The Pogo 33 features the same fast semi-scow hull as the Pogo RC, but is designed to offer significantly greater comfort on board. The French manufacturer Pogo Structures is planning the 10.26-metre-long racer-cruiser with either a fixed or lifting keel. The launch of the first boat is scheduled for early summer 2027.
With the Pogo 33, Pogo Structures is expanding its range to include a racer-cruiser that is deliberately positioned between a pure IRC racer and a cruising yacht. The 33-footer features a new cockpit and a redesigned interior.
Pogo RC fuselage as a basis
The hull of the Pogo 33 is based on the Pogo RC, designed by Bernard Nivelt and Sam Manuard. The design follows the modern semi-scow approach, which is widespread in the Mini, Class40 and IMOCA open classes. This is characterised by plenty of volume in the bow, broad lines and a hull designed for early planing. With the new 33-foot variant, Pogo Structures promises a boat that accelerates easily on all courses and starts planing early, particularly downwind.
The fact that the Pogo 33 was developed for IRC racing is not merely a marketing claim. The Pogo RC was also specifically designed for this rating system and is in the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Standard Boat Database conducted. In a YACHT review of the Pogo RC The focus was primarily on the combination of speed potential and suitability for longer offshore races. As for the Pogo 33, it remains to be seen how much of this focus will be retained, despite the higher level of fit-out and the new deck.
New deck and sheltered cockpit
The main difference compared to the Pogo RC is said to lie above the hull shell. The French boatbuilders are developing a new deck for the Pogo 33, which creates more interior volume and provides better protection for the cockpit. The design includes a double berth in the forepeak and a further double cabin aft. In addition, there will be a wet room in the aft section, a galley with a sink and oven, a chart table, a wardrobe, as well as further storage compartments and a locker.
The shipyard describes the interior as bright, functional and deliberately simple. This is in keeping with the Pogo tradition. No lavish living quarters, but as much usable space as possible for the crew, provisions and equipment. The racing DNA remains ever-present, despite the increased comfort on board. For two-man crews on longer voyages, the more sheltered cockpit, the separate wet room and the storage space in particular are likely to make a decisive difference compared to the Pogo RC.
Two keel variants and an unsinkable design
The Pogo 33 is to be built in two keel variants. According to the shipyard, the hull and interior layout will remain identical.
| Draught | 1.95 m | 1.15 to 2.80 m |
| Focus | Performance, ease of use, IRC | Open waters and shallow anchorages |
| Deployment | Regatta-oriented sailing | Cruising in various sailing areas |
According to the shipyard, the fixed-keel version is designed for performance and a favourable IRC rating. The lifting-keel version, on the other hand, broadens its range of use as a cruising yacht.
The standard safety equipment includes integrated buoyancy chambers. These are designed to make the yacht unsinkable. Pogo Structures has provided the full technical specification with the Launch of the Pogo 33 on 3 September 2026 Published. All data is subject to change as development continues.
An aluminium mast comes as standard with the rig, whilst a carbon mast is available as an option. The shipyard has not yet disclosed how this will affect the measurement, weight and price.
Key specifications of the Pogo 33
| Fuselage length | 10.26 m |
| Width | 3.54 m |
| Sail area when sailing close-hauled | 68 m² |
| Draught (fixed keel) | 1.95 m |
| Draught of the lifting keel | 1.15 to 2.80 m |
| Cabins | Two twin cabins |
| Rig | Aluminium mast, carbon mast optional |
| CE category | A – Ocean |
| Design engineers | Bernard Nivelt and Sam Manuard |
| Shipyard | Pogo Structures |
Racing yacht and cruising yacht: the dual purpose
Many sailors don’t want to buy a fast, lightweight yacht just for a few regatta weekends. They expect storage space, berths, a practical galley and a boat that works well even on long-distance voyages with a small crew. This is exactly where the Pogo 33 comes in. The shipyard caters to sailors who are looking for a boat for fast holiday trips and offshore cruises, but who also want to compete in IRC regattas.
Only a head-to-head comparison on the water will reveal whether the balancing act between sporting IRC ambitions and expanding the cruising range can actually be achieved. The The first Pogo RC was launched in February 2025. The shipyard is currently quoting early summer 2027 as the date for the Pogo 33’s maiden launch. Until then, it remains an interesting concept with a clear focus, but without reliable test data.
Book recommendations
Regatta sailing explains the race from preparation through to the start and strategy, right through to the subsequent analysis. The clearly structured tactical principles and illustrations help owners and crews to fully exploit the performance potential on the course with a boat such as the Pogo 33.
Seamanship provides the basics for understanding the technical and sailing capabilities of a modern racer-cruiser.
Janek Struchholz
Volontär