Pogo Structures announces a new 15-metre flagship cruising sailboat
French boatbuilder Pogo Structures is currently developing the POGO 502 , a new 50-foot sail yacht designed for long-distance cruising. A true passage maker, it embodies everything that defines the Pogo DNA: an innovative concept, cutting-edge technology and meticulous construction, with no compromise on safety or reliability.
A NATURAL CONTINUATION OF POGO EXPERTISE
“With the POGO 502 , we are continuing a story that began nearly 40 years ago: designing sailboats that are truly made for sailing -far long- with a constant focus on performance and safety,” emphasises Christian Bouroullec, founder of Pogo Structures. Developed in collaboration with the Finot-Conq design office, the POGO 502 draws on the experience of several generations of sailboats. The project benefits from comprehensive design approach covering hull shape, structure, ergonomics and aesthetics, ensuring a fast, seaworthy and well balanced cruising sailboat. “Each new project is a synthesis of our experience in offshore racing and our commitment to reliability for long-distance cruising. The objective remains the same: a simple, well-balanced, efficient and safe boat in all conditions, designed for the pleasure of sailing,” explains Paul Bouroullec, co-director of the company.
DESIGN FOCUSED ON PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT AT SEA
Inspired by the latest generation of IMOCA sailboats, the POGO 502 features an optimised hull designed to combine speed, comfort at sea and stability at anchor. The hull has fine entries to reduce drag and ensure a smooth passage through chop, while beam is carried forward to increase form stability and power under sail. The boat is fitted with a high-aspect ratio lifting keel, allowing access to shallow anchorages. The sail plan prioritises ease of handling, with a carbon mast, a square-top mainsail and furless or cable-less furling systems, resulting in a powerful yet easily managed rig, even with a short-handed crew. “For us, it was about finding the right balance between performance, comfort and ease of use. The boat must remain fast without ever becoming demanding for the crew. This philosophy is what makes POGO sailboats unique, both offshore racing and cruising,” adds Tanguy Bouroullec, co managing director
SAFETY AND LONG-DISTANCE VOYAGES CAPABILITY
Designed as a liveaboard boat, the POGO 502 incorporates structural solutions that enhance safety during offshore sailing, including watertight bulkheads and buoyancy compartments. Build quality - a hallmark of Pogo Structures - reflects the same commitment to reliability and durability. Designed for long passages, she is suitable for a wide range of sailors and enables:
• effortless speed on all points of sail,
• comfort and security in heavy seas,
• simplified life on board for short-handed or family crews. She is equally suited to ocean crossings and round-the-world projects, as well as more relaxed cruising. Her performance potential also makes her eligible for offshore races such as the Giraglia, the Fastnet Race and the Middle Sea Race.
LIFE ON BOARD: SIMPLICITY AND FUNCTIONALITY
The POGO 502 emphasises autonomy, robustness and ease of use. The interior layout is designed for comfortable onboard living, with fluid circulation, practical storage, natural ventilation and materials suited to intensive use. Several configurations will be available, including three and four cabin layouts, to suit different sailing programmes. A PROJECT UNDER DEVELOPMENT Currently in the final design phase, the project has already produced a full-scale mock-up and an initial hull definition. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer, with an official presentation of the POGO 502 is scheduled for January 2027. Launch is expected at the end of 2027, a symbolic year marking the 40th anniversary of Pogo Structures