See the struggles of a man learning to sail on his MacGregor 26M "Valhalla". Witness the despair of failure, the joy of success and the warm love between a man and his boat.
My neighbor is a keelboat snob and whenever I bring up McGregor's he goes off. I saw one at a boat show 20 years ago and fell in love with the whole concept... Of course I also have a dual sport motorcycle too. Be good!
Same with me Norm. I looked into sailing a few years ago and have just fallen in love with the idea of daggerboard/swing keels. I love the idea of it, and it is really turning into a nice little boat to learn on!
I had a chuckle at this one Norm. I rode Goldwings (in my 40s) and sport bikes before that. I didn't care what anybody else rode- just that they DID! Good for you. Made me think of something else- I won't ask anyone else to agree with my choice of bike, boat or wife. They won't get to ride any of them anyway.
I just bought a used '98 26x at an auction, only saw pics of it, no description. Usually I don't buy at auction unless I can lay hands and eyes on the item, I broke my own rule this time. I will get it home in about a week and find out if I bought a pig in a poke or a diamond in the rough. I too want to learn to sail, but have no one to teach me so I have been watching videos trying to get the basics in my head. I have owned many power boats over the years, but never a sailboat. I'm a little bit overwhelmed by the whole prospect, but seeing your video gives me hope!
Very Good! Love the dialog! Owned 3 Macs so far, a 1973 Venture 224, a 1976 Venture 25, and a 2001 Mac 26X, from new. Wouldn't trade this journey for anything. Folks hate 'em but what's just not to LOVE about any boat. I actually own 23 boats (All smaller than my Mac) and she is still the Star of my Fleet. I am a Bonafide "Boat a Haulic" these days as in I haul all my boats. Save you BUX for more toys LOL Rarely rent a slip, because I tend to hit any body of water mine decides to go! Welcome to the addiction! You certainly have that right attitude, that boat will take you to all he right latitudes! Drop that hook, or beach it more and enjoy your own Island!
BTW you first looked in Annapolis. When you get the time and inclination, maybe I shall see you in the Briney there. I live in PA now (32 years in California) and there is ALWAYS wind there that can be counted on most any time too! I watched my boat being built, in Costa Mesa Ca., and know Roger MacGregor, personally too! I was the Secretary of the San Diego Venture Yacht Club, comprised of mostly Mac's. Generally speaking, Mac Owners are the absolute best folks on the water, because they did not have to SINK (Never on any Mac LOL) a lot of BUX into their Water Condo, that can go most anywhere. I literally have 10's of thousands of miles under Mac Hulls and laugh at the other craft that can't come close to its capabilities! LOL Let those haterz hate! And let us Love what we own! Many pundits do not have a clue, nor are Sailors to begin with!
I like how you give your sailboat a voice! I've been sailing my entire life and watching RU-vid sailing channels for a couple years now, and you're the first that I know of who has done that, nice!
Thanks for that Mr. Bee. I haven't been uploading for a while for various life reasons, but will start again soon. Comments like yours really do inspire and are appreciated.
great video, . I totally feel for you , first time I went out , we also had issue with the head sail, but ours was not a easy a repair. Your getting the hang of it just fine . Consider pulling the motor up when you sail, maybe you do that now anyway . GOOD LUCK!
I always wanted to sail. Since I was a kid. That was a long time ago. I grew up in farm country and sailing just didnt happen. Recently I went through a tragedy. My daughter pushed me to do something healing. Asked me about unrealized dreams. I told her I always wanted to sail. Ok you guys I'm signed up for sailing classes and I must be crazy. I have never been in a boat. So I get this second hand sailing manual and I'm all up in it. Because failure is not an option in front of my grandchildren. And I truly want to learn. Ok well I must actually admit that I thought those pretty white sails were sort of "harnessing" the wind. Positioning sails so as to be pushed. Wow. Reality is much more amazing. A giant adjustable airfoil. Cool. So I'm cooking along trying to absorb the details of this foreign world. Then I hit running rigging and sail tuning. Oh man what have I got myself into? Can I really do all this and still remember to look where I'm going once in a while? Can I cultivate a sense for the wind to even realize its changing in time to do everything necessary when it does? Can I get away from the dock without damage? Lol Just the perspective of a landlubber looking in. Please feel free to channel your nautical positive energy my way. Too late for cold feet now I guess.
Sailing is about doing it, not knowing all there is to know. Enjoy the wind the sails and the grandbabies, that's where it's at. The rest will come, don't sweat the small stuff.
Docking problems..."I hope nobody saw that" as he posts video to the world! Love the honesty! It's refreshing to see people unafraid of admitting to making mistakes. Two thumbs up..ups? And you just earned another subscriber:) Great boat...congrats!
I had to laugh at you leaving the dock the first time , we have all been there. The Mac is a bit of a beast to handle at low speed. A tip I have learnt is dont be scared to give it a BIG handful of throttle to snap her around, I mean whats the point of a big motor if you dont use it to your advantage. I think you will love your Mac, we love ours, best boat ever built
Great video! Thanks for sharing your experience. Just my first boat and it is a 2001 Macgregor 26x. I haven’t tried sailing yet just been going around the harbor motoring.
I am still learning also my friend. The virus has put a damper on things but I really intend to get back out there soon. I look forward to hearing about your adventures!
Thanks for watching it and for the comments Leonardo. I really appreciate it. I'm going to keep plugging away at it. As soon as it warms up a little I'm going to get her cleaned up and take her up to Lake Erie to practice in more difficult waters. Please stay tuned (I appreciate that you subscribed) more videos coming!
Congrats on the sailing adventures. like you i started with a 1981 mac 22 about 2 years ago, in a bit better condition than your first mac, so i got it going and have sailed it several times. Although I had been looking for a Mac 26x for about 2 years and finally got one a 1998 which is in good condition, YeeHaa. I am about ready to splash it hopefully next week. I hope everything goes as planed. Never does, but thats part of it
Love your video, just about to embark on buying a Macgregor 26M here in the UK and have not sailed for over 40 years (apart from little Lasers some 30 years ago)! Can't wait! Your video is giving me the confidence to get back out there!
Great to hear from you Paul. I haven't made another video in a while but your comments have inspired me to get back to editing. I really want to get Valhalla up to Lake Erie soon. I hope you also get back out there and would love to hear if you do.
That's a great video. I just got a similar sized boat, but 1980. I love your interiors, so different than mine, within otherwise similar hull. Can you post more of the interiors?
Thanks for taking the time to watch it Maciej. Yes, I will take your suggestion. The next video will be cleaning the interior and washing/waxing the exterior. I am waiting for it to warm up a bit more before filming. If you or anyone has suggestions for future videos don't hesitate to post them.
A refreshingly honest video of how hard, yet, how rewarding sailing can be. I just had a thought. Sailing must be like golfing. It looks easy but can take a lifetime to master?
Hey, great vid mate, very candid, I still have some bad days that look just like that, but I know the good days certainly make up for them I'm jealous of your wheel pilot and kite... Will look forward to seeing some of your great country on your vids :-)
Thanks mate! I started watching your videos about a year ago and they were inspirational in my purchasing a Mac. I plan on getting more videos out now that we're entering Spring/Summer (in the northern Hemisphere).
Hi, what lake is that? I am currently landlocked in Ohio after living and sailing in San Diego for a few years and would like to get back at it. I grew up sailing on Atwood Lake about 30 miles south of Canton Ohio.
Your story intro sounded so similar to mine.... just haven't had the time or willing to put money on another boat. But, I want to sail USA coastal waters
I am planning to buy a Sailboat just like yours. Can you give me an idea of what I should plan to pay for a 7 or 8 year old Macgregor? Thank you for your help, Tim
Hi Paul, I paid $19,000 USD in 2017. It didn't come with many extras. Auto Pilot, boom vang and a dodger. I am not sure what is a normal price for the M. I think maybe 19k-25k. But I am no expert.
Beginning of something amazing ! :D Keep it up, loved the video, already waiting to see more from you ! (nice channel logo !) PS. I feel bad for asking but mind checking out my channel ? If not then that's totally fine ! :D
Thanks for the kind words Sebastian. My videos are slowly getting better. I did look at your channel and I subscribed (as myself, Eric Chamberlain). You have real skills. I loved the intro video. I was in Yugoslavia (before the war) in 1988. It really brought back memories. What a beautiful place and beautiful videography!
Wow a nice sailing video here Eric. Love your boat. I just found your channel & it’s beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your video. I just subbed. If you are free, please visit my travel channel. Thanks
