looking to buy but wanting to try

[Gater Dunn]

Hello all I'm new to the forum but have browsed it many timesover the years.
After 15 yr's of dreaming about MacGregors, I finally find that I'm position to buy one.
Here is my problem, my wife has done little sailing once in a dingy and once with me on a hobie cat in mexico ( I think I scared her alittle ) as most of my sailing has been windsurfing with some dingy & hobie cat spead in the mix I have no worries about my self.
Now she spent a lot of time in small power boats fishing with her Dad. But is worried about the the boat heeling over in the wind and weather or not she will still have sea legs.
we live Victoria B.C. Canada and are looking for Mac 26X charters 3 to 4 hours hopefully lots of wind so she will know that she can handle the motion and I can handle the boat.
we are looking at one place on okanogan lake but are hoping for something closer.
if anyone knows of anything out there please let me know.
hope to see you soon out on the seas

[Catigale]

Compared to dinghy/Hobie sailing (I do both) the MAC is a 'dry' boat. You wont get the speed that you will get with a Hobie but the cockpit will stay high and dry.

It is pretty easy to control the heeling to 15 degrees or less, especially if you get some lessons from someone.

..and remember to have her control the main sheet, so she can dump sail if she gets uncomfortable - there is nothing like having the gas pedal in your hands..

[Highlander]

Theirs a couple of members here in Victoria & Sidney BC I beleive try contacting them !

J
PS Best of luck with the Missus !

[Wetsocks]

I'm up near Comox and looking for the same thing! If I find someone, I'll let you know.

[Gater Dunn]

Catigale- great advice giveing her control at first may scare her but since she drives with a lead foot she'll soon settle in

Highlander - I found a few local members and one MacX parked a couple of block away from my house . but haven't found the nerve to go knocking and ask.

Wetsocks- thanks for keeping an eye out . found a place at Harrison Lake http://www.boattrainer.com .I emailed them to find out if their prices are $65/hr per person. otherwise http://www.gowiththewind.com in Kelowna looks like a lot of fun. still lookin for closer though.

[pokerrick1]

..and remember to have her control the main sheet, so she can dump sail if she gets uncomfortable - there is nothing like having the gas pedal in your hands..

And if that doesn't work - - - dump HER not the sails and find a new sailing partner

Rick

[Catigale]

The main sheet will control the heel, and if that is what raises the blood pressure, just knowing you can control it will help enormously...BTDT>>>>

[iredrider1177]

dumping sail works wonderfully!, i just figured it out!, lol, if you learn your boat its amazing how well these macs let u learn!, but!, got myself in a few situations in the past and the gf has been very helpful in letting me know when i need to straighten things out a little!, hehe

[Wetsocks]

Hey great links! The boat coaching looks like a good introduction. http://www.boattrainer.com/index.html
Yep, wish they had that somewhere on the Island.

heh, The Admiral is always trying to get me to go to Harrison Hot Springs anyway.
http://www.harrisonresort.com/

[GeoffR]

Hi

I'm in Victoria and my M26X is in Sidney. Will be out a few times over the next couple of weeks and you could reach me on the personal message function of this board if you want to come along. Click my name on the right and then click on "send a private message".

Geoff

[BrazDaz]

Just knock on that door. you never know the possibilities.
Darren

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Here is my problem, my wife has done little sailing once in a dingy and once with me on a hobie cat in mexico ( I think I scared her alittle )
Now she spent a lot of time in small power boats fishing with her Dad. But is worried about the the boat heeling over in the wind and weather or not she will still have sea legs.
we live Victoria B.C. Canada and are looking for Mac 26X charters 3 to 4 hours hopefully lots of wind so she will know that she can handle the motion and I can handle the boat.

Gater Dunn...I'd also suggest getting a "factory video" either of the "X" or "M" from someone, and let the "missus" view it a couple of times.
Since she enjoys fishing, the Mac serves-well for family fishing, plenty of room, and comfortable. This boat sits well on the water when the ballast is full, and with the high freeboard to keep you and the missus' dry. The multi-functions for family fun are more than just sailing, so, dont overlook, motoring, overnighting, comfortable accomodations, etc.

The Mac is more than just a "sail" boat.

[Highlander]

You can veiw the mac video on the net @ the Mac factory site , you-tube etc.

J

[Gater Dunn]

I do have the Video of the 26X, some where. I'm in the middle of a reno can't find all my tools ...never live in a reno
why is it that you spend say an hour looking for a tool, give up go buy a new one then find the old one

[NiceAft]

Catigale said:

but the cockpit will stay high and dry.

As a sailboat yes, but while heading into the wind, under power, in choppy water, the cockpit has a high probability of being wet.

That being said, the Mac has a very nice below deck sitting area. She can always go below, and be quite comfortable.

Go knock on some doors.

Ray