Heavy Weather

[Bill Smith]

How does the MacGregor water ballast handle in 35 knot winds in the open ocean?

 

[Frank Ladd]

How do you handle it

Personally I don't like that much wind no matter what the boat can take. But the older Classic 26 could probley take it well enough as could the Mac 25 or plenty of other boats. I expect that the newer 26X power sailor might not be so great to sail in that weather, but the idea for that boat is that you could get out of that weather faster. With winds that high in most areas the inlets to protected water may be too dangerous to run. In that case I'd want to get at least 20 miles off shore to deep water where the waves are less violent and the odds of been blow ashore are low. 35 knot gusts are not bad and 35 in protected water can be fun but prolonged 35 knots will wear you out and make you miserable.

 

[Tim Bastian]

Storm Tactics

Bill, Check out the STORM TACTICS HANDBOOK and VIDEO by Lin and Larry Pardey. They sailed a 24 foot boat around the world without and engine and using only traditional means of navigation (Sextant and compass). http://landlpardey.com/ They recommend heaving too and using a riding sail to stabilize the boat. They also recommend the use of a parachute anchor. Their book and video both demonstrate how to use their techniques and one complements the other. They definitely recommend that you practice these techniques before you need them. Go out in a moderate wind to start with and learn to heave too and how to put out a parachute anchor. Then go out in a little stronger wind and practice. I’ve been practicing for a few months and have found the techniques easy to learn and they work.  Good luck and good sailing.  Tim Bastian Zephyr's Aura Hixson, TN  Join the Conch Cruisers on our Bahamas Boogie 2003 - June 21st through 30th - http://hcgiles.home.mindspring.com/macflotilla.htm

 

[Rich Finzer-loadnlock@aol.com]

Water Ballast-Heavy Weather

Bill,A Mac 26 does not have enough displacement to be out in 35 knots and heavy seas. If you were ever in that situation though, I'd double reef the main, and put up a tiny storm diaper. (when I replaced my original jib, I had the old sail cut down to a 25% diaper for just that purpose).Now mind you, I've never been in the open sea in my Mac, but I have been in Lake Ontario in 25+ knots of wind and 6-8 foot swells. It was scary as hell. If you insist on going to sea, you're gonna need more boat underneath you. Be careful, the ocean doesn't care if you live or not.Good luck and go fast.