Capt. JG wrote:
Well, I've seen them out on the bay, and they sure don't look like they're
being "conservative" in the conditions. Several times we've sailed by,
watching what appeared to be inexperienced people desperately coping with an
environment beyond their or their boat. I've also seen some docking
maneuvers that frankly scared me. I'm not saying I've only observed the
latter with Macs, but I have observed a higher percentage with Macs.


It's probably true that many Mac owners aren't as experienced as owners
of larger boats, since more Macs are sold as first boats than Sabres,
Valiants, Packets, etc. - This may account for what you were seeing.
It's also true that, because of their high freeboard and lack of a
weighted keel, the skipper has to be a little more careful when bringing
them into a slip or dock during windy conditions. On the other hand, I
don't think you will see a large percentage of them venturing out
venturing out on blue water in heavy weather conditions.

Jim