Macwester 26

[pessimist]

We too had a 26. We started with a Lysander and when SWMO saw the interior of the the Macwester she was sold. We knocked about all over the East Coast with two young children and two dogs. Much fun was had by all. Would even sail to windward - so long as you discounted the leeway I wouldn't go back to one but I don't regret owning one.

 

[Supertramp]

We too had a 26. We started with a Lysander and when SWMO saw the interior of the the Macwester she was sold. We knocked about all over the East Coast with two young children and two dogs. Much fun was had by all. Would even sail to windward - so long as you discounted the leeway I wouldn't go back to one but I don't regret owning one.

I think you make a good point. It's partly how a boat compares to others, but really it's the match between a boat and how and where you sail. A Macwester is a good East Coast boat, and a confidence inspiring platform. And they seem to last forever. My boat would be literally out of its depth in many East Coast harbours.

Perhaps a new thread on the best boat for different UK areas.

 

[Wansworth]

As goes the saying ”gentlemen don’t go to windward” really puts the mac26 amongst the classy yachts.Havingbeensold this ridiculous idea that going to windward was the holy grail of yachting over the years by poncey yachting commentators the reality is the Macwester once the poor cousin has it all?

 

[Stemar]

Much fun was had by all. Would even sail to windward - so long as you discounted the leeway

A worthy rival for for the Snapdragons. I described mine as a tough little motorsailer, and she was. 30+ knots off St Alban's Head wasn't pleasant, but I never felt like she couldn't cope.