MacGregor 26 Seaworthy

[NellB]

I have been reading all the comments on the site as we are hoping to be in the position to buy a Mac26 next season. We have researched a lot about the boat and are obviously interested in the comments posted on this site. However despite extensive research I am unable to find any reports on the capsize in the Bristol Channel. What I was able to find out that was there have been many capsizes in the Bristol Channel due to large swells and exposed areas. I have read many of the reports of the capsize in the States and it seems to be that it was all very suspicious. The sailor was above the legal driving alcohol limit, there were passengers on the foredeck on an unballasted boat and the boat was also tied to another when it moved off, indicating that the roll a few minutes later may possibly have been related to that? I have no wish to make a terible situation even worse but surely this type of accident happening to a car driver would not result in the car being blamed but justifyably be attributed to the user. We are still considering the purchase of this unique boat which will surely satisfy our wish to sail and the kids wish to powerboat. Incidentally if you are the owners of The Mac26 at Hayling Yacht Co or the 2 at Sparkes Marina we would be grateful if you can let us know how you got on (especially the Hayling Yacht Co as that is where we are thinking of mooring).

 

[Guest]

Nell B

Did you see the test in Sailing Today (October 2002) ?

One of the capsizes involved a boat that was overloaded , but with no ballast. The other had a partly filled ballast tank. (partly filled is worse than none at all due to sloshing to one side)

Lets be honest. 95% of us enjoy ( and only have time) to enjoy coastal cruising forewarned with weather forecasts. 800 of these boats roll off the production line EACH YEAR. Any problems are bound to be magnified due to sheer numbers.

It is a bit on the controversial side, but it seems to suit family boating very well indeed.

If you don't have the article send me a private message and I will scan it and send it.

 

[paulrossall]

I would definately having a trail sail and then a run out under power before you buy the boat, particularly if this is your first big sailing boat purchase. Then make up your own mind and get on and enjoy whatever you buy. We are all different and you have to make your own decision. Good Luck.

 

[graham]

The Mc 26 which capsized near Flatholm was called"Enigma"

I was afloat about 3 miles away when it occured so dont have first hand knowledge. I understand after speaking to the coxswain of the Flatholm ferry who pulled some of the crew out of the water,that they were motoring at the time of the capsize .Dont know if ballasted or not.

There were 5 people aboard which would not overload the boat but if they were all thrown to one side in a broach for example,their combined weight and inertia would have contributed to the problem.This is pure speculation on my part.

Boats do get rolled over in extreme conditions but the fact is that properly designed monohull cruising boats can cope with a knockdown self right themselves and carry on .(The conditions on this particular day were fresh but far from extreme.Dozens of small yachts were cruising and racing without problems)

I think your comments about the Bristol Channel were a bit harsh .It is an area to be treated with respect but to say that many boats capsize here is wrong.The last capsize of a cruising boat I can remember several years back was a well known and seaworthy 21 foot design but it turned out to have had most of the ballast removed from the moulded in bilge keels.

Personally I wouldnt have a McG but in capable hands Im sure they are a good compromise for some people.