The Pogo Structures shipyard in Brittany has a new, strong competitor for offshore racing at the start. The Pogo RC combines the latest design findings from the Mini 650, Class 40 and Imoca 60 classes. The YACHT editorial team has already been on board the sophisticated racing machine for a test.
The plans for the new Pogo boat are the result of a collaboration between Bernard Nivelt and Sam Manuard, two heavyweights in the design of modern ocean racing yachts. The two surveying artists have customised the concept of the new Pogo RC very specifically and focussed on an optimal IRC handicap. Added to this is Pogo Structures' more than 30 years of experience in building and designing fast, planing performance boats. The shipyard in Combrit on the French Atlantic coast stands for the serial production of racing yachts like hardly any other manufacturer - from the 6.50 metre long ocean-going dwarf of the mini class to the large fast cruiser with a hull length of over 15 metres.
The deck layout of the new Pogo RC is specially designed for long distances in single or double-handed mode, but will also provide a sporty platform for an ambitious four- to five-person regatta team on short courses. At the same time, the concept leaves no doubt about its extremely uncompromising orientation as a pure racer. The Pogo RC is not a boat for everyone, as it has a complex design and is very demanding to handle. Only experienced regatta sailors will be able to cope with this boat. In keeping with its ultimate focus as an ocean racing machine, the ex-boatyard equipment is also very extensive and of high quality.
Complex and sophisticated on the outside,
simple and functional on the inside
The interior below deck also matches the regatta-oriented positioning. The interior is deliberately kept simple, but all the more functional for it. Tubular bunks, an open toilet in the foredeck and a galley block with gas cooker fulfil the most basic comfort requirements of long-distance regatta sailors. Cosy homeliness is left out.
The base price for the Pogo RC is 264,275 euros gross, including 19 per cent VAT. This price already includes the high-quality and extensive deck equipment for demanding regatta use, as well as the rig (mast and main boom) made of carbon fibre with rod shrouds and the built-in engine. As is usual with regatta yachts, additional investment is required for the navigation electronics and sails. The buyer decides on the scope, quality and manufacturer.
Technical data Pogo RC
- Designer: Sam Manuard / Bernard Nivelt
- CE design category: A4 / B6 / C8
- Hull length: 10.26 m
- Width: 3.54 m
- Weight ready to sail: 3.3 tonnes
- Draught (T-keel): 2,25 m
- Water ballast: 3 x 200 litres
- Mainsail: 40.0 m2
- Genoa (106%): 32.0 m2
- Gennaker: 114.0 m2
- Motorisation: Yanmar 20 HP / Saildrive built-in machine
