Hi,
I just recently purchased a Macgregor 26M and the previous owner has rigged it completely for sailing. My question being as I am completely new to sailing is it safe to raise the mast and main sail/jib sail while the boat is on the trailer in the driveway? I would like to figure out which line pull does what while in the safety of land and hopefully understand it. My main concern is a gust of wind hitting the sail and toppling the boat over, not sure if it is a stupid question but rather ask people with experience then try it myself.
Thanks.
new owner
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Jimmyt
- Admiral
- Posts: 3402
- Joined: Sat Jul 18, 2015 9:52 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Mobile AL 2013 26M, 60 Etec
Re: new owner
Welcome to the forum! Glad to have you participating.
Yes, it is fine to raise the mast and hoist the sails in your driveway. BUT, ONLY IF THERE IS LITTLE, TO NO, WIND. I wouldn't do it if you have gusty winds. It might not knock the boat off the trailer, but there are a lot of forces at play, and you can't turn the bow to the wind very easily to manage the sails when you're on the trailer.
The best place to raise the mast is on the trailer (when you start sailing). You can raise it and lower it on the water, but it's easier and safer on the trailer. An added bonus is, you can pick up the bits and bobs you drop if you're on the trailer. Not so much when you hand them to Neptune.
Welcome! And we want to see pics!
Yes, it is fine to raise the mast and hoist the sails in your driveway. BUT, ONLY IF THERE IS LITTLE, TO NO, WIND. I wouldn't do it if you have gusty winds. It might not knock the boat off the trailer, but there are a lot of forces at play, and you can't turn the bow to the wind very easily to manage the sails when you're on the trailer.
The best place to raise the mast is on the trailer (when you start sailing). You can raise it and lower it on the water, but it's easier and safer on the trailer. An added bonus is, you can pick up the bits and bobs you drop if you're on the trailer. Not so much when you hand them to Neptune.
Welcome! And we want to see pics!
Jimmyt
P-Cub-Boo
2013 26M, Etec 60, roller Genoa, roller main
Cruising Waters: Mobile Bay, Western Shore, Fowl River
P-Cub-Boo
2013 26M, Etec 60, roller Genoa, roller main
Cruising Waters: Mobile Bay, Western Shore, Fowl River
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Jimmyt
- Admiral
- Posts: 3402
- Joined: Sat Jul 18, 2015 9:52 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Mobile AL 2013 26M, 60 Etec
Re: new owner
By the way, there is no stupid question (except the one you don't ask).
Here's one of mine sailing in the driveway...
I was debugging a main sail issue, actually.
Here's one of mine sailing in the driveway...
I was debugging a main sail issue, actually.
Jimmyt
P-Cub-Boo
2013 26M, Etec 60, roller Genoa, roller main
Cruising Waters: Mobile Bay, Western Shore, Fowl River
P-Cub-Boo
2013 26M, Etec 60, roller Genoa, roller main
Cruising Waters: Mobile Bay, Western Shore, Fowl River
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Russ
- Admiral
- Posts: 8305
- Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:01 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Bozeman, Montana "Luna Azul" 2008 M 70hp Suzi
Re: new owner
Welcome to the forum!
No bad questions.
What Jimmy said. As long as the wind isn't crazy or gusty, it's fine. Best way to learn and test things.
The main section of this website has a page called Resources.
Here https://www.macgregorsailors.com/resources.html
You can download manuals and other useful info.
No bad questions.
What Jimmy said. As long as the wind isn't crazy or gusty, it's fine. Best way to learn and test things.
The main section of this website has a page called Resources.
Here https://www.macgregorsailors.com/resources.html
You can download manuals and other useful info.
--Russ
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NiceAft
- Admiral
- Posts: 6706
- Joined: Tue Feb 01, 2005 7:28 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Upper Dublin,PA, USA: 2005M 50hp.Honda4strk.,1979 Phantom Sport Sailboat, 9'Achilles 6HP Merc 4strk
Re: new owner
Also, welcome to the site.
I agree with everything above EXCEPT raising the sail AT THIS TIME. Get a better understanding of letting the boom run free.
If there is a Coast Guard Auxiliary nearby, see if they have a Sailing and Seamanship class. There’s more to sailing than sails.
Also, if the previous owner did not run a strap around the boat (at the stern) and trailer to secure the boat while trailering, do it.
Again, welcome. We look forward to reading of your adventures, faux pas’s, and victories.
P.S.HAPPY CANADA
DAY
I agree with everything above EXCEPT raising the sail AT THIS TIME. Get a better understanding of letting the boom run free.
If there is a Coast Guard Auxiliary nearby, see if they have a Sailing and Seamanship class. There’s more to sailing than sails.
Also, if the previous owner did not run a strap around the boat (at the stern) and trailer to secure the boat while trailering, do it.
Again, welcome. We look forward to reading of your adventures, faux pas’s, and victories.
P.S.HAPPY CANADA
DAYRay ~~_/)~~
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pitchpolehobie
- Captain
- Posts: 592
- Joined: Wed Dec 18, 2019 8:46 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: USA, OH
Re: new owner
Congrats on the new boat
Id recommend a few "must reads" sailing for dummies.its only 5 bucks. Id read it before you do anything on the water.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/274332163606
In the resources section id make sure you read your boats howto manual before you do anything w the boat.
Be careful w the mastup and hitting any wires. Itll fry you.
Id recommend a few "must reads" sailing for dummies.its only 5 bucks. Id read it before you do anything on the water.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/274332163606
In the resources section id make sure you read your boats howto manual before you do anything w the boat.
Be careful w the mastup and hitting any wires. Itll fry you.
2002 MacGregor 26X: Remedium
Tohatsu 25HP
Cruising Area: Inland Ohio, Lake Erie
Tohatsu 25HP
Cruising Area: Inland Ohio, Lake Erie
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kingtoros
- Chief Steward
- Posts: 82
- Joined: Tue Jul 13, 2021 4:47 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
Re: new owner
Congratulations and welcome to the forum! There used to be this rule about the last one in buys a pizza but I have yet to see any slices appear....
All the advice so far is spot on. Except the securing the cargo to the trailer one... jury's still out on that for me, don't like the rub marks on the gelcoat
My driveway is really short, and I have to back in... But I have many times gone to vacant parking lots nearby. You need to have 20-30 feet clearance behind the boat and make sure that shady spot you picked isn't because of the trees or powerlines overhead.
Remember, 30 feet behind you then straight up must be 100% clear.
I agree with taking things slow and not raising the main, but you will have to eventually. There must be NO wind on the forecast. If you don't keep the mainsheet (look it up ) tight though, it won't blow over. Maybe knock someone off the boat, or learn why it's called a boom (both also bad).
Don't be afraid to try, it's how we learn
All the advice so far is spot on. Except the securing the cargo to the trailer one... jury's still out on that for me, don't like the rub marks on the gelcoat
My driveway is really short, and I have to back in... But I have many times gone to vacant parking lots nearby. You need to have 20-30 feet clearance behind the boat and make sure that shady spot you picked isn't because of the trees or powerlines overhead.
Remember, 30 feet behind you then straight up must be 100% clear.
I agree with taking things slow and not raising the main, but you will have to eventually. There must be NO wind on the forecast. If you don't keep the mainsheet (look it up
) tight though, it won't blow over. Maybe knock someone off the boat, or learn why it's called a boom (both also bad).Don't be afraid to try, it's how we learn
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dlandersson
- Admiral
- Posts: 4938
- Joined: Fri Aug 27, 2010 10:00 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Michigan City
Re: new owner
Yes, it's safe. Be aware of power lines.
If you modify your profile to include Mac model and location, it makes it easier to volunteer.
If you modify your profile to include Mac model and location, it makes it easier to volunteer.
Mannyc wrote: ↑Sat Jul 01, 2023 1:34 pm Hi,
I just recently purchased a Macgregor 26M and the previous owner has rigged it completely for sailing. My question being as I am completely new to sailing is it safe to raise the mast and main sail/jib sail while the boat is on the trailer in the driveway? I would like to figure out which line pull does what while in the safety of land and hopefully understand it. My main concern is a gust of wind hitting the sail and toppling the boat over, not sure if it is a stupid question but rather ask people with experience then try it myself.
Thanks.