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Combrit-based shipyard Pogo Structures is renowned for its fast, gliding sailboats. The Pogo RC is its first model optimized for the IRC class. The fruit of a collaboration between architects Sam Manuard and Bernard Nivelt, this 10.26 m yacht is set to make its mark on the offshore and inshore regatta circuits.
Design inspired by open classes
The Pogo RC incorporates the latest Mini 6.50, Class 40 and IMOCA design trends. Its hull incorporates a spatulate bow and low wetted surface to reduce hydrodynamic drag. The shipyard has emphasized simplicity and lightness, with a displacement of 3.3 tons and a glass-vinylester-PVC sandwich construction.
The objective is clear: to offer a responsive, gliding sailboat capable of competing in events such as the Transquadra, the Transat Cap-Martinique and the Fastnet Race.
Designed for series production and export
Despite a slowdown in the new-build market, Pogo Structures continues to do brisk business. Producing on demand, the yard is not dependent on stock, and maintains a stable order book. Currently, 10 Pogo RCs have already been ordered, with a two-year lead time.
The Breton shipyard exports 65% of its production, notably to Germany, Italy, the UK and the USA. This international orientation reinforces the sustainability of its business model.
A direct competitor to the JPK 1050
With the arrival of the Pogo RC, the competition promises to be interesting against the JPK 1050, another newcomer to the IRC segment. The first confrontations will take place at the Spi Ouest-France at Easter 2025, with four Pogo RCs expected to start. It remains to be seen how this model will fare on the IRC racing scene. If its design and construction live up to their promise, it could quickly become a benchmark on offshore and inshore circuits.
