From the quarterdeck of "Skye", Marina at Lake Wabamun.
Ok, a month of great sailing and no major disasters. wahooo! In addition to our fine instructor and Patrick O'Brian, you folks have helped immensely with our steep learning curve.
Learning as we go, some salient thoughts:
1. Dock lines are not the "ropes" used to tie-up to the dock. Dock lines are really the nice contrasting grey streaks along the blue hull that comes from trying to park. (they do rub off - no gel coat damage)
2. There's a right and wrong place for the fender holders; the stanchion abeam the mast seems the best place so far.
3. 40% longer sleeps on board versus a land bed.
4. Steering arm squeak is cured with sun block - spf30 lasts for three weeks.
Things to do:
- Expand the zone of comfort of Heeling.
- more sailing.
Thanks an'
cheers,
[mod]ModEdit: Title tweaked & moving to E&V ~fc[/mod]
Glad you are enjoying your 26M. I too have found that the average sleep cycle on the boat is extended... and I'm not complaining. If you feel like throwing that thing on the trailer and exploring Slave Lake c'mon up !!! I try to get on my 26X at least 3 times a week.... sometimes sailing, sometimes fishing and sometimes, just motoring out to the island, tossing the hook and relaxing with a book and a nap! There's a nice guy (John B.) at lake Wab. who has an X and he came up last month. Unfortunately, I couldn't do much sailing but he seemed to have a good time and I'm sure he will be coming up this way again. If you run into him, (not literally) I'm sure he will fill you in on his trip.
Hey guys, if you really get bored, come on down and sail Lake Okanagan or the Shuswap, it's a blast and the beer's just as cold. I've run into at least 6 folks from AB this summer on the lake, in their various Mac's. Nice people and enjoy the guided tours when they hitch up with us.
Enjoy the summer. PS: We lived in Slave Lake in the 80's and loved it there, our bestest friends in the whole world lived across the street.
Take care and keep an eye on your depth sounder!!!
Brian
2. There's a right and wrong place for the fender holders; the stanchion abeam the mast seems the best place so far.
I have a bumper tied to each stanchion. I have a bungee at the base of each stanchion that hooks to the bottom of the bumper on the opposite stanchion when it's time to stow them on deck. They're quick to deploy this way.
When I got my 18 months ago, it was the first time I was ever on a sailboat (I had powerboats for 40 years). Heeling scared the S _ _ _ out of me; to the point where I went to West Marine and inquired about a HARNESS system that would keep me in the boat - - - telling the lad who was listening to me that I was VERY uncomfortable at max heel and HAD to have some kind of harness. He told me to forget about a harness system (although there are some), and that I would get used to it in short order and heeling comfort would NOT be a problem. Right he was
Even though I singlehand most of the time - - - the greatest fun is had now at max heel. You WILL get used to it soon - - - don't worry about it.
Now - - - if only I could remember to wear my PFD when sailing alone
hey gang,
ok, the stanchion abeam the mast doesn't work either, fouls up the genoa lines . I may just trash the racks - couple more trials to go.
Ah Slave Lake, been over it a bazzillion times, always at 1,000 plus feet; it's intriguing to think about actually taking to the water. . . btw, the only time I've seen a waterspout was on Slave Lake.
OKanagan, and Shuswap are also on our list of places to go when we get cocky enough to venture beyond Wab. And that time is coming sooner that expected. . . already planning Dief. Lake - and a cup at the Ruby -
3 1/2 hours tonight was awesome - the light winds are great for us rookies, lots of time to sort out what to do, how to do it. bring on some breeze!!!
First post. Admiral and I bought a 97 26X in November 06 after getting our skippers through the CYA. (Needed to make sure the Admiral was sure). So far sailed Ghost Lake near Calgary with one overnight then 10 days on the Shuswap. (Not a lot of wind but the engine runs well)
MacShales I am also an Engineer so maybe we can hook up and compare sailing equations or just enjoy the wind. Plan is to live (and work as needed) from the boat August 5 to 25 between Shuswap and the Okanagan. I'll pm you and maybe we can meet up. I would say catch up but I noticed you have a blue hull.
Actually, last week, there were some clouds and high winds out over the lake! A buddy of mine said there were "fingers" coming down and touching the lake and then they'd just disappear! I will admit one thing, if you aren't aware of the weather, this lake can kick up in a hurry!
I am thinking of heading down to the shuswaps next summer but I've heard that Shuswap isn't that great for sailing.... I don't believe that though. I've houseboated there many many times and I've always found a bit of wind that would be great for sailing.
My favorite dock line, and it worked, was "You look great in that bikini but you would look better in my boat." I dated that bikini, I mean girl, for years!
Ther are four seperate arms to the shuswap lake. From what we were told and our recent experience the area around copper island has the most consistant wind for sailing. Best part of being on a Macgregor is the versatility. When there is no wind we drift like all the houseboats do and swim to cool down between naps. Slight breeze and we put up the spin and practice, when it does get windy we sail while the house and power boats head for shore. Since this is a deep lake (1' under stern and 23' under bow) we anchor near shore and tie off the stern to shore with two lines. Don't need as much room as the houseboats so its always easy to find a grat spot for the night, even when its late. If your looking for a place to practice camping, sailing, drifting, powerboating in the heat try this lake. For pure sailing you will be somewhat disappointed.
I spent a lot of time on this board before and after buying my 26X and must say it has performed as expected and the Admiral and I are thrilled about that.
Hi there Mcshales, I was out your way in 2005, to bad, i wasnt aware that you had a Mac. How long have you had your MAC. So far in the last Three years I have sailed Wabamum, Okanakan, and Slave Lake. Lots and lots of fun. Randy MCotter and I are going to have an all out drag out race one of these days, to put a deffinitive answer to the BW question So if any of you folks want to join in let us know and we will set something up.
"Skye", Marina at Lake Wabamun.
. I may just trash the racks - couple more trials to go. 
or just enjoy the wind. Plan is to live (and work as needed) from the boat August 5 to 25 between Shuswap and the Okanagan. I'll pm you and maybe we can meet up. I would say catch up but I noticed you have a blue hull.
So if any of you folks want to join in let us know and we will set something up.