Long associated with offshore racing, the high-performance sailboats Today, they are attracting a growing number of sailors. Whether for short, medium, or long cruises, in coastal or offshore waters, fast and versatile monohulls offer incredible sensations. Capable of “devouring the miles,” they allow you to go further than traditional sailboats, while fully enjoying time in port.
Owner of a Pogo 12.50, David Dussau completed half a circumnavigation of the globe aboard his high-performance sailboatToday, he offers sailing enthusiasts the opportunity to embark on tailor-made sailing cruises in French Polynesia.
A great trip in a Pogo 12.50, from Brittany to Polynesia
Passionate about fast sailing, former top-level racing driver, David Dussau purchased a Pogo 12.50 in September 2023: a racing-cruising sailboat designed for offshore sailing. In 60 days and nearly 11,000 nautical miles, he sailed his new monohull to the other side of the globe, to French Polynesia, with one goal: to develop his fleet of high-performance sailboats available for rent.
“In October 2023, I set off from Loctudy – a stone’s throw from Combrit, the Breton town where the Pogo Structures shipyard is located. I crossed the Atlantic with two novice crew members: we stopped in the Canary Islands, the Grenadines, Martinique…”
Sailing towards Panama in 35 knots of wind, under staysail with three reefs in the mainsail, the Pogo 12.50’s chartplotter recorded a speed over ground of 22.8 knots. Proof that my boat – Fast Guy – already wore its new name perfectly!
I crossed the Panama Canal, just as I had done with my first sailboat. Then I enjoyed a 22-day solo transpacific crossing, alone in the world aboard my Pogo, without assistance or weather forecasts. It was a conscious choice. Everything went perfectly: the conditions were exceptional, and I was lucky enough to spend nine and a half days straight under spinnaker.
French Polynesia, an incredible territory to experience by sailboat
“ I arrived in Fatu Hiva, in the Marquesas Islands, in February 2024 ” says David. The Bay of Virgins, Fatu Hiva, Tahuata, Hiva Oa, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva… these are exceptional places where I spent six months with my son in 2022 and where I would have loved to stay longer. But I had an appointment 10 days later, another 770 miles away, for a sailing cruise departing from TahitiMy first cruise in Polynesia aboard a racing-cruising monohull : a Pogo! »
The Marquesas Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Windward Islands, the Leeward Islands… in a territory almost as vast as Europe, there is no shortage of destinations to discover by sailboat. Polynesian waters are pleasant year-round – with an average temperature of 27°C – and are renowned for sailing. Thanks in particular to the accounts of Bernard Moitessier, which have inspired countless sailors!
Since the Pogo 12.50 Fast Guy arrived in the territory, and approximately 150 travelers were able to discover Polynesia by sailboat with Life in blue sailing, a company specializing in tailor-made sailing cruises, aboard high-performance sailboats.
“ From Tahiti, Raiatea, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Hiva Oa… Each stay includes a short, medium, or long cruise in Polynesia, always 100% customizable. Every vacation plan is unique: we go the extra mile to offer you the vacation of your dreams. » emphasizes David.
Diving, kitesurfing, wing foiling, snorkeling, freediving, subwinging, stand-up paddleboarding… Numerous activities are possible thanks to the sailboat’s performance and layout. In addition to the Fast sailing under sail in a PogoTravelers enjoy memorable anchorages surrounded by dolphins, multicolored fish, stingrays, manta rays, and leopard rays. Thanks to the sailboat’s speed and versatility, itineraries can be constantly adapted to take advantage of the best sailing conditions between the islands.
On land, passengers discover the richness of Polynesian culture: they visit vanilla plantations, pearl farms, distilleries, make their own tiki or, for example, their own coconut milk. With Life in blueThe stopovers are always an opportunity for authentic encounters with the locals, far from the tourist circuits.
Fast GuyA Pogo 12.50 for hire for an unusual cruise in French Polynesia
A racing-cruising sailboat that matches the DNA of Life in blue
“ I dreamed of the Pogo 12.50 for years. “David remembers.” From its launch in 2010, I closely followed the sailboat’s performance: I wanted a very fast monohull that sailed equally well in heavy seas with strong winds as in very light winds. The objective of the cruises in Polynesia Life in blueIt’s really about sailing comfortably using the power of the wind. We needed a versatile sailboat, capable of performing equally well in lagoons and offshore.
Unsinkable and safe, the Pogo 12.50 offers incredible sailing sensations. It’s a very well-built sailboat, from a reliable, available, and responsive shipyard. The Pogo 12.50’s lifting keel also perfectly suited our cruising plans: a 1.20-meter draft with the keel raised is ideal for navigating in shallow waters and accessing the most beautiful anchorages in Polynesia. »
Tailor-made sailing cruises, all year round
In the Society Islands (Windward Islands and Leeward Islands), the Tuamotu Islands, and the Marquesas Islands, the Pogo 12.50 of Life in blue sails all year round:
- During a week-long cruise in Polynesia, couples, families, or friends can depart from the island of Raiatea to explore the lagoon of Raiatea and Taha’a, and then enjoy the Pogo performance to sail to Bora Bora.
- With a 14-day Polynesian cruise, it is possible to leave from Tahiti or Raiatea to discover the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands, but also to leave from Fakarava or Rangiroa, to sail between the Tuamotu atolls.
- With 3 weeks of cruising or more, travellers can embark on the Pogo 12.50 to visit the Tuamotu and Society archipelagos by sail, in a single stay.
From December to February each year, cruises on the high-performance sailboat are also possible from Hiva Oa, in the Marquesas Islands.
Aroha NuiA new Pogo 44 for a fast cruise in Polynesia
A new high-performance sailboat for sailing in Polynesian waters
“ I am very satisfied with my experiences on the Pogo 12.50. I am convinced by both the boat and the shipyard, from which I have always received excellent support. It was clear to me that I should continue developing the fleet of Life in blue with a new Pogo! »
It is therefore logical that David Dussau will develop his sailboat rental business, thanks to the arrival of a new monohull for sailing in Polynesia : a Pogo 44.
The high-performance cruising sailboat is currently under construction in Combrit, and will be delivered to Life in blue sailingIn Brittany, in October 2026. David Dussau and his friend Julie Leveugle They will then transport it on a grand voyage to Polynesia.
More spacious, more modern and more comfortable than the Pogo 12.50 Fast Guythe Pogo 44 Aroha Nui will be available from March 2027 for sailing in Polynesian waters. With an overall length of 13.55 meters, a beam of 4.50 meters, 4 double cabins, spacious living areas, and a very shallow draft with the keel raised, the racing-cruising sailboat It also promises incredible moments in Polynesia.
To learn more:
Sailing cruises in Polynesia on Pogo 12.50 and Pogo 44
David Dussau – Life in sailing blue