In March, a MacGregor 26 capsized in San Diego Bay with 10 aboard, two of whom died. There has been considerable debate since about the possible cause and contributing factors in the capsize of this lightweight, popular sailboat. Officials now have issued their report blaming the capsize on overloading the boat along with an uneven distribution of passenger weight. An insufficient number of lifejackets contributed as well to this tragic incident. Criminal charges will not be filed, however. Another minor but telling finding in the investigation was a sail held together by duct tape and staples.
Related Articles
- MacGregor 26M Sailboat - Review of MacGregor Trailerable Sailboat
- What to Teach Your Sailing Partner - Important Safety Information for Saili...
- Sailing Training for Partner or Crew - Training a Spouse or Crew How to Sai...
- Sailing Dad - Free Father's Day IncrediMail Letter Download - About Ema...
- MacGregor 26 Models Reviewed - Owner's Review of MacGregor 26
Explore Sailing
Also from About.com:
©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.
Comments
Heart of Sailing Foundation claims that safety is one of the first lessons upon arrival at their boats. Yet the founder allowed 10 people to sail on a 1988 Macgregor 26? When I first got my 1989 MacGregor 26 five years ago, I tried sailing with 7 people aboard – this was too much, not because of safety – it was just too crowded, and I will never do that again.
When the boat was inspected hours after being upside down, there was no water ballast in the tank. OK, it COULD HAVE drained out. But if there WAS water in there, the boat never should have STAYED upside down in the first place.
I admit that my sails are not in the greatest of shape. I have replaced the mainsail since I bought the boat (when I bought it it didn’t have the original MacGregor sails any more), and I use sail tape for temporary repairs – never duct tape.
I admire the “captain” of this boat for setting up his foundation to allow disadvantaged kids and adults the opportunity to experience sailing. However I have to question how he can get away with putting these people in such danger. This NEVER should have been allowed to happen…