Mac 26X in rough waters

[Miquel Vernet]

Hi everybody,I just bought a Mac 26X (1999) second hand in UK. I am based in Belgium, and I will be sailing in the North Sea and Mediterranean (as we usually go to Spain on holidays, to Costa Brava, in the Mediterranean)with my family as crew (wife & 4 children, 2 of them living in Spain).The ability of trailering the boat and so being able to sail in both Belgium and other places, and having place for 6 (our children are 2 of 12 and 2 of 7)were the main reason for choosing the Mac 26X.I have been following the discussions on the ability of the Mac to sail in blue waters, and that has posed me a question:This boat, in Europe, is classified as a C, what means that is certified to sail up to force 6 (27 knots) and/or waves of 2 meter (about 7 feet). Even in coastal navigation (up to 25 nautical miles), you can find worse conditions than those, and not be able to escape to a harbour, even with the 50 Hp Yamaha that came with the boat (I have gone through this experience with my former motor boat, which had a 70 Hp outboard).Which is your experience in conditions of about 7 to 8 B winds ,and waves of about 3-4 meters (something like 10 to 14 feet)? Those conditions can be found in both Mediterranean and North Sea.Which is the best tactic to follow in those conditions?Thanks a lot in advance for your replies,Miquel.

 

[Glenn B]

MacX-No bluewater sailor

Sounds like you are talking about some pretty big seas. I have owned a Mac 26X for a year now. I routinely take it 25-30 miles offshore for fun and fishing. I have been in some big waves with the boat and believe me it is not that pleasant. Water always seems to break over the bow and give a great bow wave to wash you and everything in its way down-so close that hatch! The temperature is not bad here in Florida so I don't know what you are dealing with-cold and wet makes a boat trip about as much fun as the dentist. I personally would never-ever go out in conditions like you sate with my wife and children aboard. I am sure many people have taken this boat out in worse but I don't like being the test pilot. I usually head back in when they reach 5-6' because staying below is impossible in those kind of seas. I don't think the boat would turtle on you if the ballast is properly filled. The rigging is light and fiberglass thin for those conditions. Perhaps you could find a way to stay in more protected waters.