MacGregorSailors.com

I'm not sure I'm even a novice sailer, but I did grow up sailing a Barnett Butterfly on an inland lake in S.C. Haven't sailed in a while and currently own a Malibu for wakeboarding, but a recent move to central Florida has me 35 miles from Tampa Bay, and advancing age is making skiing and wakeboarding less fun. I'm thinking of selling the Malibu (against the reservations of my wife and children) and getting a sailboat.

Is it far fetched to think that I could start out in a 26x? I figure sailing is sailing when it comes to wind and tacking, but I know nothing about currents, charts, gps etc. I have the idea that the Bay is probably a safe place to learn, but what would you suggest? Should I start with a little daysailer and work my way up, or would that be a wasted step that I would "outgrow" very quickly?

My long term hope would be to sail not only on the Bay but to head to the Keys, or maybe even Bahamas. Is the 26x up to that sort of sailing, if I get proficient?

Again, thanks for any help or suggestions in response to all these questions.

cugrad90 wrote:Should I start with a little daysailer and work my way up, or would that be a wasted step that I would "outgrow" very quickly?

Most likely YES - starting with a daysailer would be a wasted step. The Mac is pretty easy to sail, in my opinion... hull, I can do it, and my previous experience was probably less, or at least similar, to yours...

cugrad90 wrote:My long term hope would be to sail not only on the Bay but to head to the Keys, or maybe even Bahamas. Is the 26x up to that sort of sailing, if I get proficient?

This sort of thing is done all the time...

The Mac is my first sailboat. I think it's a fine first boat.

Grew up doing mostly motor-boating and I've just read a bunch about sailing. I took the ASA basic keelboat class shortly after we got our boat last year, and I'm just about finished with the 2nd ASA class, Basic Coastal cruising.

As for giving up your motor boat, it's not a complete loss when you get a Mac. Get a big motor and you can keep up some of your water toys around.

A couple weeks ago I did about a 175 mile trip on the columbia river, sailing when there was wind and motoring at other times. Spent a couple hours wake boarding at one point when the wind was totally down. Tried it with and without ballast and found that it's better with ballast. The extra stability was well worth the slight loss of speed.

I would say GO FOR IT, you'll do fine.

Yup, EASY boat to sail in stock trim. Not cluttered with every form of sail control invented yet enough to get the job done.

The Mac 26 is a great boat for beginners, and you should have no problem learning the basics. I often sail mine single-handed and have had no significant problems. Your prior experience on board boats will be helpful, but I suggest that you take some beginners sailing instruction for sailing boats of similar size (20 - 28 feet or so), which will greatly speed up your learning curve as well as minimizing beginner goofs and safety issues. Also, it should give you enough actual sailing time to let you know whether that's what you want to do. - The usual beginners course, such as those taught by ASA (American Sailing Association) instructors, is a two-day weekend course including classroom and on-the-water instruction. Another option, after taking the course, is to charter (rent) boats from one of the marinas there so that you can get an idea of what boats of various sizes and types are like.

I'm predicting that you will become an enthusiastic Mac sailor.

Jim

Be glad to give you a trial ride if needed. I'm in Safety Harbor. I think it would be a fine boat for you as my experience was similar and we have enjoyed our mac

We too as well .
The Mac is our first sail boat Well that is if you dont count a 8' Snug Harbor I laugh because I drug it back . . . along the shore many times

I too think that there is nothing wrong with you getting a Macgregor. I grew up sailing. The Macgregor is a pretty safe and forgiving boat.

Welcome to Tampa cugrad90. You can't find a more versatile and better all around boat than the 26X. In my case, I had owned several boats over the last 30 years, consistently buying and selling different power and sail boats. For a while, I had two boats, a 16ft jetboat and a 27foot keelboat, but sold both and got a 26X. This will likely be the last boat I'll ever need on Tampa Bay.

Are you CUgrad90 as in Go Big Red??

Catigale, aka CUgrad 87 and 92

Catigale wrote:Catigale, aka CUgrad 87 and 92

What didn't get it right in '87?

Just kidding, I know you have more degrees than a thermometer, or is that madmike?

I don't see much of a problem. It can do all that you want. The learning curve is what you make it. That is, to study and practice or not. A couple of weekend courses and maby somebody to help the first few times you take it out, you should be all set.

From Tampa to the Keys, no problem. Take as much time as you want or as little as 2 days with good weather. It is cheeper than a 2nd home.

Is the 26x up to that sort of sailing, if I get proficient?

I don't really know what you mean by proficient, It just takes some knowledge and the guts to do it (it is an easy trip to the Keys. I have done it 3 times this year). The boat can take more than you can, just stay away from the storms. Know how to judge the weather and the GPS and charts ect....

Bimini - Went there in May. Just watch the weather and you will be fine for the 60 mile hop over. The advantage of the Mac 26 M or X is that you can get there at 15 mph in calm seas or around 8 mph in a little weather. It was a very nice trip. I want to do the rest of the Bahamas in about 1 1/2 years. Check out the Counch Cruisers web site for more data http://www.conchcruisers.net/

What didn't get it right in '87?

I left out 82 and 84 as well...and didnt get it right in 92 either



Finally started paying the taxpayers back after 92 though (in science you get paid to get a nominal stipend for graduate work as opposed to paying tuition)...

Thanks for the encouragement and information...I'm going to give this a serious look. I have enjoyed reading the Exploring section of this site, exactly the kind of adventures I'd love to have some day.

Catigale- There's no red in my color scheme, only orange...CU is Clemson University

Playmaker- Thanks for the offer. I'm going to emial and pm you.

Again, thanks to all for info...

Just do it! My only experience on the water prior to buying my X was a 4-hour sailing course at a local lake (on a Sunfish.) I liked it so much I bought my 26x a few months after.

Start slowly, stick to "safe" sailing - lake, light breeze, off crowded time, ask/bribe a sailing friend along a few times, take a course, read...read...read