Safety

The MacGregor 26 has several safety features that make it a first choice for both seasoned and beginner sailors.

Solid Foam Floatation
The boat has built-in solid foam floatation to keep it afloat in the event of damage (similar to ETAP boats). The boat can literally fill with water and support a crew as shown above.

Stability
Even with the ballast tank empty, the boat can take 82 kg on the rail and remain flat in the water.

Self-Righting
When the ballast tank is filled, the 26 is completely self-righting. This means that the boat will return to an upright position after being pulled over on its side with the sails set. It takes about 136 kg at the top of the jib to lean the boat beyond 30 degrees, and 55 kg at the same place to hold it on its side with the mast parallel to the water, as shown below right.

Speed under power
Usually the weather is the master of the small sailing boat. A bad forecast can mean that you must head home days in advance - with the MacGregor you can set off much later than your slower fellow sailors and still reach the port before they do! This is always comforting to know whilst at sea.