Guess I have to learn how to sail now.

[DaveC426913]

Mac checklist:

- ballast full, gate closed, forward plug re-inserted
- motor in water BEFORE starting up
- motor peeing water
- rudders down, centreboard down < 5mph
- rudders up, centreboard up > 5mph
- check wind and reef before leaving slip (much easier to shake out a reef in light winds than put one in in heavy winds)
-take time out from not-messing-up to have fun!

There's more, but those are the ones I had to memorize the hard way.

[dlandersson]

I have a (modified for my X) fairly lengthy checklist. I always forget something when I "wing" it.

Mac checklist:

- ballast full, gate closed, forward plug re-inserted
- motor in water BEFORE starting up
- motor peeing water
- rudders down, centreboard down < 5mph
- rudders up, centreboard up > 5mph
- check wind and reef before leaving slip (much easier to shake out a reef in light winds than put one in in heavy winds)
-take time out from not-messing-up to have fun!

There's more, but those are the ones I had to memorize the hard way.

[taylormade]

First sailing experience could be a little intimidating (at least it was for me). I would suggest you not taking your wife or small kids when you are ready to try it first time. Extra set of hands is helpful, so bring a friend with you.

Triple check that water ballast is full. With water ballast full your won't capsize boat no matter what.

Ideal wind to try sailing with both sails is 10 - 12 mph breeze. If wind is 12 - 18 mph then reef main sail at the dock so you won't have to do it out on the water.

Wear life jacket in case you have to go to bow or on top of cabin if something goes wrong.

Thanks for the advice!

Looks and sounds like you got quite a deal.

I did, thanks!!

Welcome to the group, as a new MAC owner.
If you're looking to connect with other trailer sailors in the area, here is a link to the "West Coast Trailer Sailor Squadron" . This is a friendly group with several interesting outings during the season. Take a look at some of the videos in the link.
http://members.ij.net/wctss/wctss/
We have several , and classic Mac's in the group.
Obelix

That's great, thanks for the link!

Have a clipboard with a checklist. Nothing wrong with it. Pilots do it.

Yep, I'm quite fine with that. I use my phone's notes app for lists all the time.

Mac checklist:
There's more, but those are the ones I had to memorize the hard way.

Thanks for that list, I appreciate it!

I have a (modified for my X) fairly lengthy checklist. I always forget something when I "wing" it.

Feel free to share if you feel so inclined!

[Russ]

What are you nuts? Sailing it complicated and an art. There is no way you can sail that thing without a few months of sailing school lessons.

Seriously, that is a great looking boat and you will have a blast. However, I do advocate boating education. Florida seems to require some form of boating education. As a member of the US Power Squadron, I would suggest one of their courses. They are taught by volunteers for the cost of materials. Plus, you will meet fellow boaters and can even find folks to help you through the process.
http://usps.org/index.php/boating-courses

Welcome to the club. Extra cheese for me.

--Russ

[sailboatmike]

A couple to add to the checklist I always do

Bilge pump to Auto and run it for a few seconds on manual just to make sure its operational (everyone should have at least one bilge pump)
Fuel tank breather valve open
Check fuel levels (and 2 stroke oil if its a 2 stroke)

When pulling away from the dock endure all lines are pulled in quickly so they dont snag the prop

[Signaleer]

You got this in Tampa right? I think I saw it on CL?

I'm in Gulf Shores - if you want to come up, lessons only cost beer.

Honestly, you should have someone experienced the first FEW times before taking crew. Always wear PFDs when under sail. Seriously, someone experienced the first few times before taking passengers would be my recommendation. I know you have a bay-boat (you were going to give me your 115hp) and understand the responsibilities of being a mariner and skipper... but if you have literally never sailed before... A single knock-down or accidental gybe can be the end of a sailing desire for many people just starting out. Especially if they are less experienced than you.

I was an experienced sailor, bareboat qualified, from some fairly tough sailing grounds. The 26x still sorta freaked me out the first time I put clothe in the air.

Be careful, have fun.

Ed

[dlandersson]

That's a really good point. I got a reasonably good deal on an "X" loaded with "goodies", including a complete outboard service largely because the PO took his wife out once in Colorado, and she refused to ever go out again. Boat sat on the hard for two years before I came along. PO was pretty motivated.

I go out a few times by myself each spring to "get the kinks out: before I take anyone. I get rusty over the winter.

Honestly, you should have someone experienced the first FEW times before taking crew. Always wear PFDs when under sail. Seriously, someone experienced the first few times before taking passengers would be my recommendation. I know you have a bay-boat (you were going to give me your 115hp) and understand the responsibilities of being a mariner and skipper... but if you have literally never sailed before... A single knock-down or accidental gybe can be the end of a sailing desire for many people just starting out. Especially if they are less experienced than you. Ed

[dlandersson]

Per your request, I expect extra cheese on that pizza

Prep checklist (several efforts here - on separate pages - lots of contributions). You'll want to "tweak" the list to reflect your boat set-up.

http://www.anderssononline.org/Boats/Ma ... _Windbarry Set Up.doc

And the USCG checklist - I have a red folder taped on my port side cabin with my docs - impresses the USCG

http://www.anderssononline.org/Boats/US ... cklist.doc

Feel free to share if you feel so inclined!

[bobbob]

Someone here gave me the acronym MR. CLB and I find it extremely helpful:

Motor (up or down depending)
Rudders (up or down depending)

Centerboard (up, down, or partly down depending)
Ladder (up generally)
Ballast (open or close valve)

Of course there are many other things to check but if those 5 aren't correct it can ruin your day pretty quickly.

[Starscream]

I recommend getting a copy of Sailing for Dummies from Amazon. If you read the first third you'll be fine.

[Ponaldpe]

Welcome the group and the Mac sailing world, I am new to sailing too, and this group has been a lot of help. I was leaning to the X boat but got a real good deal on a 2003 M, $9000 got $12000 in it now. I may even take a sailing class someday for now it learn as I go, and it is a lot of fun sail/learning . This boat seem to be very forgiving easy to learn on, I have been only day sailing and trailering each time so set up and take down eats some of the fun, but I am getting better . You have a dock so almost no set up time drop the dock line host the sail and go. Have fun no matter what be had not to find where the wind will take you enjoy.

[taylormade]

I appreciate (tremendously) everyone's input, responses, advice and concern. I don't take the latter lightly either. I've been studying sailing for six months now, I've watched nearly every video (the ones on YouTube are generally awful), I've got three sailing books, one of which is the Dummies book, and I have two friends who are experienced sailors.

Since my only "true" sailing experience is on my friends 34' catamaran, I'll be bringing one of them along the first few times out just to make sure I don't do something that can't be undone.

[sailboatmike]

The American YAchting Association has a Youtube channel with some good basics videos, somewhat leaning toward keel boats but still a helpful watch and the videos go for around 5 minutes each

[Bilgemaster]

For what a newbie's opinion is worth, although I am now working through 'Sailing for Dummies', I really enjoyed both readings of David Seidman's 'The Complete Sailor'. And, although I've had her out a couple of times on my own, I still feel it's wise to treat myself to a couple more sailing lessons--when I can get an instructor--seeing as how they're right there in the park and all. I'd happily settle for a veteran Mac 26X owner to swing by and show me the ropes...or join someone nearby for a sail in theirs, but haven't had any luck hooking up with anyone so far from these forums. PM me if you're out there and willing to throw a bro a bone!

[Signaleer]

I appreciate (tremendously) everyone's input, responses, advice and concern. I don't take the latter lightly either. I've been studying sailing for six months now, I've watched nearly every video (the ones on YouTube are generally awful), I've got three sailing books, one of which is the Dummies book, and I have two friends who are experienced sailors.

Since my only "true" sailing experience is on my friends 34' catamaran, I'll be bringing one of them along the first few times out just to make sure I don't do something that can't be undone.

Sounds like a good start and a good plan.

I sailed a few times with experienced friends and then bought a boat. I sailed on my own successfully for 4 years, and then I wanted to get a certification so I can charter boats.

Looking back, I would have enjoyed the experience 1000% more had I learned from a proper instructor. (Its not necessary, just my experience). When I did take my classes I tested out of 1 of the classes and was a much better sailor than those (generally) in the subsequent classes simply because I had more experience. However, there were so many nuances to sail trim, sail shape, emergency procedures, and mechanics that I simply wasn't progressing into on my own.

I think you'll be fine, but nothing replaces experience... in sailing.

Sounds like you have a great plan to get started!

Ed