Discover our latest listing for sale, the Garcia Explocat 52, an exceptional sailing catamaran newly delivered in 2025 and now offered for sale.
Built by Garcia Yachting in France and designed in collaboration with Pierre Delion (exterior) and Franck Darnet Design (interior), this 16.95m / 55’7” aluminium catamaran is a long-range autonomy, high-performance explorer yacht ready for its next owner.
Flying the Jersey flag, this catamaran is named ANDROMEDA. She was conceived for a passionate sailor looking to combine ocean-going reliability with onboard comfort, capable of both high-latitude expeditions and tropical escapes.
About ANDROMEDA’s performance
Constructed in marine-grade aluminium, this Explocat 52 offers strength, impact resistance, and durability. With her CE Category A (Ocean) classification and twin Volvo Penta D2 75hp engines, she’s engineered for serious offshore voyaging. The GRP coachroof and hardtop bimini keep weight in check while enhancing the catamaran’s profile.
ANDROMEDA reaches a maximum speed of 13–14 knots and has an impressive fuel autonomy thanks to her 1,100L diesel capacity, ideal for long passages without compromise.
Smartly designed for shorthanded cruising
Built for simplicity and safety, ANDROMEDA is tailored for couples or small crews planning to sail far and live aboard comfortably. Her efficient layout features:
- A forward cockpit for safe sail handling and relaxation in any conditions
- Dedicated helm stations with clear sightlines and all lines led aft
- U-shaped galley with direct cockpit access, perfect for life underway or at anchor
- Dedicated chart table and abundant storage space throughout
Elegant & functional interior
Franck Darnet’s Pearl/Ivory design creates an airy and contemporary atmosphere, accentuated by panoramic windows in the salon and 2.05m headroom throughout. The accommodation layout sleeps 6 guests in 3 staterooms, with an additional crew/skipper cabin in the forepeak.
Accommodation highlights:
- Master cabin with ensuite bathroom and island bed
- Aft guest cabin with ensuite (shared shower)
- Forward guest cabin with island bed and shared bathroom
- Insulated crew cabin with bunk, washbasin, and hull porthole
- Salon convertible into additional sleeping space
- Air-conditioned throughout (50,000 BTU system for cabins and salon)
- Berangier Eternity Chamois upholstery and Silvertex Macadamia exterior cushions
Added comforts include a digital safe, mosquito screens and blinds and eight fans to ensure a pleasant onboard environment wherever you cruise.
Specifications at a glance:
- Length Overall: 16.95m / 55’7”
- Beam: 8.20m / 26’11”
- Draft: 1.5m / 4’11”
- Displacement: 19 tons
- Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta D2 (75 HP each)
- Fuel Capacity: 1,100L
- Construction: Aluminium hull, GRP superstructure
- Class: CE Category A (Ocean)
What does CE Category A (Ocean) mean?
CE Category A (Ocean) Classification for Catamarans
CE Category A (Ocean) is the highest level of seaworthiness established under the European Union’s Recreational Craft Directive. This classification sets standards for the design, construction and safety of recreational boats, including catamarans.
When a catamaran is classified as Category A (Ocean), it means:
- Designed for extended ocean voyages: The vessel is engineered for long, self-sufficient journeys across oceans, far from land and outside protected waters.
- Handles severe conditions: The boat is rated to safely withstand wind forces exceeding Beaufort Force 8 (over 40 knots) and significant wave heights of over 4 metres (approximately 13 feet), though not extreme abnormal weather such as hurricanes.
- Robust construction and stability: Category A catamarans have enhanced structural strength, stability and safety systems. This includes advanced hull design and buoyancy to provide maximum security even in the harshest sea states.
- Suited for global cruising: These vessels are intended for bluewater sailing — meaning ocean crossings and remote cruising with high reliability and durability.
- Comprehensive certification: Achieving Category A involves strict inspection and documentation of all aspects of construction and systems, aligning with internationally recognized ISO standards.
CE Categories overview
| CE Category | Typical use | Max wind force (Beaufort) |
Max wave height |
| A (Ocean) | Long ocean passages/offshore cruising | > Force 8 (40 knots) | > 4m (13ft) |
| B (Offshore) | Offshore, coastal passages | ≤ Force 8 (40 knots) | ≤ 4m (13ft) |
| C (Inshore) | Bays, lakes, coastlines | ≤ Force 6 (27 knots) | ≤ 2m (6.5ft) |
| D (Sheltered) | Rivers, canals, small lakes | ≤ Force 4 (15 knots) | ≤ 0.5m (1.5ft) |
What does category A mean for catamaran Owners
- Peace of mind & safety: Owners can confidently undertake major passages across open seas, knowing their catamaran is designed for the most demanding conditions.
- Resale and market value: CE Category A is internationally respected and often a requirement for yachts exported to or sold within the European Union.
- Operational limits: While highly seaworthy – even Category A boats are not rated for the most extreme, abnormal conditions (such as hurricanes or rogue waves beyond the specified thresholds).
In summary, a catamaran with a CE Category A (Ocean) classification is built and certified for the world’s toughest ocean environments, reflecting the high standards of safety, strength and seaworthiness in recreational boating.
The Garcia Explocat 52 ANDROMEDA is ideal for sailors seeking a serious bluewater platform without compromising on style or comfort.
She is fully equipped and ready for her next adventure. Enquire now to arrange a private inspection or receive further details.
