Pogo 6.50 Information, Review, Specs

The Pogo 6.50, often referred to as the Pogo 1, entered production in 1994 and continued until 2000, with approximately 125 units built during its run. Its creation marked a pivotal moment for Pogo Structures, becoming their first production boat and a direct result of the shipyard's deep roots in racing, including involvement with a Mini-Transat winning prototype in 1993. Christian Bouroullec, founder of Pogo Structures, aimed to construct modern, enjoyable sailing boats accessible to a wide range of sailors, a philosophy embodied by the Pogo 6.50.

Naval architect Pierre Rolland penned the Pogo 6.50 with a clear objective: to deliver a boat that was both fast and capable enough to compete in demanding offshore races like the Mini-Transat. This design ethos emphasized high-performance features, which were later carried into larger models like the Pogo 8.50. The Pogo 6.50's design eschewed traditional heavy displacement for a lightweight hull, constructed from solid fiberglass, indicative of Pogo's commitment to speed and responsiveness even before their later adoption of vacuum infusion techniques. While subsequent models like the Pogo 2 and Pogo 3 would evolve the Mini 6.50 class, the original Pogo 6.50 remained a significant competitor, winning numerous Mini-Transat races between 1996 and 2002.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pogo 6.50 was engineered for exhilarating sailing performance, particularly in offshore conditions. Despite its compact size, with a length overall of just 21.33 feet and an identical waterline length, it boasts an impressive sailing pedigree, having been explicitly designed and equipped to cross oceans. Its fractional sloop rig and broad beam of 9.74 feet contribute to a powerful sail plan, making it responsive and quick on all points of sail. The boat's light displacement of 1,962 lbs, combined with a significant sail area (approximately 452 sq ft reported, excluding a large 775 sq ft spinnaker), allows it to accelerate quickly and perform well in various wind conditions.

Owners and critics alike frequently laud the Pogo 6.50 for its lively handling and ability to plane, a characteristic inherited from its racing heritage. The inclusion of twin rudders provides excellent control and grip, especially when heeled or surfing downwind in a seaway. With a maximum draft of 5.18 feet, it offers good upwind performance, while its lightweight construction and hull form contribute to a theoretical hull speed of 6.19 knots, a respectable figure for a boat of its size. Its reputation for solid performance in the Mini-Transat class underscores its capabilities as a robust and swift offshore racer.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary role as an offshore racing boat within the Mini 6.50 class, the accommodations of the Pogo 6.50 are functional and minimalist, prioritizing performance over luxury. The interior is generally characterized by an open layout designed to provide essential comforts for short-handed offshore voyaging. While specific headroom figures are not widely publicized, it is understood to be limited, typical for a boat of this size and purpose.

The Pogo 6.50 typically features an open aft cockpit, providing an efficient workspace for singlehanded or doublehanded racing. Below deck, the layout often includes basic berth arrangements, offering sleeping spaces for crew. Storage is practical rather than extensive, designed to hold necessary provisions and safety gear for offshore passages. The materials used emphasize durability and weight savings, aligning with Pogo Structures' ethos of robust yet lightweight construction. The spartan yet functional interior reflects its design brief as a dedicated racing machine capable of ocean crossings.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Pogo 6.50 frequently praise its exhilarating sailing performance and its robust, straightforward construction. Many are drawn to the boat's strong racing heritage and its proven capability in events like the Mini-Transat. The Pogo 6.50 fosters a strong sense of community among its owners, who share a passion for fast, responsive sailing and appreciate the boat's suitability for ambitious voyages. Owners often highlight its ability to handle demanding offshore conditions with confidence, providing both safety and peace of mind on the open ocean. Its status as a foundational model for Pogo Structures also contributes to its enduring appeal among those who value a genuine performance cruiser.