How many Mac sailors would like to race?

Schock Therapy · Post by **Schock Therapy** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 9:44 pm

How many of you do race, have raced or would like to try racing? There are thousands of macs out there, but I've never seen one race. Is it because Mac owners just aren't interested? Do you organize races at your rendezvous? Are there people out there that would like to but just don't know where to start?

I'm just curious!

mike · Post by **mike** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 10:29 pm

I am genuinely interested in racing, though I probably wouldn't want to race my 26x against traditional sailboats (I realize it doesn't sail upwind very well).

I've had several great conversations with a slip neighbor who races, and at one point he asked if he could call me if he ever has a crew spot open. I told him I'd love to crew on his boat for a race, but that I have very little experience sailing, and none racing. No problem, he said, laughing... I'd mostly just be "rail meat," serving as movable ballast where needed. Though obviously this minor role is not exactly glamorous, I think I'd learn much from the experience, and am anxiously awaiting the call.

--Mike

Schock Therapy · Post by **Schock Therapy** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 11:12 pm

There's nothing wrong with being rail meat! That is a great way to start out. You get to just take it all in, and once you get comfortable, there are many ways to help out. The most valuable crew member is the reliable one. I guarantee you, if you show up consistently, and are keen, you will get yourself a position. In the meantime, you can learn alot by talking to the guys sitting next to you on the rail.

I agree that the Mac should probably race one-design. It is far more relevant to know how your boat stacks up against others of the same model, rather than how they stack up against pure sailboats. It doesn't look like the Mac would do well in PHRF.

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 12:17 am

Good question, ST. I voted "only in a fleet." Maybe you noticed (elsewhere) my comment about a Toyota Echo .... "why bother" was a defeatist comment. Naturally, the reason is to learn, to hone the boat, hone some skills. FM has trumpeted the idea of racing for four years now. He thinks that "very soon" there will be enough boats to support an OD fleet. Of course, five thousand boats are clearly ample to support fleets across this continent.

But to draw on an overworked analogy, it's easy to imagine club racing among Camaros, Mustangs and Corvettes. In fact, I believe there were once "Corvair" autocross clubs, kinda one-design. Yet, even with their vast installed-base, why wouldn't we see a class for autocrossing a Tercel?... maybe because it don't look sporty, it can't act sporty, owners won't think sporty?

I know, the analogy is flawed. Tripp Gal has even offered to help organize a fleet in Puget Sound. If I lived up there, I'd probably ask her to sail with me for an afternoon, just to test the boundary parameters.

Rich Smith · Post by **Rich Smith** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 5:06 am

I do race (crew) occasionally and enjoy it a lot but not in my Mac...My Mac is for nice, relaxing outings by myself or with my wife. Maybe in a perfect world we would all own a Mac and a J24 but frankly, I get more use out of my Mac than I would a racing boat.

Tripp Gal · Post by **Tripp Gal** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 7:49 am

Frank C,

I actually get to SF area quite often. Matter of fact my husband is down in San Jose this week! He's over at the Cisco labs doing some testing right now.

If you email me I can give you hubby's cell and see if he as time this week to go play for a bit!

His CV is pretty normal. Excellent sail trimmer, brilliant tactician (just don't ask him about last weekends group tactical vote you will make him cry)

420's, Flying Scots, Olson 30's, Santana 30/30's, Hunter 34, Capri 30's, etc.

dclark · Post by **dclark** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 7:50 am

I voted for not really, but after reading the posts, I think I'd change it to "interested but not in my Mac" if there had been a selection.

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 9:05 am

Racing can be a blast. How many of you can tell me you haven't trimmed in your sails when another sailboat is in the vicinity? I think that it would only improve your sailing abilities and techniques. I am all for it as long as its with just your type of mac(s,d,x,m). Anyone interested in the upstate ny area??

sailpsych · Post by **sailpsych** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 9:33 am

What happened to the poll? Can I still put my two cents worth in?

I'd enjoy the opportunity to race against other Macs or even other boats using PHRF. Believe me after racing my Sunfish against JY15's and Lasers, I don't believe I could be embarassed by physically finishing last...again. I picked up a lot of points by being one of two boats out racing sometimes.

I've seen about 6 other 26x's and M's here in the Landing where I keep my boat. It would be quite a sight to see a flotilla of half a dozen 26x's or M's coming at you.

Safe sailing,

Bruce

sailpsych · Post by **sailpsych** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 9:35 am

My two cents went in. I guess I had to be logged on to access it. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

BG

Mark Prouty · Post by **Mark Prouty** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 9:59 am

I've raced M20's a few times - great fun!

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 11:04 am

Tripp Gal wrote: . . . CV is pretty normal. Excellent sail trimmer, brilliant tactician (just don't ask him about last weekends group tactical vote you will make him cry) 420's, Flying Scots, Olson 30's, Santana 30/30's, Hunter 34, Capri 30's, etc.

Tripp Gal,
Great idea - can't right now, but check your private messages. BTW, very polite of you to post a CV, but not really pre-requisite for a ride on this Mac.

I'm sure either of you can quickly assess her operating parameters - besides, fun on the Bay is guaranteed! (We saw some kickin' air last week @ 30+ knots - no, I wasn't out there.)

Zoran · Post by **Zoran** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 4:59 pm

Mac Gregor Yaht Club Of British Columbia http://www.mycbc.ca organize annual race and there are the categories for the same course, clasics and X. This year there was even one M but no wind at all and second race was not completed. It is always organized in May and gathering is in Blaine, just on the Canada - US border (West Coast)
Zoran

mike · Post by **mike** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 8:19 pm

Schock Therapy wrote:There's nothing wrong with being rail meat! That is a great way to start out. You get to just take it all in, and once you get comfortable, there are many ways to help out.

Hey, I've got absolutely no problem with being rail meat! It will certainly be a great way to start learning, and I know I'll enjoy it regardless.

--Mike

Richard Philbrook · Post by **Richard Philbrook** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 8:36 pm

If I could vote twice, I would indicate interest in learning to race(as to improve my overall sailing), and to race against other Macs.

Phil (M #22 S.F. bay)

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

How many Mac sailors would like to race?

Are you interested in racing your boat?

How many Mac sailors would like to race?

I think racing a mac is fine