Tuning rig on 26

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Marc Dore

We have a 1986 MacGregor 26. The rig needs to be tuned. Can anyone send out step-by-step instructions?
 
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Dan McGuire

Cruising World

There have been several requests for information on tuning rigging. It is a little far back, but the Feb 2000 Cruising World Magazine has an article on tuning rigging. It is not specifically for a Mac 26, but I used it on my Venture 23 with a few modifications. My effort was probably not completely professional, but it is adequate for my sailing.
 
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MArk

Tune up

Marc, Two more sources of tuning information. First, your 26D manual. The instructions for intial rig setup included standard adjustments. If you don't have a manual, there is one posted on Bob's site: http://www.macgregor-boats.com/ The other is on sailboatowners.com's sister site, trailersailor.com (related link below) The article is based on tuning a 26X but the 26D isn't that much different. Learn what you can then use your own good judgement (B.S. filter) and experience. Happy sails *_/), MArk
 
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Dan McGuire

Question about Trailer Sailor Link

The link which MArk referenced is a good reference. I have a comment and a question. Quoting the link, “In addition, a loose rig will allow the mast to tip off leeward increasing the wind force downward (think about it for a moment, it will make sense) and therefore increasing heel.” I thought about it and I still don’t understand how the wind force can increase because the mast is sagging to leeward. I understand that a loose rig is not good for other reasons such as shock loads which is a sufficient reason for not having a slack rig. I have a cutter rigged Venture Newport 23 with two forestays. Since I have two forestays pulling against the shrouds, I cannot tighten the forestays without over tightening the shrouds. That appears to affect my pointing ability, since the forestays and foresails are being pushed sideways. There does not appear to be a way to overcome this. Ideas?
 
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MArk

Downward force

Dan, You are right. The passage "increasing the wind force downward" is misleading. Of course, the overall force with the mast leaning to lee will be less. The downward heeling force will be more but the horizontal heeling force will be less along with the forward driving force. (Think vectors.) Since the 26s are very tender in the first few degrees of heel, having the mast leaning downwind could only make the sail efficency worse. Sail setting article on related link. Happy sails *_/), MArk
 
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Dan McGuire

"Good Link"

MArk. There is a whole textbook buried in that link. It is interesting, but more than my had can stand in one sitting. I will save the link to study it more later. Thanks Dan.
 
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