stability of macgregor 26x under sail

[gordon hines]

I would like to know how stable the macgregor 26x is in winds of between 20 and 30 miles. Should a person be out in those winds? Also I would like to know if it can handle 6 to 8ft. waves as I do most of my sailing on the Bras D'Or Lakes which is like an inland sea and also I sail in the coastal Atlantic Region .I am thinking about purchasing a new macgregor 26x and certainly would like to know if it can handle the coastal conditions that prevail here. Please just 26x owners reply. Hope you can be of some help. I would really appreciate it. Gordon Hines

 

[Tom]

26X in Heavy winds

We just purchased a new 26X and sailed it on the Chesapeake Bay last weekend in 20-25 mph winds and about 3-4 foot seas. It was stable enough for us to eat a sandwich as we sailed at about 9 mph. The guy we bought the boat from sailed it in identical winds with no water ballast and was not knocked down until 25 mph (he was actually doing that on purpose). While the boat did not self right without water, it was easily manhandled upright. Bottom line is it can easily handle the winds you describe but 8 foot waves sounds a bit much.

 

[Bert]

SF Bay

Consistenly sail it on SF Bay with 15-30 kn breezes. Upwind always reef the main and use working jib, not genoa, and never have a problem. I would never consider sailing it without the h2o ballast full in those conditions.