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I understand that all sailboats have different sailing characteristics based on design and tuning. Considering the 26D design, can anyone give information on sailing with only a headsail?

The reason I ask is because I still consider myself a novice but want to be able to sail in strong winds when entertaining inexperienced passengers without my first mate (wife). Short of reefing or going strictly under power, I am wondering if the design of the 26D will sail efficiently under only a headsail. I'm guessing there will be some leeward helm as the center of resistance moves forward but, based on anyone's experiences, what are the limits (max wind speed, etc)?

I've sailed on the jib alone on my Mac 25 but couldn't point higher than a beam reach so it's probably similar on the 26D. It may want to round up with just a main up. If you can reef before you go out that's probably the best solution. I had a storm jib with my 25 that I used a few times. I even tried a jib from a Hobie 18 which is smaller than the stock jib. It worked fine but you have to zip it around the forestay so it's much more of a hassle than a hank on jib. The tack also needed to be raised above the deck a couple feet to provide a better sheeting angle.

I had a mac 26 D and sailed mostly on SF bay and Clearlake, Ca. Many many times did I encounter "exhuberant conditions and sailed with either a main only or the jib and a reefed main. I like the jib and reefed main combo because it seemed like it gave me the most control over maneuverability with the standard rudder.

I owned a 92Mac 26-S previously, and it sailed well. It would heel quickly, but seem to stabilize when on a strong tack. Ive had the rub rail touching the water, but since Im a "fair weather" sailor...I rarely kept the boat in that position. I had an 8 HP Merc., which handled the boat well.
Ive read that a modification of the rudder is highly recommended for the "S" and the "D" with a design offered by "Idasailor Rudders". That may be something you may want to research. I didnt modify mine, but planned to do so before finally acquiring a MAC 26-X.

Happy Sailing.