Jonathan Ganz wrote:
Total bs.

You can call it bs if you want to. But you are totally out of it,
Johnny. I came on this board trying to get some substantive information
about the new Mac 26M from anyone who had sailed one, or anyone who had
discussed it with others who had sailed it. In response to my
inquiries, I got NOTHING of any substance. I ended up spending days on
this newsgroup trying to explain to you and your buddies that the Mac
26M did, after all, have a new hull and keel design that was, in fact,
substantively changed from the older models. All I got for my troubles
was more crap from ng participants who were getting more and more
incensed as it became more and more obvious that they really didn't know
what they were talking about, and further, that I wasn't going to let
them get away with it, and wouldn't be intimidated.

As previously discussed, I spent some time looking at various
displacement boats in the 30 - 36 ft range, and discussed them on this
ng and on cruising. At one time, I was ready to put in a deposit on the
Cal 34. After considering the many positive and negative factors
involved, and the prospects for using the boat in the future, mad the
costs entailed, I again considered the Mac 26M. Finally, after
reviewing several options and available choices, I went over each boat
with my wife. - She was adamantly opposed to getting the Cal 34 because
of some problems with its interior, and she preferred the new Mac 26M.
At that point, on March 25, I visited the Mac dealer in the area,
discussed prices and options, and placed an order. As previously noted,
I am not defending the Mac as the world's greatest sailboat, and I never
claimed it was suitable for blue water crossings. - I did say that it
had been given a bum rap on this newsgroup, and that I was going to
provide a little fresh air and balance to the discussion. (Actually, had
my wife not been so turned off, I probably would have gone ahead and bid
on the Cal, subject to the results of a survey.)

Im totally amazed that you and some of your buddies think that this is a
trolling event, that I didn't really consider boats other than the Mac,
and that I'm lying about placing an order late last month, etc. I think
that the real problem you are having is simply that I didn't turn tail
and run when you and your buddies started your flame war and didn't
obviously didn't accomplish the results you expected. - Something like
40 asa participants against one "new-guy," with some occasinal
assistance. (It's also ironic that I have posted notes to the ng since
1997, and I may actually be one of the "oldies" relative to most of
those now posting.

In any event, it's the excitement and pleasure of sailing that counts.
At least that's what I thought a few months ago.

Jim