Pogo 2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Pogo 2 made its debut in 2001, succeeding the earlier Pogo 6.50 model and quickly becoming a significant contender in the Mini Transat class. Designed by Jean-Marie Finot of Groupe Finot, the Pogo 2 embodies a design philosophy centered on creating simple, light, fast, and easy-to-handle sailboats. The goal was to produce a vessel capable of sailing swiftly and far, suitable for a small crew or even solo navigation. Pogo Structures, a French shipyard, was the original builder of these innovative designs. Later, Open Sailing Inc., established in 2008 and building upon the foundation of Sailing Sportboats, was instrumental in launching the Pogo 2 in the United States, aiming to foster the growth of the Pogo 2 fleet and the Mini Transat community across the Atlantic. The indicates that the Pogo 2 was built in the US as of 2009.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to its sportboat classification, the Pogo 2 is engineered for performance. With a length overall and waterline length of 21.33 feet, and a lightweight displacement of 2205 pounds, it boasts a design optimized for speed and agility. Its hull speed is calculated at 6.19 knots, a respectable figure for a boat of its size, hinting at its ability to cover ground quickly. The Pogo 2 features a bulb keel and twin rudders, a common configuration on modern performance designs, which enhances control and responsiveness, especially when heeled or sailing at high speeds. Owners and reviewers often describe Finot-designed sportboats as offering an engaging sailing experience with the "surfing" sensations typically associated with dinghies or catamarans, but within the more stable platform of a keelboat. While highly praised for its speed and downwind prowess, some anecdotal observations suggest that Pogo designs, including the Pogo 2, might be less compliant when sailed close-hauled and in upwind conditions, being primarily optimized for off-wind sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its role as a dedicated offshore sportboat and Mini Transat racer, the Pogo 2's interior accommodations are minimalist and highly functional, prioritizing weight savings and essential utilities over extensive creature comforts. Details regarding the exact interior layout are scarce in common sailing resources, which is typical for boats designed for this specific, performance-focused niche. However, based on the design philosophy of Mini Transat boats and the Pogo 2's compact 21-foot length, the interior would typically consist of an open-plan cabin, likely offering a simple V-berth forward, basic navigation and communication equipment, and storage for sails and essential gear. Standing headroom is generally not a feature of these types of boats, making the interior primarily a functional space for resting, managing sails, and navigating during offshore passages.