The comparison is inevitable: JPK 10.50 versus Pogo RC. Both boats are new, come from traditionally rival shipyards in Brittany, compete in the same class and, with their crystal-clear focus, target the same clientele and the same IRC handicap (hence the name). The designs are also strikingly similar: on the one hand, the JPK 10.50, designed by Jacques Valer, and on the other the Pogo RC, a collaboration between designers Sam Manuard and Bernard Nivelt.
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In fact, the designs of the two racing yachts are so similar that one question seems inevitable: which one copied the other? The answer is: neither. Rather, the two comparable designs demonstrate one thing above all else: the current state of the art in modern offshore yacht design. The similarity between the boats is therefore neither a coincidence nor plagiarism, but the result of consistent and contemporary development work within a new generation of IRC-optimised offshore racing yachts.
Test results
The first major showdown between the two rivals was, unsurprisingly, eagerly anticipated: the Rolex Fastnet Race. There, the two protagonists had to show what they were made of on the big stage – and both delivered impressively. Victory in the overall classification (IRC Overall) for the JPK 10.50, third place for the Pogo RC. And that against a field of no fewer than 380 boats. This is more than just a respectable result; it is clear proof of the enormous performance potential of both designs.
With the Pogo RC, designers Sam Manuard and Bernard Nivelt are not straying from the beaten track, but are consistently pushing the boundaries of design. The most striking feature of the design is the voluminous, almost bulge-like bow. The distinctive styling is familiar from, amongst other things, the spectacular IMOCA-class ocean racers or the latest developments in the Class 40 racing yachts. The bulbous bow is primarily intended to compensate for the buoyancy of the wide stern, ensure a more balanced trim and aid planing.
Even underwater, the Pogo RC’s design stands out. The keel has reverted to a classic T-shape with a lead bulb. It also features two rudder blades attached to the stern.
Greater control and safety thanks to attached rudder blades
Retractable rudder blades mounted at the stern are nothing new in the world of offshore racing yachts. They have long since proven their worth in the IMOCA and Class 40 classes. In production yachts, however, the concept has only recently emerged, notably on the JPK 10.50 and the Pogo RC from Brittany. The solution is technically and structurally complex, requires additional crew input and also drives up costs. Nevertheless, the advantages speak for themselves. The most important argument in its favour is safety. The rudder blades mounted on the outside of the stern can fold upwards in the event of a collision. A predetermined breaking point is incorporated into the system for this purpose. This virtually eliminates the risk of serious structural damage following a collision. Even the unwelcome by-catch of plastic bags, seaweed or fishing lines can be removed more easily.
Added to this are the improvements in sailing characteristics and performance. With just one rudder blade in the water, the boat responds much more directly, responsively and precisely. And: the raised rudder blade causes no additional drag. On the Pogo RC, the rudder blades are raised, lowered and locked in place using sheet lines and blocks. In testing, the handling worked a treat. In practice, the windward blade is raised in light to moderate winds. In strong winds, both fins remain down for maximum control.
Complete freedom of choice when it comes to rigging and sails
On the Pogo RC, the rig is also positioned strikingly far aft and is set with a significant amount of mast rake. The reason for this is that, due to the hull’s unusual volume distribution, the centre of pressure of the sail must be brought far aft. Accordingly, the sail plan calls for a tall and slender mainsail; to accommodate this, the J-measurement is longer, allowing for larger headsails. The French manufacturer AG+ supplies the carbon-fibre mast with a pair of spreaders and shrouds made from Dyform, as well as the boom, which is also constructed from carbon. However, those who wish to do so can also opt for a mast from another brand, and a rig with two spreaders would also be feasible. The customer has a free choice here, just as they do when selecting the sails.
The Pogo RC on the water
Conditions couldn’t have been better for the YACHT test in Brittany. Sunshine, winds of between 12 and 15 knots, and waves that are a joy to ride on a fast boat like the Pogo RC. With its full bow and flat hull, this sporty French yacht gets up to speed easily and quickly. In the crisp gusts and with the A2 gennaker, the log soon shows speeds of 12 knots and more.
Sailing the boat downwind with a gennaker in these conditions is simply brilliant. It can be steered very precisely and easily on the edge using the tiller, responding immediately and with great liveliness, sometimes even almost brutally. Lifting the rudder blade on the windward side enhances this positive impression considerably. The boat can then be steered downwind with great finesse and in response to pressure, much like a dinghy. Even in the strongest gusts and with
a considerable list, the Pogo always remains controllable, without requiring much effort on the tiller.
When sailing close-hauled, however, the fun factor drops significantly. The bulbous bow doesn’t cope particularly well with oncoming waves, and the boat often hits them with an uncomfortably hard impact; at times, the cockpit gets properly wet. Despite the perceived braking effect in the waves, the Pogo RC surprises with its good performance potential. The boat reaches 6.9 knots
with the mainsail fully hoisted and a J2 genoa, sailing at an angle of about 40 degrees to the true wind.
Accessibility, handling and safety
The cockpit layout is designed for racing with a crew of four or five. However, thanks to the open cockpit layout and tiller steering, the boat is also easy to handle for single- or double-handed sailors. The designers at Pogo Structures have struck some excellent and effective compromises in this regard, drawing on their wealth of experience in building high-performance offshore racing yachts.
When it comes to equipment, the shipyard knows exactly what matters: easy access, effortless handling and safety for a demanding offshore race. On the Pogo RC, all features are uncompromisingly geared towards these requirements. This is further underlined by the high-quality hardware and top-of-the-range rigging with Dyneema cores.
With its numerous, perfectly designed trim controls, the full performance potential of the Pogo RC can be precisely harnessed. The clew points of the slightly overlapping genoa can be adjusted smoothly across three dimensions (downhaul, outhaul, inhaul) and, thanks to additional fine-tuning options, can be optimally set at any time, even under pressure. However, you need to know which lines to pull.
There’s not a trace of cosiness below deck
Below deck on the Pogo RC, sheer functionality reigns supreme. After all, two people could sleep reasonably comfortably in the forepeak. Additional pipe berths with leeward sails are available aft. Two galley units by the companionway, featuring a hob and sink, along with a toilet installed in the forepeak in an open layout without a partition, offer minimal cruising facilities. However, these amenities are less a matter of cruising requirements and more a result of measurement system specifications.
The standard version of the Pogo RC costs around €264,300 gross ex-shipyard. That is quite a lot of money for a sailing yacht with a hull length of ten metres, but this is partly due to its exquisite and costly fittings. The JPK 10.50 remains a direct competitor on a par with comparable specifications; it costs €267,600.
- Base price ex-shipyard: €264,275
- Price, ready to sail: €292,130
- Warranty/against osmosis: 5 out of 5 years
As of 2026, you can read about how the prices shown are defined here!
As is usual with performance boats, the sails are not included in the price. For a complete set suitable for racing (mainsail, two genoa sails, two gennakers, Code Zero), buyers must add around 50,000 euros to the price, perhaps even more. The electronics, including the autopilot, are also not included in the basic package. Customers can spend a staggering amount of money on this; the most exclusive package costs more than €40,000.
Pogo has built a boat that is set to attract attention thanks to its host of exciting innovations. And its first notable successes on the regatta course now promise to draw even more attention – from potential buyers as well as from a potentially envious competition.
YACHT review of the Pogo RC
Pogo Structures’ new racer has the potential to shake up the IRC scene – and it certainly will. The design has already demonstrated that potential.
Design and concept
Uncompromising focus
Innovative design
High purchase costs
Sailing performance and trim
Great potential for performance
Retractable oar blades
Tight fit in the shaft
Housing and build quality
No-frills functionality
Consistent use of lightweight construction
Sparse and uninviting inside
Equipment and technology
Water ballast (optional)
High-quality fittings
No electric motor available as an option
The Pogo RC in detail
Technical specifications of the Pogo RC
- Designer: Manuard/Nivelt
- CE design category: A
- Fuselage length: 10.26 m
- Total length: 11.72 m
- Waterline length: 8.59 m
- Width: 3.49 m
- Draught: 2.25 m
- Mast height above waterline: 16.17 m
- Theoretical airspeed: 7.1 knots
- Weight: 3.44 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion: 688 kg/20%
- Mainsail: 40.0 m²
- Furling genoa (106%): 32.0 m²
- Gennaker: 126.0 m²
- Engine (Yanmar): 14 kW/20 hp
- Fuel tank: 40 litres
- Fresh water tanks: 2 x 20 litres
Hull and deck construction
GRP sandwich constructions with a foam core and vinyl ester resin. All parts are manufactured by Pogo Structures using the vacuum infusion process. Keel fin made of cast iron, keel bulb made of lead.
Rig and sails
The standard specifications include a carbon-fibre mast from AG+ Manufacturers. However, the customer is free to choose. As is usual with racing yachts, the sails are not included in the base price. A set of laminate sails from manufacturer Incidence (mainsail and genoa) costs around €18,000.
Water ballast
The Pogo can be optionally fitted with water ballast tanks on the sides and at the stern. The additional cost for all three tanks (each with a capacity of 200 litres), including the filling and draining systems, is around €9,400.
Shipyard and Sales
SAS Pogo Structures; 29120 Combrit (France); www.pogostructures.com
The competition is focused on maximising performance potential
Beneteau Figaro 3
A radical one-design racer from Beneteau featuring side-deployable foils. The Figaro 3 has also established itself internationally as a strong one-design class for both single-handed and double-handed sailing.
Italia Yachts IY 9.98
A successful racing yacht, designed by ORC artist Matteo Polli. The IY 9.98 Fuoriserie has already won two world championship titles. The interior layout is modern and well-suited to cruising. Read the review here.
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300
An innovative and attractive production racer from Jeanneau, optimised for long-distance sailing with a small crew. The special hull design is the result of a collaboration between Andrieu and Verdier. You can read the review here.
Jeanneau Sun Fast 30 OD
An innovatively designed one-design concept from Jeanneau and Multiplast. An uncompromising focus on offshore racing in the one-design class. The interior is functional but spartan. Click here for the review.
JPK 10.50
She is the overall IRC winner of the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race, a classic offshore race, and is currently the closest rival to the Pogo RC (3rd place). The design is by Jacques Valer. You can read the review here.
J/99
A well-designed and therefore successful sports package for active regatta sailors from J/Boats. A highly versatile boat that can be adapted to suit different uses and class rules. An interior layout suitable for cruising. You can read the review here.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
