I have been asked many times for proof that the Murrelet can be considered ocean worthy. Until November of 2001, I was unaware that proof (outside of the mathematical ratios) existed. Because the uninitiated do not consider a trip across the English Channel, which is done by Mac26x boats, or a trip from Key West to Cuba, which I would like to do, or even circumnavigatingVancouver Island, to be an ocean crossing or passage it is difficult to convince doubters.
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The competing hull forms in Murrelet (displacement in the bow and planing aft) bring up some interesting aspects in sailing the cruiser. Because the manufacturer built so many pocket cruisers, the best hull form and ballast configuration was extensively studied.
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Most boats carry sails that perform well enough to satisfy on trade-wind routes where three-quarters of the time the wind may be aft of 110 degrees apparent and there are opportunities for flying symmetrical shaped sails, like square sails and spinnakers.
While not true with a power boat, raceability – to use a Cardwell term – is a determinant of resale value in sailboats.
MacGregor Yachts established itself as a race boat company with the MacGregor 65. The MacGregor 65 Joss, in 1985 established a record that went unbroken 22 years – one of the oldest records in ocean racing history.
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