Zen Again 107

 The Pogo range redefined the cruiser racer genre. This small Combrit yard realising that few owners actually raced their craft. What they sought was pleasurable (fast & fun) passage making. Pogo therefore took the expertise, gained from their success in building modern planing Class40 and Classe Mini race boats, deleted the ratings rule driven design compromises, and began construction of the Pogo range of cruisers-with-a-Breton-twist. (Pogo 36 Getafix, out of Exemouth, pictured in Les Sables d'Olonne) 

The racing heritage is clearly visible in the powerful, chined, hull form; and cockpit ergonomics which emphasise sail control over sun lounging. Although the latter is amply catered for. Seen only on a weighbridge, are the benefits of state of the art, proprietary, foam cored, resin infusion construction. This Pogo 36 (pictured in La Rochelle) tips the scales at just three point eight metric tonnes. (By comparison Stargazer is over a metre shorter and weighs four and a half tonnes.) It is this light weight, allied to the ability to set a large sail area, which delivers Pogo planing performance.

Below decks, the fit out is tastefully minimalist. And clearly designed by people who go cruising. Lockers line the cabin sides. Settee bases have been kept clear of tankage, to provide further stowage. Brace points fall readily to hand. Absent are floorboards, replaced by practical, wipe clean, rubberised matting, in the bilges. Which ensures standing headroom throughout whilst saving weight.

Carrying the, four metre, beam aft not only promotes sail carrying power, but creates a capacious lazarette plus two cavernous aft cabins. One of which is frequently supplied fitted out as a workshop come 'technical area.' For stowage of bulky gear. With a heated wet-locker, in which to dry oilskins, conveniently located adjacent to the companionway.

Pogo's production facilities are substantial and well organised. The resin infusion process proving particularly fascinating. It is here that the alchemy, involved in the creation of a light stiff hull, is performed. Such sorcery is off limits to cameras. As are the ingenious construction details, and inner workings, of the lifting keel.

From the cabinetry to the jigsaw puzzle of foam blanks, which are quite literally at the core of every Pogo, everything is made in house. Under the mischievously sparkling, but, I have no doubt all seeing, eye, of yard founder Christian Bouroullec. Officially retired, with the business in the hands of his sons. But, on the day of my visit, as my guide put it, "available for advice."

Picture Credits

Pogo 36 brochure picture of Pogo 36 saloon courtesy of  Andreas Lindlhar / Pogo Structures