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Is it possible to take a hull designed for racing and turn it into a sailboat capable of taking a family on a cruise without losing its character? That?s the challenge the Pogo 33 takes on. For its new 10.26-meter model, Pogo Structures retains the underwater hull of the Pogo RC?designed by Bernard Nivelt and Sam Manuard?but has developed a new deck and a true cruising layout. With two keel options and a stated focus on IRC performance, the shipyard is primarily seeking to revive a concept that has been somewhat overshadowed in recent years: the race-cruiser.
A semi-scow hull directly derived from the Pogo RC
The Pogo 33's design is unusual for a cruiser. Its hull is not based on a previous recreational model, but is derived from the Pogo RC, which was developed for racing.
Bernard Nivelt and Sam Manuard have designed a semi-scow hull that incorporates principles seen in recent years in various offshore racing classes, from the Mini to the IMOCA and the Class40.
The Pogo 33 thus retains a deck measuring 10.26 m in length and 3.54 m in width. The ratio between these two dimensions already gives an idea of the architects? pursuit of stability in form and volume.
Pogo Structures describes the upcoming model as a cruiser capable of planing and surfing. However, we will have to wait until it is launched and the first trials are conducted to determine under what wind and sea conditions this potential can actually be harnessed by a cruising crew.
The new bridge makes all the difference compared to the racing boat
While the hull is the same as the RC's, the deck is completely different. This is primarily where Pogo Structures transforms the racing platform into a cruiser.
The new deck plan is designed, in particular, to provide a more sheltered cockpit and, above all, to create the space needed for the interior layout.
The layout includes a double cabin in the bow and a second one in the stern. Additional sleeping accommodations are provided on the saloon benches. An enclosed bathroom with a toilet is located in the stern.
The galley, featuring a sink and oven, a chart table, a wardrobe, storage lockers, and a utility compartment, rounds out the amenities. The Pogo 33, therefore, does not simply aim to make the RC livable for a few nights. Its interior layout corresponds to that of a true cruiser measuring about ten meters.
Two pins that are really shaking up the Pogo 33's schedule
Pogo Structures will offer the 33 with two fin configurations, but the choice isn't limited to a simple catalog option.
The fixed keel results in a draft of 1.95 m. The shipyard intends this model primarily for owners whose sailing plans include more regattas. Pogo also notes that this solution better meets the requirements of the IRC rating system.
This claim cannot be quantified at this time. No projected ratings have been released, and the boat is still under development. The version with a lifting keel takes a different approach. The draft decreases from 2.80 m with the keel lowered to just 1.15 m when the keel is raised.
68 m² of sail area when sailing close-hauled and two mast options
The Pogo 33 has a sail area of 68 m² when sailing upwind. An aluminum mast comes standard, while a carbon rig will be available as an option.
This last solution will naturally appeal to owners who place greater importance on racing and performance. Reducing mass in the upper sections is also an important factor on a wide-beam sailboat whose handling depends largely on its structural stability. The displacement and ballast weight are not yet known.
A boat for racing under IRC rules without sacrificing cruising
With this model, Pogo Structures is clearly signaling a return to cruising racing. The Pogo 33 is not presented as a racing boat with a few berths added, but as a cruiser that can also regularly compete in IRC regattas.
The project draws inspiration from offshore races such as the Fastnet, the Transquadra, and the Transat Cap Martinique, as well as locally organized IRC regattas held throughout the season.
It is likely in this dual-purpose setting that the Pogo 33 will have to prove itself. An owner can go on a cruise for several weeks and then prepare the boat for a race without changing vessels.
But versatility always comes with its limitations. Full fuel tanks, anchoring gear, a dinghy, safety equipment, kitchen supplies, and personal belongings don?t magically disappear when the boat crosses the starting line.
The Pogo 33?s competitiveness in the IRC will therefore also depend on its actual displacement in race configuration and its rating?two pieces of information that are still unknown.
A cruising Pogo designed for offshore sailing
The Pogo 33 is classified as Design Category A. The shipyard also plans to include foam sections as standard equipment to provide additional buoyancy.
These choices are in line with the boat?s stated offshore program. They also take on special significance on a sailboat designed to alternate between cruising and offshore racing.
However, the shipyard has not yet provided details on the standard equipment, the engine, or the water and fuel capacities. These are all key factors in assessing the boat?s actual cruising range.
The layout, however, includes a technical compartment?a space that is often valuable on a boat designed for long voyages and to carry more equipment than a vessel intended exclusively for regattas.
We'll have to wait until the summer of 2027
The Pogo 33 is currently in the design phase at Pogo Structures in Combrit. Bernard Nivelt and Sam Manuard are continuing to develop the project with the shipyard?s design office. The launch of the first vessel is scheduled for early summer 2027. The specifications announced today are subject to change before that date.
In particular, information is missing regarding displacement, ballast, engine power, tank capacity, IRC rating, and price. And most importantly, no boat has sailed yet.
The concept, however, is clearly defined. With the Pogo 33, the Breton shipyard isn?t trying to gradually transform a cruiser into a sportier boat. It starts with a racing hull and adds what?s needed for cruising. It remains to be seen, out on the water, exactly where the balance will lie between these two worlds.
