Sailing a Macgregor 26

[John Kretschmer]

I have been looking into buying a trailer-sailer like the MacGregor 26. Is it possible to sail between Miami and the Bahamas in such a boat, which is water-ballasted and not known for its sailing capabilities? Is another option to simply motor across the 57 miles and not use the sail until I can cruise along the coast?

John M.

John Kretschmer responds:

John,

The larger question is: Why do you want a water-ballasted boat? Is performance critical to your sailing plans? If it is, then I can understand your fascination with the MacGregor. It would not be my first choice for a small cruiser, but I recognize its advantages and it is overall a better-built boat than most people think. You also ask if you should just pick a day to motor across the Straits of Florida, instead of waiting for a good sailing. Well, to be sure many "sailors" do just that, all the time; however, I think it is a lot more fun and ultimately less stressful to wait for fair winds and sail.

John