McGregor 26 Sail to Bahamas?

[supershooter]

Hi,
My name is Tim. Has anyone sailed a McGregor 26 from Stuart to Bahamas? My brother and I are thinking about it.

[nautical62]

I've seen several McGregor 26s make it to at least West End. It wouldn't be my first choice for a small boat, but it's certainly done. If you do decide to go, choose your weather carefully.

[Pblais]

On the given day I'm sure it would not be a problem. The return trip might not be so scheduled. Extra fuel would be the idea. Paiteince with the weather would make it a nice trip.

[Jentine]

The nice thing about the McGregor is that it has a 50 hp outboard and can cruise at about 25 kt. A shorter window is necessary. From Bimini to Miami is only 35 miles. Barely enough time to get the coffee made and you will be approaching land.

[Scott730]

I saw a McGregor in the Abacos last winter, he was in the bahamas for 4 month and having a blast. So plan your trip and watch the weather, you'll have a blast. BTW there is no part of the Bahamas that is 35 mile from any part of Florida. Use up to date charts and plan accordingly.

[TaoJones]

Originally Posted by Jentine

The nice thing about the McGregor is that it has a 50 hp outboard and can cruise at about 25 kt. A shorter window is necessary. From Bimini to Miami is only 35 miles. Barely enough time to get the coffee made and you will be approaching land.

I think it is only the Mac 26X that has the 50hp kicker, Jentine. While supershooter didn't indicate that he and his brother have a 26X, perhaps they do. If so, you're right - that would dramatically shorten the time required to make the trip and enlarge the weather window they could use to get across.

TaoJones

[Zephyr's Aura]

Check out Conch Cruisers Sailing Club I've taken my MacGregor 26x to the Bahamas several times. It's not a problem. Just need to check the weather well. Me and two friends started the Conch Cruisers back in 2003. Chip Giles, Chip Hinze, and I were the first three. We took about 20 boats the first year. Most were Mac 26's


Tim

[aviationalyours]

MacGregors are just ugly... point, period.

On the other hand a 50hp outboard should make all the weather a lot easier

Have a great time

[GeoPowers]

Where I come from, it's tacky to tell another man his boat is ugly!

[TaoJones]

OK - point, counterpoint - let's get back on-topic, folks. The question is: Is it advisable to sail a MacGregor 26 from Florida to the Bahamas?

(This is where we need Ocean Girl to post her "Group hug" reminder. )

TaoJones

[GeoPowers]

Sorry, Tao- you're right.

I'd sail a Mac 26 to the Bahamas & back as long as I was able to stick to one rule- Have enough time allotted for the trip so you don't force yourself to stick to a schedule.

[s/v 'Faith']

THere is a poster 'Lynx' who posts on SailFar.net who My wife and I spent Thanksgiving with (at Grabbers). He spent a few months in the Abacos and was very happy with his Mac.

James and Lynx, at Guana Cay;

[supershooter]

Well, thanks for all the input. The boat is a 1991 Mac 26S. Only a 9.9 mtr. But we are thinking of going in a year or two. Though we haven't been sailing that long, we both grew up with boats. We've decided ASA sailing school will help (may 2010). Just curious if we could sail this one or go bare boat? hate to pay to use a boat when you have one!

[supershooter]

Oh yea, I dont care if you think the boat is ugly. It sails. And does a good job at it.

[supershooter]

Originally Posted by aviationalyours

MacGregors are just ugly... point, period.

On the other hand a 50hp outboard should make all the weather a lot easier

Have a great time

I would guess from where you are at you are in the military. Thank you if you are, been there, done that 2004-2005. We are already, (after 1 yr) looking to upgrade. But this boat we can trailer to Stuart, sail and trailer home. (at least until we relocate or win the loto).