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After 21 days of racing between Brittany and Martinique, Sam Manuard and Erwann Le Mené were the first to cross the finish line aboard the POGO RC “Aruba”. In the final corrected-time standings, they ultimately secured second place in the Cap Martinique. Third place went to Jean-Eudes Renier and Joe Lacey, also aboard a POGO RC, the “Midnight Blues”. Beyond the rankings, their crossing demonstrated above all the full potential of the POGO RC on a challenging transatlantic race: speed, reliability, precision and the joy of helming.
A solid performance, a mix of pride and frustration
In the heat of the moment, the two skippers are left with, above all, a sense of a job well done. “We had a brilliant sail. We pushed the boat to the limit, took some great lines and achieved some impressive bursts of speed. We’ve brought the boat back intact; it could set off again tomorrow in the other direction without any problems! ”
But inevitably, a hint of disappointment remains. “Crossing the line first with the feeling of having mastered the race and finishing second on corrected time – that’s the nature of handicap racing; we’re aware of it and accept it humbly. The weather conditions, which were particularly changeable and generally favoured the chasing fleet, weighed heavily on the final standings. Despite this, we’re left with the feeling that we’ve produced a very accomplished performance. That doesn’t detract from the fact that we’ve done
A race conducted with determination
The start set the tone: we had to contend with the rough conditions of the Bay of Biscay straight away. “We had to get into the thick of it straight away, be ready to push the boat hard. That initial phase allowed us to get into our stride. ”
What followed came down to strategic finesse. After the Canary Islands, a major decision had to be made as we approached Cape Verde: to break away from the fleet and try a different route. It was a bold move, decided at the last minute. “It required commitment, especially as navigating between the islands at night demanded a great deal of precision, with frequent gusts of wind and sail changes. But we were convinced that this route was the most strategic.” This gamble paid off 48 hours later, confirming the accuracy of their weather analysis.
Whilst the sailing offered some truly enjoyable moments, it also presented its fair share of difficulties, particularly with the patches of Sargassum as they approached the West Indies. “It’s physically and mentally draining. The boat’s performance drops immediately, and you have to be constantly on the ball.”
The Pogo RC lives up to its full potential
The Pogo RC’s first appearance at the Cap Martinique has made a lasting impression. Both skippers praise a boat that is high-performing, reassuring and particularly fun to sail. “The Pogo RC was remarkable. It accelerates powerfully and effortlessly downwind; it’s a real pleasure to helm. We very quickly felt completely at ease. The boat is very stable, well-balanced, easy to control and inspires confidence, even at very high speeds.”
A complementary duo, with a shared goal
Sam and Erwann have only been sailing together for a short while, but they quickly found their rhythm. Sam was in charge of weather analysis, devoting several hours each day to strategy. Erwann managed the ship’s stores, logistics, on-board organisation and performance.
Every decision was made together, guided by a single principle: “To run the boat at 100 per cent of its potential, from start to finish.”
Their bond was also forged during the simpler moments: impromptu drinks in the cockpit, watching sunsets, and chats under a starry sky. “Sailing along the African coast was incredible. It was both a real journey and a form of escape, away from the race.”
For both sailors, this transatlantic race has confirmed their love for this format, and particularly for double-handed sailing. “Sharing, mutual support, thinking things through together: it’s a formula we love deeply.” Although no joint project has yet been finalised, the desire to set sail again is already there.
They sum up this adventure in a few words: enjoyment, strategy, speed.
The two skippers are keen to acknowledge the team effort behind the project. “Thank you to the Pogo Structures shipyard for their trust and for building this adventure with us. We were provided with the best possible conditions, with a boat prepared exactly as it should be.”
Sam and Erwann were racing for the charity Guérir en Mer, which raises awareness and supports healthcare workers by offering them a new way to look after themselves through sailing.
Two Pogo RCs on the podium
The podium was completed by “Midnight Blues” in third place, skippered by Jean-Eudes Renier and Joe Lacey. This team effort confirms the Pogo RC’s potential in this demanding format.
“This confirms that this is not a one-off performance, but a genuine demonstration of the boat’s potential in this type of race. Two Pogo RCs on the podium sends out a strong signal.”
