Pulling the trigger!!! :D

[Timmay]

Well, I posted up here a couple weeks ago to get your opinions and information was greated very warmly. http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... 1&start=15
As of Monday, I will be the proud owner of an 07 26m. I have been really searching the last couple weeks and think I found one that is affordable with the most of the items I am looking for. The only things it didn't have that I was looking for are the stove, a grill, and I really want the stern rail seats. Many of you have probably seen it, its Bella Luna. http://www.usold.com/boats/2007-Macgregor-26M-2.html I have the check in hand, spoke with Matt and I am going down to NC on Monday. We are going to meet at a lake to take the boat out so he can show me how to rig it and a little sailing/motoring. Monday night, she should be sitting in my yard.
I checked on Insurance and BoatUS is extremely reasonable so everything is a go!!!
Please post up if you are in the NOVA area, I would love to meet some more MacGregor owners around here. Take care!


Timmay!!!

[Sea Dreamer]

Hi! There are several of us in the general DC area - both VA and MD. We're out in Ashburn, with our boat in at marine in Mayo, MD. Takes us about hour and a half to 2 hrs, but is so worth it once we're out on the Chesapeake. The marina we're at - Casa Rio - is home to what could be a whole flotilla of Mac's if we all were to go out at the same time.

We haven't sailed in the Potomac yet - not too confident that the trailer would make the trip right now. However we're always looking for folks to join us out in the bay.

[rfrye94760]

Sweet boat! I saw it listed and thought somebody's going to end up with a nice boat. Congratulations! I'm waiting on delivery of my sometime early Sept. Man that's going to be the longest three weeks ever.

[Timmay]

Thanks guys!
rfrye,
I know your feeling. I wanted to go down on Sat to pick it up but the other half would have killed me as she is just getting back from a 3 week trip.
Sea Dreamer,
I went up to Mayo the other week to look at the 26m up there next to Casa Rio. Its about an hour away from me. I looked at a bunch of Xs that were sitting up there. The M up there didn't quite have the motor I wanted so I was gonna have Pat quote me on a 60 or 90 installed but never heard back from him.
I am off next week so I am going to take a thorough look at the boat and make sure I am comfortable with it and if so, head out on the Potomac next weekend. I think that should be a pretty easy place to start off. I am sure I will be posting up here asking questions all week.
I would definately love to meet you all and take the boat on the bay. The question is, do I want to sail down the Potomac, drive up to Mayo or find somewhere near Shady Side? These are questions I can definately live with.
Timmay!!!

[pokerrick1]

Congratulations This will be a really nice boat once you get all that blue stuff OFF the hull

Rick less in Las Vegas

[Rick Westlake]

Thanks guys!
I went up to Mayo the other week to look at the 26m up there next to Casa Rio. Its about an hour away from me. I looked at a bunch of Xs that were sitting up there. The M up there didn't quite have the motor I wanted so I was gonna have Pat quote me on a 60 or 90 installed but never heard back from him.
I am off next week so I am going to take a thorough look at the boat and make sure I am comfortable with it and if so, head out on the Potomac next weekend. I think that should be a pretty easy place to start off. I am sure I will be posting up here asking questions all week.
I would definately love to meet you all and take the boat on the bay. The question is, do I want to sail down the Potomac, drive up to Mayo or find somewhere near Shady Side? These are questions I can definately live with.
Timmay!!!

Congratulations on a lovely new M! I'm confident that you'll love it.

The Potomac will be a very good place for your first voyages. There are several boat ramps that you can use to launch and recover; I've only used Gravelly Point once (last Palm Sunday and it was a zoo) but it's practical for the first time out or so. The park down on Mason Neck (I forget its name) has a good-looking ramp as well, though I never used it (having my boat at Fort Belvoir Marina, taking shameless advantage of their Morale Welfare & Recreation services as a civilian gov'ie stationed on-post). I had a lot of fun, and I learned a lot, sailing the Potomac in that area ... but the winds are fluky and often are very light.

Mayo, incidentally, is very close to Shadyside and Galesville. They're off the south shore of the West River; we're on Cadle Creek, a tributary of the Rhode River that flows into the West River from the north. It's a pleasant sail from Casa Rio Marina to Galesville and the Pirate's Cove - which is a pretty good seafood house with its own marina (but no boat ramp).

I'd suggest that the Potomac would be fine for now, especially if you're planning to keep the boat mast-down at home. You'll have plenty to do, getting used to sailing and owning your lovely new Mac.

Enjoy!
Rick

[Timmay]

Congratulations This will be a really nice boat once you get all that blue stuff OFF the hull

Rick less in Las Vegas

I don't think that will be a problem. I hear its water soluable and comes off with soap and water.

Rick W,
I really appreciate your advice and input on everything helping me in my decision. We definately will have to meet. I live about 2 miles from Belle Haven Marina and will probably put in there. Its a smaller slip but looks like it is pretty sheltered from the wind. I drove there last week and didn't see any Macs. Once I get out I am going to power around and get a feeling for the boat. After I am comfortable, I will raise the sails. I am going to try and stay south of the Woodrow Wilson to avoid boat trafic till I feel comfortable but more than likely, a trip up towards DC might happen.
Wow, I am so giddy about getting the boat now. It's going to feel so good getting out on the water.

Any more advice on things I should check on the boat would be greatly appreciated. Things I should do when I have the boat in my yard. Thanks everyone! Timmay!!!

[Bumpcity]

Hey Timmay,

Congrats on the new boat! If you need a crew member that is familiar with the M, let me know... I am currently in Quantico, Virginia and have not been on my boat all summer (in California!) I would love to help you get started with the set up etc. I have had mine for about three years and have all of the sailing certificates from ASA. I am also our local Commander for the United States Power Squadron in the North bay. I do not know how far you are from where I am...but I would love to sail with you and get to know the East Coast rivers and area. Let me know if you would like some company.

Congrats once again...you're gonna love your new boat.

Lorenzo

[Timmay]

Hi Lorenzo,
I will probably take you up on that offer. I am about 30 minutes north of Quanitco. Are you stationed down there? Are you in the Marines? I am a former Marine, was in from 93-97. Stationed mainly in Lejeune then went over to Iwakuni. I used to live in Triangle so I know Quantico and Qtown very well. Maybe sometime next week you could stop by and take a look at the boat with me. I take it you are working during the week? If not, we could definitely take the boat out for a day. I took the whole week off so let me know.

Timmay!!!

[Bumpcity]

Hey Timmay,

I am at Quantico, however I have been out of the Marine Corps since 86! I was at Lejeune also for about three year and then went over to Pendleton for three. I have to tell you it is good to be back on a Marine Base, at least for a while...haha...I guess I am showing my age...any way, I am doing some training on the base for about 5 weeks and will be in town for awhile. Unfortunately I cannot get the week days off or I would jump on your offer...I do have some time this coming weekend if you are interested. Saturday or Sunday...maybe you can email me your cell and we can discuss our options. This will be awesome...I am dying to get on the water!!

Thanks in advance! Semper Fi...

Lorenzo

[Timmay]

Hey Lorenzo,
PM me and I will call you. This weekend would not be good but next weekend might work. Tim