MacGregorSailors.com

I have been thinking for some time about going down the bowsprit path to carry extra sail when it dawned on me why not use what I already have?
I "borrowed" the furling jib of my 14" cat (after all I can't use both at the same time) and attached it to the jib halyard and to the bracket for the mast raising kit and went for a sail.
Much to my surprise it worked great the winds were light (around 5 knots) and it set easily and the boat sailed about 1/2 knot faster on average according to my GPS than just using the main and jib and appeared to sail closer to the wind without stalling. Tacking was initially a challenge until I 1/2 furled the jib before going about to assist in getting the sail around the inner sail. So far so good
The next day the wind was stronger (around 8-12 knots) and I was out with the admiral who hates the whole healing thing so when she is aboard I generally never use the main and just sail under the jib. This works well when we are off the wind but struggles to go close to the wind. I raised the second head sail and it did allow me to sail much closer to the wind (not fantastic but much better than without) so the net result was a happy wife and a happy me
As I only have a jib I don't know whether the sail configuration just gave me a bit more canvas to put it close to a Genoa in lighter winds or was more efficient but I do know I will be doing more sea trials to find out..

You figured that out all by yourself huh. You never ever say anything like it on any Mac forum before what so ever I applaud you for your originality. But seriously it is a great mod. I just use a storm sail and a 150% Genoa. If you ever do use your mainsail with it you will find it is a true game changer. Just dont expect to beat Highlander yet.

Hows this full main , jib & genny




This just might be too much heel for your missis
http://s844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 0_2494.mp4

Nice mod I am also considering puting my storm jib onto a furling harken non reefing system
J

Not going as far as Highlander on this - but I might as well weigh-in too.

I found an inexpensive, "partially-finished" dinghy jib (for a 'Sunbird', IIRC) on the Bacon Sails website; it was shorter than might be correct, but the right foot-length to be flown from the mast-raising padeye, as a staysail. The luff was unfinished, so I put in a Dyneema luff-rope with eye-splices for the head and tack; this was so I could set it free-flying without a stay. I had to make up a short tack-pennant to lift the clew of it above the deck, so I made it as a Dyneema "loop shackle" for my convenience. As this was only a test I raised it on the "spare" jib halyard (the one I use for my genoa-sleeve) rather than installing its own halyard.

Tried it out on a day with gentle winds, and it did add maybe a half knot to a close reach.

Highlander wrote:Hows this full main , jib & genny




This just might be too much heel for your missis
http://s844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 0_2494.mp4

Nice mod I am also considering puting my storm jib onto a furling harken non reefing system
J

You freaken Canandian you got wait 3 years before you can do that so I can copy your set up and add it to mine so I can beat you to it. Obviously you haven't heard USA is number one, know your place damit.

Im with you RoadSolider....lets head down under and put a bag over his head....

I thought the highlander was a patriotic Scotish sort... you know, the sort you see on 'Braveheart'

If you guy's are going to blow wind then learn to play the pipes
http://s844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 010004.mp4

Me I'll drink to that


And if you guy's don't pipe down I'll be sending my mascot to sniff you's out so watch your Butt's


Cheers J

For the life of me I cannot figure out how a guy can come up with so many manly modifications while wearing a skirt.

ROAD Soldier wrote:For the life of me I cannot figure out how a guy can come up with so many manly modifications while wearing a skirt.

Well Laddie If you can find me a pair of pants with three legs I'm still not going to show you my manly

J

Highlander your lookin a little like Mrs.Doubtfire

ROAD Soldier wrote:For the life of me I cannot figure out how a guy can come up with so many manly modifications while wearing a skirt.

Or has time to sail.

Call me chicken or just lazy.....but whilst I can understand modifications for the sake of safety,comfort and general usefullness of a Mac the extent of the sail modifications that are shown in these forums baffle me.Lets be brutally honest.....Macs X & M are a design which allows for maximum space for a trailable boat with weight minimised thru the use of water ballast....they'll never set a speed record but now I'll really upset the majority 'I don't "get" the 50-140hp motor thing either...planing a sailboat? We are happy just chugging along using 15hp.....so now all the cats are amongst the pidgeons let the shouting begin!

Errrrr....
I am not sure I like what you are implying???? I stated in my post that I have a jib so adding a small extra bit of sail is still well under having a genoa and I was sailing in light wind. There is NO way on this planet that I would EVER compromise on safety!!!!!
And if you read my comments I was looking to improve comfort for my wife.
For the record I am a fan of Roger's vision for the 26X and I have kept my boat simple and light any only minor modifications. And for the record I have a 30HP.
So can we focus on something a bit more positive?????????

No you misunderstand...I think the addition of a little foresail is not a bad idea......but some other additional sails and rigging on these forums is exploring the envelope just a bit too far