite the galley, on the starboard side. The navigation post is equipped with a large table, an adjustable chair, and convenient drawers for storing maps and other accessories.

All of this is obviously meant for a serious long voyage, given that the storage space is roughly one and a half times larger than any other cruise yacht of this size.

Cockpit comfortable and safe, with two steering wheels and ergonomic seats. The teak cockpit table is equipped with a comfortable footrest and storage space. Every detail of the interior is carefully thought out and well executed.

The owner of the yacht on which the test drive took place explains why Allures 45 topped his list:

“We could have spent less and bought a good fiberglass yacht, but we wanted a special, reliable yacht. Aluminum construction, shallow draft, quality stylish finishes and shipyard flexibility with additional options added to each individual yacht. She's also beautiful. "

Allures 45

When leaving the pier, the engine Volvo power of 55 h.p. worked almost silently. As with any yacht with two helms, steering from the stern took time when reversing, but there is a bow thruster when needed. On the fly, the folding three-blade propeller provided sufficient thrust, giving 5 knots at 1500 rpm, 6 knots at 1800 rpm and 8 knots at 3000 rpm.

In a light breeze, the staysail was deployed Solent, instead of a small staysail, which is installed inward, on a specially designed forestay and twist. This rig doesn't come standard, but you have the advantage of different sizes of jibs for different weather conditions. The standard sails are of very high quality, as befits a boat designed for long voyages. Unlike shipyards aimed at mass production, Allures does not cut corners on supplier price tags.

With 180 kg section NACA, the keel is lifted by an electric winch in the cockpit, and the draft increases from 1.05 to 3 m. The yacht was sailing sidewind at a speed of 6.8 knots with a wind speed of 12 knots. The steering wheel was balanced and the movement was light, and the 11.8 tons of weight glided effortlessly through the water.

Allures 45

Allures 45 is a versatile and very special yacht that will provide you with a lot of pleasure from easy and comfortable handling. Owners experience proves that this aluminum boat can withstand any weather. Of course, high quality Allures is not cheap, but you get what you pay for - safety and thoughtfulness of every detail for your comfortable trip. And you also have the opportunity to build a custom yacht according to your needs, and the lucky ones who have already become yacht owners Allures confirm that this boat is worth every euro spent.

In 2017 was released updated model Allures 45.9, the advantage of which is innovative design and the latest technology. Naturally, such a shipyard as Allures yachting passionate about the DNA of their brand, and behind each model is years of experience, a passion for excellence, and a desire to provide our customers with an unforgettable experience and even more comfort for life on board.

Sailing aluminum yacht Allures 45.9

Allures 45.9

Allures 45.9

Nowadays there is such a wide selection of boats - whether big or small, fast or slow, fiberglass, wood or aluminum, with fixed or lifting keel - this variety makes comparison and contrast easy. However, from time to time, something unique emerges: a yacht aimed at a narrow specialized market that has nothing to do with the mass-produced universal cruisers that dominate the yachting industry, charter fleets and yacht shows.

This is a yacht such as the Garcia Exploration 45. This 45-foot aluminum yacht is considered unique and ideal for the harshest weather conditions on the planet.

Garcia Exploration 45

Garcia yachting has specialized in the construction of durable aluminum boats for 40 years. About 300 yachts Garcia in the range of 50 to 115 feet, they cruise around the world, from the Arctic to the Antarctic.

In 2010 year, Garcia yachting became part of Grand Large Group, and was engaged in the production of cases for Allures yachtingand then appeared Jimmy Cornell.

Jimmy Cornell Is the person behind World cruising club, Atlantic Rally for cruisers (ARC) and Blue planet odyssey... Between 1998 and 2009, he sailed 70,000 nautical miles on his aluminum yacht. Ovni 43, and had a particular passion for Patagonia, Antarctica and Alaska.

Together with Garcia Yachting and Olivier Racoupeau he developed a concept that eventually became his dream come true and met his requirements as an experienced cruiser. Garcia Exploration 45 - a sturdy, fast, comfortable, functional and easy-to-navigate boat, ideal for both high latitudes and tropical cruises.

Jimmy Cornell I also wanted the yacht to have an unpainted aluminum hull, and good visibility from all sides - a feature that attracted him to catamarans, as well as a centerboard, shallow draft, and a mast with easy sailing sails.

Designers Berret-Racoupeau added style and elegance to Cornell's concept. The deck saloon has become something that no one has ever tried to do on a yacht with an integral centerboard, namely a 270 ° view and an internal helm station without sacrificing stability or appearance. The almost vertical stem, the elegant curvature and the unique deckhouse roof further distract Garcia Exploration 45 from norms and standards.

Garcia Exploration 45

As with Allures 45, aluminium case Garcia so good there is no need for filler. Fasteners are made of welded aluminum with fittings positioned above the waterline. Heavy-duty double-glazed portholes provide superior insulation and durability. An inner foam layer insulates the floor panels and the engine below distributes the weight evenly in the middle of the boat.

80mm panels made of polyethylene foam on the inside of the hull casing and 40mm panels on the underside of the deck provide thermal and acoustic insulation in case of condensation. Fuel and water tanks are located in the hold and centrally distribute weight below. Content can also be pumped into tanks from the windward side to add extra stability under sail.

Salon roof is a composite shape bolted to the aluminum side walls of the passenger compartment, saving weight at the top and improving thermal insulation. Everything about this boat speaks of comfort, whether you are sailing to icy or tropical latitudes. The Garcia Exploration 45 is a true 45-foot all-terrain vehicle.

Garcia Exploration 45

As soon as you see Exploration 45 in its natural environment, on the water, the experience will be truly impressive. Regardless of the route, this boat always attracts attention and its original roof looks great.

Wide transom equipped with a stern platform, external lockers for a life raft and a reel aft anchor rope and bracket for installing a hydrogenerator or an auxiliary suspension platform. Above, a multi-purpose arch that includes davits, solar panels, a wind turbine, and antennas. There is a place for everything, and everything is in its place.

Two steering wheels make movement easy, and two aluminum rudders - protected from collisions by reliable short skegs - and also have self-aligning bearings JEFA... The nibs are made of dense foam so that if someone can bend the rudder stock, the nib will continue to work.

The folding cockpit table is mounted on rigid tubular legs that serve as leg supports. The comnings have two large side cabinets and other storage spaces. The roof overlapping the cockpit provides a cozy corner where the crew can take refuge during their shift, while the double-glazed double-glazed door provides easy downward access to withstand even the toughest waves.

Garcia Exploration 45

Steering post with a comfortable seat gives the feeling that you are on the bridge of a ship and not on a yacht. With a clear view to the front and sides, you can operate the autopilot remotely while staying dry and warm at all times. In addition, the starboard dining area and the long galley on the port side also provide panoramic views, all of which are double-glazed windows.

Garcia offers several layout options. The test boat has two double cabins, bow and stern, both with their own bathrooms, showers and lockers.

Anchor winch positioned higher on deck, in front of the mast, and the chain runs through the tube below deck from the stem and helps distribute the weight below, which reduces pitching.

The free space in the bow, divided by a watertight bulkhead, provides free space for storing bulky but light items such as sails.

The second aft cabin can be used for living or as a workshop, additionally accommodating a generator and washing machine. Additional lockers can be located in a wide area at the companionway leading from the saloon to the forward stateroom. Interior and decoration are made to a very high standard and the shipyard offers many customized options.

Garcia Exploration 45

On the water Garcia Exploration 45 shows herself as expected of her. Volvo D2-75 engine powerful and quiet, and the rigging offers a choice of different jibs for different wind conditions. With all the sheets and controls leading to the pulleys and four winches in the cockpit, one of which is electric, the yacht is very pleasant to steer and the helm is very easy to handle. A displacement of 14.1 tonnes and a low center of gravity create a sense of stability and strength.

Due to its ease of handling, steering responsiveness, balance and safety, in 2015 Garcia Exploration 45 took two prestigious awards at once as the best yacht of the year according to the version Cruising World and Sail Magazine.

Sailing aluminum yacht Garcia Exploration 45

You don't have to go to the Arctic to find out how special this yacht is. Garcia Exploration 45 is good in all conditions!

How can you describe the differences between these boats in a nutshell? Can simply be compared to two SUVs from Mercedes-Benz if Allures 45 Is a GL-class, then Garcia Exploration 45 is pure Gelendvagen.

Allures one of the most reliable and safe yachts for sailing in the Mediterranean or around the world with entry into the canals. But if the soul asks for Cape Horn, Greenland, Antarctica and other extremes, then Garcia exploration would be more appropriate.