MacGregorSailors.com

Hi,

I just recently purchased a Macgregor 26M and the previous owner has rigged it completely for sailing. My question being as I am completely new to sailing is it safe to raise the mast and main sail/jib sail while the boat is on the trailer in the driveway? I would like to figure out which line pull does what while in the safety of land and hopefully understand it. My main concern is a gust of wind hitting the sail and toppling the boat over, not sure if it is a stupid question but rather ask people with experience then try it myself.

Thanks.

Welcome to the forum! Glad to have you participating.

Yes, it is fine to raise the mast and hoist the sails in your driveway. BUT, ONLY IF THERE IS LITTLE, TO NO, WIND. I wouldn't do it if you have gusty winds. It might not knock the boat off the trailer, but there are a lot of forces at play, and you can't turn the bow to the wind very easily to manage the sails when you're on the trailer.

The best place to raise the mast is on the trailer (when you start sailing). You can raise it and lower it on the water, but it's easier and safer on the trailer. An added bonus is, you can pick up the bits and bobs you drop if you're on the trailer. Not so much when you hand them to Neptune.

Welcome! And we want to see pics!

By the way, there is no stupid question (except the one you don't ask).

Here's one of mine sailing in the driveway...


I was debugging a main sail issue, actually.

Welcome to the forum!

No bad questions.

What Jimmy said. As long as the wind isn't crazy or gusty, it's fine. Best way to learn and test things.

The main section of this website has a page called Resources.
Here https://www.macgregorsailors.com/resources.html

You can download manuals and other useful info.

Also, welcome to the site.

I agree with everything above EXCEPT raising the sail AT THIS TIME. Get a better understanding of letting the boom run free.

If there is a Coast Guard Auxiliary nearby, see if they have a Sailing and Seamanship class. There’s more to sailing than sails.

Also, if the previous owner did not run a strap around the boat (at the stern) and trailer to secure the boat while trailering, do it.

Again, welcome. We look forward to reading of your adventures, faux pas’s, and victories.

P.S.HAPPY CANADA DAY

Congrats on the new boat

Id recommend a few "must reads" sailing for dummies.its only 5 bucks. Id read it before you do anything on the water.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/274332163606

In the resources section id make sure you read your boats howto manual before you do anything w the boat.


Be careful w the mastup and hitting any wires. Itll fry you.

Congratulations and welcome to the forum! There used to be this rule about the last one in buys a pizza but I have yet to see any slices appear....

All the advice so far is spot on. Except the securing the cargo to the trailer one... jury's still out on that for me, don't like the rub marks on the gelcoat

My driveway is really short, and I have to back in... But I have many times gone to vacant parking lots nearby. You need to have 20-30 feet clearance behind the boat and make sure that shady spot you picked isn't because of the trees or powerlines overhead.

Remember, 30 feet behind you then straight up must be 100% clear.

I agree with taking things slow and not raising the main, but you will have to eventually. There must be NO wind on the forecast. If you don't keep the mainsheet (look it up ) tight though, it won't blow over. Maybe knock someone off the boat, or learn why it's called a boom (both also bad).

Don't be afraid to try, it's how we learn

Yes, it's safe. Be aware of power lines.

If you modify your profile to include Mac model and location, it makes it easier to volunteer.

Mannyc wrote: ↑Sat Jul 01, 2023 1:34 pm Hi,

I just recently purchased a Macgregor 26M and the previous owner has rigged it completely for sailing. My question being as I am completely new to sailing is it safe to raise the mast and main sail/jib sail while the boat is on the trailer in the driveway? I would like to figure out which line pull does what while in the safety of land and hopefully understand it. My main concern is a gust of wind hitting the sail and toppling the boat over, not sure if it is a stupid question but rather ask people with experience then try it myself.

Thanks.