Pogo 50 Information, Review, Specs

Pogo Structures, originating from the rugged coast of Brittany, has carved out a unique position in the global yachting industry since its founding in 1987. The company is synonymous with building modern, enjoyable sailing boats accessible to a wide range of sailors, emphasizing lightweight, robust construction and exhilarating performance.

History and Design

The Pogo 50 commenced production in 2012, emerging from a design brief by Finot-Conq that aimed to create a 50-foot fast cruiser. The design philosophy centered on producing a light, wide yacht with a deep, lifting draft and a generous sail plan, all tailored for rapid offshore passages. Pogo Structures, known for its consistent drive for innovation, applied its established manufacturing ethos to the Pogo 50. The hull, deck, and interior structural components, along with many other elements, are constructed using 100% vacuum-bagged foam sandwich, a technique known for producing lighter, stronger, and more consistent laminates. This commitment extends to integrating foam buoyancy, rendering the boats "unsinkable" – a crucial safety feature for offshore adventurers.

A defining characteristic of the Pogo 50 is its versatile lifting keel system, which allows the draft to be adjusted significantly from a minimum of 4.92 feet to a deep 11.48 feet. This variable draft enhances performance on the open ocean while also providing access to shallower anchorages and harbors that would be inaccessible to fixed-keel yachts of similar size. The design is complemented by dual rudders, ensuring excellent control and responsiveness, particularly when sailing at higher speeds or in challenging conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pogo 50's design prioritizes speed and ease of handling, reflecting its performance cruising brief. With a reported sail area of 1625.35 square feet and a displacement of 19621 pounds, the yacht boasts an exceptionally high sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 35.76. This indicates outstanding performance in light air and the ability to maintain impressive speeds even in moderate winds, aligning with Pogo's philosophy of being "fast on all points of sail, in all conditions."

The displacement to length ratio, calculated at a remarkably low 70.56, further confirms the Pogo 50's lightweight and performance-oriented hull form. This low ratio is characteristic of modern racing-inspired cruisers, signifying a boat that is easily driven and capable of fast passages. The yacht's ballast, weighing 7055 pounds and consisting of a lead bulb on a glass fiber/vinylester fin, contributes to a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 36%. While not exceptionally high, this, in conjunction with the deep lifting keel, provides a substantial righting moment, ensuring stability and a comfortable motion even in a seaway. The dual rudders enhance control, making the Pogo 50 an elegant and easy-to-handle sailboat perfectly capable of long-distance cruising. Her theoretical hull speed is calculated at 9.46 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its emphasis on performance, the Pogo 50 does not sacrifice comfort. The interior layout is designed to be functional yet comfortable, offering a workable cruising environment. The yacht typically features a spacious saloon, a generously sized galley, and a three-cabin, two-head arrangement. The main cabin, often configured as an owner's double with an en-suite head, is located forward. Two additional cabins are typically found aft, providing ample accommodation for crew or guests.

The interior is characterized by a simplified design aimed at keeping the boat lightweight, with interior furniture produced in Pogo Structures' woodwork shop using lightweight materials. Storage space is ample, a crucial consideration for extended voyages. The Pogo 50's interior successfully balances the need for offshore functionality with the desire for comfort and livability, appealing to sailors who seek both exhilarating sailing and practical accommodations.