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"Jeff" wrote in message
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wrote:
Jeff wrote:
...

Of course, you can claim that they did not follow proper procedures
in this case. However, the North Atlantic has a way of testing gear
in ways not covered by the procedures.

So I should have said that it cannot capsize if the ballast tank
is full and the boat is not overloaded and it doesn't have 300 lbs
of weight attached to the top of the mast, etc, etc.

I'm sure it can also sink if you put enough weight in it.

I'm not a big fan of MacGregor but I'm still waiting for somebody
to tell me why this boat wouldn't be as safe as larger sailboats
when proper procedures are followed.

Just to be clear ... you're talking about safe for a trans-Atlantic?

I'm sure others will have something to say, but for starters, the basic
parameters of the boat are not favorable - what little speed it has is
dependent on staying light, but it looses this with the gear/fuel/water
etc. that would have to be carried. But this is not insurmountable. A
bigger problem is that the basic design is not very seaworthy. It has
extremely high freeboard and thus windage. A hull shape that provides
little stability. And then there's construction issues - very light
rigging which, with the deck stepped mast, pretty much guarantees the rig
will be lost in rollover, and probably in a knockdown. And the rudder
assembly is not noted for strength. And then there's the issue of whether
the hull itself is strong enough to handle the severe pounding of a
serious storm.

The Mac is very attractive to some as a fla****er sailing, and hence is
one of the most successful designs ever. But I think you can find better
choices for a trans-Atlantic.

Here, Here. You have only to look at how easily the minor mouldings and
hinges stress crack on 'dry land' to make an informed judgement about blue
water ability. It will literally fall apart!

Capt Pete

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