On Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:01:24 +1200, Duncan McC (NZ)
wrote:

I think the rigging on say an F7.5 or a Noelex 25 is about right - I
think the Mac is too light (but admit I've read of few rigging
failures).

We have a bunch of them around here in SW FL. When I see them
underway they are almost always under power in protected water. The
ability to sail seems to be primarily an illusion and marketing
gimmick. Once you get out into open water here with the wind blowing
20+, we sometimes get beat up a bit even on a 49 ft, 50,000 lb
trawler. Going out in the Gulf Stream on a windy day in a lightly
ballasted 26 footer of any type would be comparable to volunteering
for the submarine service.