return to Overview

Better sailing performance and speed have been gained in the new MacGregor 26M from the rotating mast and reinforced daggerboard design which increases wind capture and reduces drag. With the rotating mast the boat heels less.

The mast is two feet taller than the previous model providing an increase for the mainsail area. It is also substantially larger in diameter.

A mainsheet traveler is tucked neatly up against the cabin and does not interfere with entry into the cabin or cockpit space.

With the installation of the traveler there is better control of the shape of the mainsail and less clutter on the pedestal.

With the traveler, the mainsheet does not hang across the crew area when the mainsail is let out.

The rudders are larger with a more elliptical tip for improved handling.   The combined rudder and hull shapes result in a decreased tendency for the boat to round up into the wind when heeled far over and also a reduced likelihood for the upwind rudder to be raised out of the water when the boat heels.

The softer corners of the transom create less turbulence and wake at typical angles of heel.

The Daggerboard requires a smaller opening in the hull and resulting in less resistance and thereby improving speed.  

With the daggerboard only partially down the fore and aft centre of pressure does not change and the boat continues to balance well.