POGO Structures: The French Maestros of Performance Cruising
From the rugged coast of Brittany, POGO Structures has carved out a unique and esteemed position in the global yachting industry. Founded on a passion for fast, capable, and exhilarating sailing, this French shipyard has become synonymous with "performance cruising" – a concept that brilliantly fuses the thrill of offshore racing with the comfort and practicality required for extended voyages.
POGO Structures began its journey in 1987, established in Quimper, France, by the visionary Christian Bouroullec. Bouroullec, himself a keen sailor and Mini-Transat winner, set out with a clear ambition: to build modern, enjoyable sailing boats that were accessible to a wide range of sailors. The company quickly gained traction, and by 1990, it had expanded, relocating its operations to Combrit-Sainte-Marine, a move that facilitated greater production capacity.
While the shipyard's reputation was built on its production models, POGO's roots in racing were evident early on. The company was involved with the extended prototype "Amnesty International," which won the Mini-Transat in 1993. This early success foreshadowed the groundbreaking launch of the Pogo 6.50 in 1995 – POGO Structures' first production boat. Designed by Pierre Rolland, the Pogo 6.50 quickly proved its offshore mettle, participating in the Mini-Transat 1995 and laying the foundation for a dynasty of racing and cruising excellence.
History and Evolution
POGO Structures' history is marked by a consistent drive for innovation and a series of iconic models that redefined segments of the sailing market. Following the success of the Pogo 6.50, which saw 140 units built in seven years, Christian Bouroullec himself secured victory in the Mini-Transat (series category) in 1999 aboard his Pogo, "Pikès." The same year, the Pogo 8.50 was launched, again designed by Pierre Rolland. This new model, inspired by its smaller sibling, offered a blend of family cruising comfort and high-speed Atlantic surfing capabilities. It immediately won the solo Transquadra 2000 and was crowned "Sailboat of the Year 2001" at the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle.
A significant technological leap occurred in 2004 when POGO Structures revolutionized its construction process by generalizing the vacuum infusion technique across all its models. This method, known for producing lighter, stronger, and more consistent laminates, became a hallmark of Pogo's commitment to performance and durability.
The shipyard continued its rapid development. In 2003, the Pogo 2, designed by Jean-Marie Finot and Pascal Conq, succeeded the Pogo 6.50. The Pogo 2 quickly dominated the Mini-Transat 6.50, securing the first three places in the series category just months after its launch. In fact, every edition of the Transat 6.50 since 1997 had seen a Pogo take victory, solidifying their racing pedigree. The year 2005 saw the introduction of the Pogo 40, another Finot-Conq design, conceived for both grand voyages and high-speed performance. This model proved its mettle by dominating the 2006 Route du Rhum, with four Pogo 40s finishing among the first five boats in the Class 40 category. Further innovation came in 2007-2008 with the development of their renowned composite/lead lifting keel, enhancing performance and shallow-water access. In 2017, POGO Structures diversified its offerings, launching its first motorboat, the Loxo 32.
Design Philosophy and Identity
POGO Structures has cultivated a distinct reputation in the sailing world for building yachts that defy traditional categories, bridging the gap between offshore racers and comfortable cruisers. Their core identity revolves around "performance cruising," emphasizing speed and responsiveness without sacrificing livability. Pogo yachts are celebrated for being "fast on all points of sail, in all conditions," characterized by wide, light hulls.
The shipyard's commitment to cutting-edge construction is evident in its exclusive use of 100% vacuum infusion for their glass composite hulls, which contributes to their boats being both robust and lightweight. Another unique feature is the integration of foam buoyancy, rendering their boats "unsinkable," an invaluable safety feature for offshore adventurers. Design details like the distinctive faceted portholes on models such as the Pogo 36 and Pogo 44 also contribute to their modern aesthetic.
POGO Structures has consistently collaborated with renowned naval architects who share their vision for performance and innovation. Key designers include Pierre Rolland, who penned the early and highly successful Pogo 6.50 and 8.50. The prolific design firm Finot-Conq is responsible for many of Pogo's later successes, including the dominant Pogo 2 and the impactful Pogo 40. More recently, the esteemed Guillaume Verdier has contributed to the Pogo lineup, designing the latest generation Pogo 40 S4.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, POGO Structures has launched several models that have left an indelible mark on the industry and cemented the brand's legacy.
- Pogo 6.50 (Pogo 1): The foundational model, 140 copies were built in seven years of production. It became a benchmark for the Mini Transat class, winning numerous races between 1996 and 2002.
- Pogo 8.50: A pivotal model bridging racing performance with family cruising, it was elected "Sailboat of the year 2001" and saw over a hundred units built.
- Pogo 2: As the successor to the 6.50, the Pogo 2 continued the brand's dominance in the Mini-Transat, winning the series category multiple times. Its popularity was such that two new Pogo 2s were launched each month.
- Pogo 40: Launched concurrently with the Class 40, this model showcased Pogo's ability to excel in larger offshore racing circuits. Forty-five units were built between 2005 and 2009, and a Pogo 40 won the 2006 Route du Rhum. Its latest iteration, the Pogo 40 S4, continues to be a pinnacle of Class 40 racing.
Beyond these celebrated racers, POGO Structures has developed a comprehensive range of cruising yachts, from the versatile Pogo 30 to the spacious Pogo 50. The Pogo 10.50 was named "Sailboat of the Year 2009," and the Pogo 12.50 further expanded their performance cruising offerings. Recent additions like the Pogo 36, Pogo 44, and Pogo 50 continue to embody the brand's philosophy of lightweight, fast, and comfortable offshore yachts, complete with features like lifting keels for broader cruising grounds.
The Builder Today
POGO Structures remains a vibrant and influential force in the marine industry. The company is still owned and managed by the Bouroullec family, with Christian Bouroullec continuing as CEO, supported by Tanguy, Monique, and Paul Bouroullec in key management roles. With over 90 specialized technicians, the shipyard maintains a consistent production capacity, building cruising sailing yachts ranging from 30 to 50 feet.
Today's Pogo yachts continue to appeal to sailors who prioritize exhilarating sailing performance, whether for short-handed offshore adventures, coastal cruising, or competitive racing. The ownership experience is characterized by a strong sense of community, fostered by the boats' racing heritage and their suitability for ambitious voyages. Pogo owners often share a passion for fast, responsive sailing and appreciate the robust, unsinkable construction that provides both safety and peace of mind on the open ocean. The shipyard's foray into motorboats with the Loxo 32 also indicates a willingness to explore new avenues while retaining its core values of efficiency and performance. POGO Structures continues to push the boundaries of yacht design, delivering elegant, fast, and accessible boats for modern sailors.
