Around the world in a Macgregor 26C

[Captain E]

Ok I had a wild dream of sailing around the world using the Trade winds in a Mac 26S. Why you might ask? Cause its there and prove the Mac can do it. I am not saying I am really going to do it or know if I have the balls to do it, but what a dream that would be. I know this is far diffrent from sailing to the Bahamas, but my question is, what is the ideal set up on a 26S for ultimate Mac World cruiser? Replacing all the trunbuckles, cable, chainpates,shrouds lines, anchor is obvious. I know a windvane would be more reliable than a auto pilot, and having extra provisions for water is (100 gallons) and a manual watermaker for emergency. I even considered downgrading to a 2hp motor to save weight, Emergency Co2 inflatable boat with an extra Epirb, survivor suit. Why do I believe a mac can make it? easy answer. It is self righting, has positive flotation, with added sealed bulkheads would even make this unsinkable. Very light boat for a quick tradewinds passage. Heck this should be sponsred by Roger Macgregor himself and have a chase team support crew and maybe they could make a reality TV show "sailing big on a small boat" and have survivor man sailing it. Who knows, we could have a around the world reggeta every 5 years with support crews tailing us. Would be a fun idea! Anyone intrested? I got the idea when reading about Alberto Torroba dugout canoe sailboat Pacific crossing from south America to the Phippines. http://www.atomvoyages.com/articles/albertotorroba.htmWhat else do you think should be added for a world cruise? PS what is the record sailing around the world using trade winds? I only have two weeks to do this...

 

[bio]

Though you could do it...

it would require both sailing skill and, most important, VERY good luck! Read "A speck on the sea" to get an idea of what you would be in for. You might make an ocean crossing with a good weather window...but a world cruise?!?Odds are you would either cause taxpayers of some country to pay for your rescue; or you would taken an early cruise to your "coffin"; via sea burial.

 

[Freddie]

Anything is possible - but how possible?

In the early days of owning my Mac I frequently had such thoughts! Have also had some rather heavy sea in the Java sea and Indian ocean on it but it was still heavy weather and not outright storm!Yes , the Mac is light and this is an advantage up to some point, but for true ocean crossing she is not designed for and we should respect this.Would I dare to do it - NO, not for funn! I got scared too often when sitting on my Mac, hooked to the cockpit and praying that the mast does not come down, although I was only sailing with a hankerchief.Ahoi - Freddie

 

[MrBill_FLL]

zeno's arrow

good readhttp://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=4416&highlight=zenostheres some of mad mike's post here if you search...-I have to ask....Captn whats the longest trip you've made to date in your boat, and in any boat?

 

[Abby Normal]

I hate to rain on the parade...

As bio suggested "A Speck On The Sea" is a great book of the most improbable small boat voyages ever attempted. No one loves a great sea tale as much as I do. With the right weather conditions, you might be able to do a circumnavigation via the Panama Canal and Mediterenian/Red Sea route, but you can forget a Mac surviving the roaring forties and furious fifties in the southern oceans. She might self-right and be unsinkable, but 50 foot waves would smash the coach roof on these light boats, or worse. Don't forget about floating cargo containers either.2 HP motor at sea? Might as well just have oars on board for propulsion.Anything is possible, and there are certainly less seaworthy boats which have made ocean crossings and circumnavigations, but I don't think I'd want to do either in a Mac.

 

[caguy]

Try reading Hal Roth's Seafaring Trilogy

They say it sould be read three time before setting off. Here is a review from Library JOurnal -Hal Roth’s vivid, authentic tales of the sea have riveted readers around the world for forty years. Here, in one volume, are three of his classic sea stories, each one a white-knuckled, rail-down voyage into the unknown. A hard-working San Francisco husband and wife abandon their jobs, their security, and, some would say, their sanity to sail their 35-foot sloop to Japan and back—the long way! Over the next nineteen months, they discover exotic islands, fascinating people, and a whole new way of life. A few years later these intrepid voyagers decide to try their luck against Cape Horn, but they will need a lot more than luck to survive the vicious storms, violent seas, and perilous shores of the world’s most dangerous stretch of water. Then nine courageous sailors accept a challenge to do what has never been done before: to race alone, in a small sailboat, around the world—nonstop. Only one will complete the race; seven will be forced to withdraw, and one will simply disappear. “Roth writes with grace, humor, and poetic insight about the vastness and beauty of the ocean.”—Library Journal Frank

 

[Capt. Kermie]

Only in your dreams

caguy wrote:"Hal Roth’s vivid, authentic tales of the sea have riveted readers around the world for forty years. Here, in one volume, are three of his classic sea stories, each one a white-knuckled, rail-down voyage into the unknown. "I'm sold!! If they are that good, I'll enjoy them!As for world cruising in a Mac, I am not sure I would want to do it in a 40' bluewater cruiser let alone a Mac. Certainly we hear about stories of sailors doing it, but as for me, I was born here and I am going to die here. I have no intention of even entertaining the idea of a watery grave let alone risking it. Call me chickenshit if you like but I prefer sailing as an escape from day to day drudgery, therapy if you will. Setting out on a voyage of self exile just doesn't appeal to me. I guess I am just not a loner. For those who just have to do it, they should do it right, in style and in comfort and in relative safety. World cruises should be something to enjoy not endured. I have heard of a book, I believe it is called "20 small boats to take you anywhere" or something along those lines. Anyway for someone on a budget they might want to start with that book and go from there but only after reading others' accounts of voyaging. Meantime, keep it in your dreams and try dreaming bigger.

 

[caguy]

Kermie, Your right not exactly a pleasure cruise

I would look forward to, especially in a MAC26. In the last book Longest Race of the 9 that started out only one made it. The rest either had their boats destroyed and were glad that the their part in the race was over, another dropped out of society altogether, and another chickened out and spend the year in the doldrums and faked the trip. After rejoining the race at the end he commits suicide. These were all highly regarded and sponsored sailors of their time.Frank

 

[Tom]

you may run out of time

The circumference of the earth is approximately 24,901 miles. Consider that to accomplish this in two weeks you would need to average better than 75 miles per hour if you could sail due east or west without having to worry about maneuvering around the continents so I suppose you may be late for work from your two week vacation. Consider that a large fish may swim into your flimsy swing keel and knock it off. Consider that a big fish could ram your boat and it becomes splinters, then the big fish eats you.Consider a 50' wave breaking your boat when it breaks on your boat. I wouldn't recommend it. Read "One Time is Enough" or "Sixty Six days adrift"

 

[Bob McL]

Flotation

I hear you saying "it has positive flotation". What exactly does that mean? Tested with a motor and gear as well as crew? And how about that 100 gallons of water (I know it could be the same as water ballast). What I really do not know is how much support do we really get with the flotation? I have a V-25 with cast iron keel. I am sure that must be included, but how much additional weight?