M
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.