New Owner introduction on Ghost lake Alberta

[beach]

Hi folks, don't know if this is the proper section to be posting in, but I just wanted to say hi,

I bought a 2008 Mac 26M about 6 weeks ago and have it on its trailer at ghost lake, We have had it out a few times, but today was the first "big sail" if you want to call it that, I was impressed to see all the other Macs on the water today, both and , I believe I sailed by 2 degrees out (love that boat name by the way, I read the post explaining it, haha) and I drifted by another blue hull and it seemed we were checking out each other's boat from top to bottom for comparaisons sake. haha.

Anyways, the reason for the post: If any other memebers on this board are out of ghost lake, if ever you see me out and I am doin it wrong, please don't hesitate to let me know! haha, the only other sailing I have done was on lasers when I was a teen, so handling this big boy is a new ball game.

I am still trying to learn how to set an anchor properly, I am wondering how you guys set up your furler line so it doesn't chafe against the drum housing, I am slo wondering if a 150% genoa is overkill for where we sail out of, I am on the fence wether to go grab a jib instead.

So I look forward to meeting a bunch of you guys out on the water, but I can say that a lot of you guys/girls have some nice looking boats out there. Enjoy the sailing

Cheers,


Andrew

[traderdave]

Hi Andrew

You might meet a fellow by the name of Blake on Ghost Lake - He bought my 26x this spring and he plans to sail there. I am in Chilliwack and boatless at present, but will be looking soon as I have some time to actually use a boat again. I am currently heading down for the spill in the gulf for a few weeks and this looks like it could turn into a lot more work. I will be pushing paper mainly, so not out on the water. The 150 genoa is nice if you have a lot of light winds, with it on the roller furler you can also furl it partially if it gets a little more blustery.

[Trouts Dream]

Andrew
Where did we pass on the lake. That may have been you just by the last inlet. I saw a new boat that I didn't recognize just after I took the spinnaker down.
Unfortunately I'm headed to reno for a month and then back to pick up the boat and do the San Juans and Gulf islands before August ends.
I will be back on Ghost in September and thats not a bad time to sail, less stinkpots.
Have a geat summer and look for Laurie on INDULGANCE.

[beach]

thanks for the replys, enjoy the remainder of the sailing season, and good luck with those renos.

[Russ]

Welcome to the Mac club.
You will find this site has almost every answer to your Macgregor questions and if not just ask and you will find it.

Setting your anchor won't be that difficult. First, make sure the anchor is the right type for the bottom type. Danforth style are fairly common and versatile. I just replaced mine with a claw anchor as it works better for my area.
First and foremost, don't THROW the anchor over the side and expect it to land on the bottom correctly. I see this all the time and laugh when it doesn't set. Lower it down so that the anchor can set on the bottom and the chain/rode can be payed out. Let the boat drift back and slowly tighten up the rode to set the anchor. Ideally a 7 - 1 (length to depth) is preferred. Less than 45 degree angle.

I'll trade you for your 150 for my jib.

My roller furler line passes through a block and then through eyes back to the cockpit.

Like this one.


See arrows (double click)



--Russ

[beach]

Russ,

thanks for the info, thats exactly what I was looking for, We are going to try our first overnight on the boat this weekend at anchor, but I will have to prove beyond any doubt to the admiral that the boat is secure at anchorage ! haha or else we will be sleeping on the trailer.

where would one get a good set of sailing gloves without breaking the bank any suggestions?

[Trouts Dream]

Try these guys, they are in Calgary by Heritage park.

www.sailwest.com

Tell them Greg Trout sent you...you won't get a deal, they'll just charge you more.

[Russ]

We are going to try our first overnight on the boat this weekend at anchor, but I will have to prove beyond any doubt to the admiral that the boat is secure at anchorage ! haha or else we will be sleeping on the trailer.

Yea, that's important. Check weather first. Here we get nasty T-Storms and if forecast we either don't go out or make sure we are in a well protected cove. We're hoping to go down tomorrow night and anchor out away from people. Nothing like sitting at anchor sipping an adult beverage with someone soft next to you and watching the sunset.



More anchor line is the key. The way your remove an anchor is to shorten the rode until you are directly over the anchor and it will pull out. The opposite if you want it to hold. Put out as much line as to have a short angle.

More:
http://sailing.about.com/od/learntosail ... anchor.htm

where would one get a good set of sailing gloves without breaking the bank any suggestions?

I'm cheap. I went to Wal-Mart and bought some athletic gloves used for lifting weights and such. They work and I don't have to pay the boat tax.


--Russ

[Cap'n Ahab]

Hi Andrew, we also sail out of Ghost Lake on our 2008 named Zig Zag. We are on one of the mooring balls and we try to sail most weekends at least one of the days. We are new to Ghost lake after moving up from Washington State last year. We should get some of the Mac "Ghosties" together for a sail and BBQ in September when all the power boats are gone. Hope to see you out on the water.

Doug and Liz Jackson

[beach]

Hi Andrew, we also sail out of Ghost Lake on our 2008 named Zig Zag. We are on one of the mooring balls and we try to sail most weekends at least one of the days. We are new to Ghost lake after moving up from Washington State last year. We should get some of the Mac "Ghosties" together for a sail and BBQ in September when all the power boats are gone. Hope to see you out on the water.

Doug and Liz Jackson

Doug,

Indeed I think it would be a great idea to have a sail/BBQ before the end of the season. if the weather improves at all between now and October lets set something up! Are you in or around Calgary?

[Catigale]

Russ' blocks are cool but require drilling into the top deck...you can also use small Harken blocks which are cheaper and will clip to the stanchions without need for drilling....will try to grab a pix

Keyboard : furler line block chafe