European Yacht of the Year, Performance Cruiser- Pogo 12.5
by Sail-World Cruising on 20 Feb 2012
Pogo 12.5 Performance Cruiser - the winner in action SW
The Pogo 12.5 was voted as the European Yacht of the Year in the 'Performance Cruiser' category. It is manufactured by French company Pogo Structures in Combrit - Sainte Marine near Brest on the northern shores of the Bay of Biscay.
The Pogo 12.50 is the result of a collaboration between two of Structures' designers Finot-Conq and Roséo Design, and it is no ordinary cruising sailing boat, having a carbon mast, a pivoting keel if you want it, no backstay and a roached main.
It was conceived for long-distance cruising, for the enjoyment of being at sea, be it alone or with the family, and, most importantly for those who love it or just for safety, for speed.
The seaworthiness and simplicity of the Pogo 12.50 is probably what impressed the judges in making the award.
Developed as an extension of the 10.50 which itself was designed for fast, easy, comfortable and safe cruising, the designers also listened to their customers who had undertaken long-distance cruises in the Pogo 40. With all that information in mind, they have taken the philosophy of fast cruising a step further with this boat.
The interior has been designed for greater comfort than the predecessors, and the layout has been designed for low-maintenance.
There's plenty of space, volume and light in the interior, important both when cruising and when moored. Other features are a hull shape which minimises the drag in light air, and the bow is up in a downwind breeze, which is vital for cruising sailors.
The composite pivoting keel has a very low centre of gravity, or if you prefer a 2.2 m draft fixed keel version is
available). When the keel is lifted, the draft of 1.2 m allows access to the most out of the way anchorages.
This is one of the magic features of the boat, however, for if the boat runs aground, the keel releases from its down
position in order to absorb much of the impact.
The mast is made of carbon, with swept-back spreaders (more than 25°) is designed to do without a backstay, and
can therefore take a roached mainsail for cruising, keeping the deck uncluttered.
Specifications:
Length overall: 12.50m
Length hull: 12.18m
Max beam: 4.50m
Fixed keel: 2.20m
Lifting keel: 3.00m / 1.20m
Light measurement trim: 5.5t
About the European Yacht of the Year:
Known as the 'Oscars' of the sailing and powerboat worlds, the winners in the Sailing (and Powerboat) categories are judged by the Editors and Boat Testers representing the 18 leading marine titles in Europe. One hundred new boats come to the European market each year and winners chosen after on-the-water evaluation.
The other winners are:
Category: Family Cruiser
Winner: Oceanis 45 (French company Bénéteau) See http://www.sail-world.com/CruisingAus/European-Yacht-of-the-Year:-Beneteau-Oceanis-45/93391!Sail-World_story
Category: Luxury Cruiser
Winner: Oyster 625 (British company Oyster Marine) See http://www.sail-world.com/CruisingAus/European-Yacht-of-the-Year-2012:--the-Oyster-625/93673!Sail-World_story
Category: Special Yachts
Winner: Esse 750 (Swiss company Josef Schuchters Sportboot AG)
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