Reducing The Area Of The Mainsail; Rudder; Mounting The Rudder; Kick Up Rudder System - MACGREGOR 26 Owner's Instructions Manual

Photo 32 Jib sail, control line attachment
When the jib is raised, get the hoisting line really tight. When
sailing, there should be no scallops or sagging between the
clips on the jib sail. A loose leading edge is the most com-
mon error and generally harmful to the boat's windward
performance.

20. REDUCING THE AREA OF THE MAINSAIL

(REEFING!
Don't hesitate to reef when it blows hard. The boat will be
more manageable and usually faster. To reef, release the
mainsail hoisting line and lower the sail until the reefing
eye on the front edge of the sail (about as high on the sail as
the first batten) can be hooked into the hook that holds the
boom to the mast. Then retighten the hoisting line.
Release the rope that holds the rear end of the sail to the
boom. Pass the line thru the reefing eye on the sail (near the
bottom batten), around the boom, back thru the reefing eye,
then to the cleat at the end of the boom (Photo 33)
Photo 33 Reefed mainsail, lower rear corner

21. RUDDER

MOUNTING THE RUDDER:

When you first receive the boat, you will find the rudder
blade inside the boat. Bolt it in place as shown in the fol-
lowing photo, using a 3/8" x 2 1/2" hex bolt and lock nut.
The bolt should be just tight enough to allow the blade to be
pulled up and down without binding. Be sure the pivot bolt
is in the bottom hole in the stainless steel bracket, and in the
3/8" hole that is 3 3/8" down from the top of the rudder
blade. The sharper edge of the rudder blade goes to the rear.
Photo 34 Rudder attachment
Connect the rudder hold down wire to the rudder with a 3/
8" x 2 1/4" bolt and lock nut as shown below. Tie the 7'
retracting rope to the rudder as shown.
Photo 35, Rudder hold down wire attachment
It is not necessary to remove the rudder blade when launch-
ing or trailering. Put it in the up position and tie it securely.
Also tie the tiller to the mast crutch to keep the rudder from
swinging when trailering. It is also a good idea to put a red
flag on the end of the rudder blade so that no one hits it.

KICK UP RUDDER SYSTEM:

The kick up rudder blade can be secured in any position.
When sailing, make sure that the blade is tied all the way
down. If it angles back, the loads on the tiller will increase
substantially. If the boat is left in the water, you may want to
lock the rudder down with a 3/8" x 2 1/2" bolt and lock nut.
Be careful, however, it won't kick up and may be damaged