YACHT photographer and author Andreas Lindlahr has a special relationship with Structures' designs. With a Pogo2 from the South Breton shipyard he sailed the Minitransat in 2009. Now he was back in the Bay of Biscay to experience the latest creation: the imposing Pogo 12.50, a kind of civilised Class 40.
The yacht designed by Finot/Conq has some of the characteristics of offshore racers: extremely wide stern, double rudders, chine edges, carbon rig, wide extendable carbon bowsprit, soft rigging here and there. But it is actually intended to be a fast cruising boat.
Hence the complete interior with galley, sat nav, large saloon, spacious cabins fore and aft, a separable wet room and technical room. It does look a little bare and sober, because only a little wood veneer is used. But everything is very, very light.
From the floorboards to the berth cushions - foam sandwich almost everywhere. This weight optimisation is one of the keys to the inspiring sailing characteristics. Whether in a close reach or a fresh breeze, the Pogo 12.50 has few rivals to fear on the water.
How she sails, why the enormous performance potential makes up for any sacrifice in comfort - read this and more in the big boat portrait.
Now in the current YACHT 1/2012
