Quick Links |
Modifications |
Procedures |
Storage |
Boat
Handling
Logbooks |
Allegro |
Windsong
| Koshari
| Trips aboard
Allegro
|
Interactive Map Logbook

a musical term that means to play
cheerful, quick, lively, fast. |

Anchored off Sucia
Island in the San Juans, 8/12/03
|
Allegro' is a 1996 MacGregor 26x with a 70hp
Tohatsu TLDI motor. The
MacGregor 26x is a unique boat. As a water ballasted, 26 foot trailerable
sailboat with a 70hp outboard, it lets you sail peacefully with
the wind or blast along at 20+ knots with the powerboat crowd.
A boat for every occasion. It's spacious interior provides
standing headroom, a full galley, an enclosed head, and it
sleeps 6 with ease. You can even find us out in our
sailboat towing the kids on water toys in the lake.
Our cruising ground is the vast protected waters
of the Pacific Northwest. We've been at it for years and still
have many more places to visit. On the map below, the red
dots are the places we have spent one or more nights, the X's
are places we have made day trips, and the
small blue dots are locations we hope to visit soon. Even
all of these are just a small set of the possible places we can
cruise to easily in our MacGregor.
Try our
interactive cruising log
Point to the destinations for
more information.
Links usually go to our most recent visit to the location.
Having a MacGregor is the perfect way to own a
boat. It lives on it's trailer in our back yard allowing
us to be an active boating family without the moorage and
maintenance expense of a boat that is stored in a slip.
Add to that the ability to make the initial part of any trip at
60 mph on the freeway and you have the perfect boat for our
active family.
Another great advantage of a MacGregor is how
economical it is to operate. Full to the brim our fuel
tanks hold just over 25 gallons. This much fuel can take
us over 125 Nautical Miles, and even further when we sail.
A few years back we were near the end a mid sound trip. We
had spent the night at a marina in Gig harbor, but were
surprised to find that there was no fuel dock there.
Needing just a bit more fuel for the trip back to Des Moines we
stopped in at the marina at Point Defiance. We had to wait
for space at the fuel dock, but finally got tied up next to a
large powerboat that was fueling. In talking to the owner
he had been there for almost an hour and was still not done
filling his tanks. I really only needed to top off one
tank, but I went ahead and filled a second as it seemed bad form
to take so little fuel on board. Still, we only bought
just over 9 gallons and it took only 2-3 minutes to fill up.
Our bill was quite different from his bill.
The 'Dunn Navy' as our neighbor calls it
currently consists of Allegro, our 26x; our 19'
Easy
Rider Sea Eagle double kayak; our 10' Maxon air floor dingy;
a 8' slat floor Boat US dinghy; and two
double inflatable kayak's.
Our Trips aboard Allegro
41 Trips, 176 Days, 2,536 Nautical Miles
Trip |
Year |
Description |
41 |
2012 |
Late Summer Trip
Up Into the Strait
A nice week out in the North Sound and along the Strait of Juan
De Fuca. |
40 |
2012 |
MacGregor Rendezvous
Port Orchard, Port Madison
Just Dawn and I, left the boys and dogs at home. |
39 |
2012 |
Over to Blake for a night
Blake Island
Just a simple trip with Mike and Nick. |
38 |
2011 |
Quick and Easy
Blake Island
Such a beautiful place so close and easy to
get to. |
37 |
2011 |
In the Islands with the Boys
A Family Affair
Even as they grow we can still cruise with all three boys and
the two dogs aboard 'Allegro'. |
36 |
2011 |
Time Away
A getaway for Dawn and I
Three days on the boat with no kids or dogs. |
35 |
2011 |
Circumnavigating Fidalgo Island
Memorial Day Weekend
An easy 4 days in powerboat mode staying at
docks. |
34 |
2010 |
A Couple Weeks in the Sound
Staying Close To Home
Starting with the BWY rendezvous in Port Orchard, followed by
relaxing days at Blake Island we then put the boat in Elliott
Bay Marina for day trips on Elliott Bay and to Eagle Harbor. |
33 |
2010 |
RudderProp
testing on the Lake
Testing our Electric Motor System
www.rudderprop.com |
32 |
2009 |
Thirteen Days in the
North Sound
A Great Summer Outing
Combining the annual BWY rendezvous and the
Fourth of July results in a pleasant 13 day trip. This is
our second longest trip ever! |
31 |
2009 |
Memorial Day Weekend
A Spectacular Springtime Trip
A particularly rare perfect weather Memorial
Day weekend leads to a great trip with a crew of 6 on board. |
30 |
2008 |
Summer in Seattle
Elliot Bay Marina
For the first time, we put Allegro in a slip
at a downtown marina for 10 days. |
29 |
2008 |
Fourth Of July
Port Ludlow, Fort Flagler
Five days out in NW Puget Sound at Port
Ludlow for a explosive fourth, and Fort Flagler for a peaceful
park. |
28 |
2008 |
Motor Testing on Lake
Washington
Newport Shores
We finally got around to having our new
larger motor installed. This is a quick trip to the lake
to test it's initial performance and see if we have the right
prop. |
27 |
2007 |
Northern San Juans
Roche
Harbor, Sucia, Rosario
After a night in Anacortes following our launch we
spent 2 nights at each stop making for a relaxing weeks vacation
in the islands. |
26 |
2007 |
Bluewater Yachts
Rendezvous
Port Orchard
Arriving without the sailing mast at a gathering
of over 50 MacGregors was a good way to start a conversation.
|
25 |
2007 |
A Cheap Waterfront
Room
Alderbrook Resort, Hood Canal
After a extended trip of 4 miles we enjoyed
luxury resort living without the high cost. |
24 |
2007 |
A Winter Outing
Poulsbo;
Brownsville
Turning a family gathering into a mid-winter
trip was a great way to get the boat out of storage. How
about those 35+ knot winds on the way back across the sound! |
23 |
2006 |
Mid Summer in the Mid Sound
Carr Inlet
A relaxed mastless trip to a beautiful area often
ignored by local boaters. |
22 |
2006 |
Time Alone
Illahee
Circumstances allowed a kid less trip for Dawn and
I. |
21 |
2006 |
BlueWater Yachts Rendezvous
Friday Harbor, James Island
Half time with the group, half time alone. |
20 |
2005 |
Four Days in the San Juans
Lopez and Blakely
Time for the driftwood fort kings at the driftwood
capital of the islands, Spencer Spit. |
19 |
2005 |
Play Day on the Lake
Mercer
Island
An impromptu day at the lake with our neighbors. |
18 |
2005 |
Memorial Day Weekend
Blake Island and
Poulsbo
Busy times in the locks and Puget Sound |
17 |
2005 |
New Years Eve Fireworks
Lake Union
A unique way to ring in the new year. |
16 |
2004 |
Water Toys on the Lake
Lake Washington
Water skiing behind our sailboat. |
15 |
2004 |
North into Canada
San Juans, Gulf Islands, Jervis Inlet, Princess Louisa Inlet
23 days through the islands, across the Strait,
and up the long fiord to a snug anchorage at the base of Chatterbox
Falls. |
14 |
2004 |
Mid Sound
Illahee - Poulsbo
Look out Vikings, here we come. |
13 |
2004 |
Indian Dancers
Blake Island
An evening inside the longhouse. |
12 |
2003 |
Salmon Fishing
Blake Island
Well, at least we tried to salmon fish. |
11 |
2003 |
MacGregorSailors.com Rendezvous
San Juan Islands
A group of Macs from as far away as southern
California join us for a week long trip in the San Juans that I
organized online. |
10 |
2003 |
SeaFair
Lake Washington
We joined the wild party for a day of Hydroplanes
and Blue Angels. |
9 |
2003 |
Fourth of July
Port Ludlow
Fireworks are everywhere as the beach erupts. |
8 |
2003 |
On The Lake
Lake Washington
It's not often that we over night on the lake. Juanita Bay
is a good anchorage for a get-a-way. |
7 |
2002 |
Around Hartstien Island
South Puget Sound
Circumnavigating a large south sound island. |
6 |
2002 |
Fort Flagler
Morrowstone
Island
One of our favorite state parks. |
5 |
2001 |
South Sound
Case and Carr
Inlets
Exploring the nooks and crannies of the south sound. |
4 |
2001 |
Play Day
Lake Washington
A sailboat doing donuts on the lake is a cool sight. |
3 |
2001 |
A Business Trip
Port Ludlow
Mixing a business presentation and golf with
sailing is a the way to go. |
2 |
2001 |
First Overnight Trip
Inside
Deception Pass
Anchoring out at Hope Island is a great way to get used to
cruising aboard our new boat. |
1 |
2001 |
First Day on Allegro
Lake
Washington
Our first time setting up and launching our 26X. |
|
|
Modifications
Our 'X' is highly customized to meet our family
needs on extended trips out on Puget Sound. Customizing the
boat is half the fun of owning it. It's also easy to work on
when the boat lives in your backyard. Check out all the
changes we've made in the Modifications pages.
Storage
On a 26' boat with 5 people on board everything
has to have a place and be in it's place. See how we store all
our stuff, and boy do we have a lot of stuff.
Procedures
Packing, Launching, Loading, and Operating
Here's our master checkoff list
Boat Handling
Learning some simple skills and trick can make
handling a Mac much easier around the docks. I'm particularly
fond of spring lines.
Our
First Boat
Windsong, a 1970 Venture 21
We bought her in April of 1994, sold her to my
sister in July of 2001. Over those 7 summers we made 20 trips
on Windsong logging 37 days on board.
Other Cruising
In the late spring of 1994 we bareboat chartered
an O'Day 39 named 'Koshari' in St Thomas, USVI. Just Dawn and
I, along with our friends Dennis and Alice were on board. We
spent a night before the actual charter on board the boat at the
marina in Redhook Bay, St Thomas Island then left the next day for
Leinster Bay, St John Island. From there we cleared BVI
customs in Sopers Hole and went up to Little Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
Island for the 2nd night. Next we Sailed to Trellis Bay on
Beef Island and got a mooring buoy. The following day found us
anchored in Gorda Sound, Virgin Gorda Island. We spent two
nights there. Then we went down the island to the marina at
Spanish Town for night six. We snorkeled the Baths from there
by taxi. Then we made a long run searching each island for an
anchorage finally ending up at Norman Island where we spent 2 nights
in Benears Bay. Then it was back to St John Island for the
last two nights in Francis Bay.
Boats we have our eye on
When we get the opportunity to move up to a larger
boat our current favorite is the
Gemini 105mc
catamaran.

All
cash donations accepted!
However, 'Allegro' will be our home
on the water for many years to come.
Other possibilities
C-Ranger 25
C-Dory TomCat
255 SeaSport
Pilot 27
Bayliner Discovery 289
C-Dory
Venture 29
Catalina 309
Nordic Tug 37
Grand Banks 41 Classic EU
Antares 44i
Beneteau 49
Links
The
best MacGregor discussion board around
Our local
MacGregor Dealer, Blue Water Yachts
|
Our Family
Cruising Logs
1994 - 2013:
225 Days Aboard 'Allegro', 'Windsong', and 'Koshari'; 2,766 Nautical Miles
As a boating family we have enjoyed 225 days on the water over the last
18 years. As we head into our 13th year aboard 'Allegro' we still
find time spent on the water is always full of challenges,
relaxation, and joy. Growing up as three brothers at sea in a
small boat has brought our boys together like no other family activity
can. Memories that will last them a lifetime are made every time
we go out in the boat. We highly advise anyone considering
boating to just get one, and get out there. Even though our boat
isn't the biggest on the water, our experiences afloat are still just as
exciting and enjoyable as those aboard the biggest yacht.
Below you will find the
stories of our days aboard captured in words and pictures. From
the far southern nooks and crannies of Washington's Puget Sound to the
rugged fiords of the British Columbia coast and all the islands in
between, we have have crisscrossed the waters of the Pacific Northwest
in search of adventure. Through rain and shine, rough and calm our
snug craft has seen us safely and comfortably through the cold inland
waters of the North Pacific. Join us as we continue to explore the
endless beauty of this very special place.
Log Book of 'Allegro',
a 1996 MacGregor 26x
Logbook Totals:
176 Days Aboard,
2,535 Nautical Miles,
356 hours 52
Minutes Underway
2013: 0 days, 0.0 Miles, 0 Hours 00 Minutes (So
Far)
2012: 14 days, 222.0 Miles, 28 Hours 01 Minutes
2011: 14 days, 204.64 Miles, 24 Hours 24 Minutes
2010: 10 Days, 99.38 Miles, 16 Hours 58 Minutes
2009: 17 Days, 196.55 Miles, 25 Hours 50 Minutes
2008: 14 Days, 138.65 Miles, 18 Hours 53 Minutes
2007: 18 Days, 189.08 Miles, 27 Hours 42 Minutes 2006: 13 Days, 175.60 Miles, 28 Hours 11 Minutes
2005: 10 Days, 136.50 Miles, 17 Hours 14 Minutes
2004: 31 Days, 660.68 Miles, 94 Hours 28 Minutes 2003: 14 Days, 228.75 Miles, 30 Hours 45 Minutes 2002: 8 Days, 117.53 Miles, 18 Hours 13 Minutes 2001: 13 Days, 166.37 Miles, 26 Hours 12 Minutes
**Distance and daily underway trip times from
our GPS log
Log Book of 'Windsong', a 1970
Venture 21
Logbook Totals:
37 Days Aboard, 143.34 Nautical Miles
2000: 2
Days, 7.00 Miles 1999: 7 Days, 20.36 Miles
1998: 1 Days, 3.94 Miles 1997:
6 Days, 24.47 Miles 1996: 8 Days, 29.2 Miles 1995:
9 Days, 35.24
Miles 1994: 4 Days, 23.13 Miles
|
|
|
Day |
Trip |
Day |
Place |
Date |
Miles |
Miles |
37 |
Newport Shores |
8/26/2000 |
3.80 |
3.80 |
36 |
Newport Shores |
7/1/2000 |
3.20 |
3.20 |
35 |
Newport Shores |
9/4/1999 |
4.18 |
4.18 |
34 |
Cornet Bay |
8/4/1999 |
0.00 |
5.81 |
33 |
Cornet Bay |
8/3/1999 |
3.20 |
|
32 |
Hope Island (North) |
8/2/1999 |
0.00 |
|
31 |
Hope Island (North) |
8/1/1999 |
2.61 |
|
30 |
Lake Sammamish |
6/20/1999 |
6.81 |
6.81 |
29 |
Newport Shores |
4/24/1999 |
3.56 |
3.56 |
28 |
Newport Shores |
7/11/1998 |
3.94 |
3.94 |
27 |
Newport Shores |
8/31/1997 |
4.86 |
4.86 |
26 |
Latimers Landing |
8/14/1997 |
3.88 |
16.20 |
25 |
Jarrells Cove |
8/13/1997 |
7.22 |
|
24 |
Hope Island |
8/12/1997 |
3.19 |
|
23 |
Hartstein Island |
8/11/1997 |
1.91 |
|
22 |
Lake Sammamish |
6/14/1997 |
3.41 |
3.41 |
21 |
Newport Shores |
8/25/1996 |
5.42 |
5.42 |
20 |
Newport Shores |
8/10/1996 |
3.48 |
3.48 |
19 |
Lopez Island Launch |
7/19/1996 |
2.53 |
12.98 |
18 |
Shoal Bay, Lopez Island |
7/18/1996 |
1.60 |
|
17 |
Shoal Bay, Lopez Island |
7/17/1996 |
3.16 |
|
16 |
Spencer Spit, Lopez Island |
7/16/1996 |
3.16 |
|
15 |
Shoal Bay, Lopez Island |
7/15/1996 |
2.53 |
|
14 |
Newport Shores |
5/26/1996 |
7.32 |
7.32 |
13 |
Latimers Landing |
9/4/1995 |
4.78 |
9.47 |
12 |
Squaxin Island |
9/3/1995 |
4.49 |
|
11 |
Hartstein Island |
9/2/1995 |
0.20 |
|
10 |
Newport Shores |
6/26/1995 |
4.39 |
5.45 |
9 |
NewCastle Beach |
6/25/1995 |
1.06 |
|
8 |
Newport Shores |
4/23/1995 |
5.73 |
5.73 |
7 |
Mercer Island |
4/9/1995 |
3.87 |
3.87 |
6 |
Lake Sammamish |
3/26/1995 |
4.30 |
4.30 |
5 |
Newport Shores |
3/5/1995 |
6.42 |
6.42 |
4 |
Latimers Landing |
8/7/1994 |
9.37 |
19.63 |
3 |
McMiken Island |
8/6/1994 |
6.38 |
|
2 |
Jarrells Cove |
8/5/1994 |
3.88 |
|
1 |
Newport Shores |
5/26/1994 |
3.50 |
3.50 |
Log Book of 'Koshari', a O'Day 39
Logbook Totals:
12 Days Aboard, 86.6 Nautical Miles
|
|
|
Day |
Trip |
Day |
Place |
Date |
Miles |
Miles |
12 |
Redhook Bay,St Thomas, USVI |
6/30/1994 |
6.59 |
86.60 |
11 |
Francis Bay, St John, USVI |
6/29/1994 |
0.00 |
|
10 |
Francis Bay, St John, USVI |
6/28/1994 |
13.90 |
|
9 |
Benears Bay, Norman Island, BVI |
6/27/1994 |
0:00 |
|
8 |
Benears Bay, Norman Island, BVI |
6/26/1994 |
16.70 |
|
7 |
Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, BVI |
6/25/1994 |
8.19 |
|
6 |
Gorda Sound, Virgin Gorda, BVI |
6/24/1994 |
0.00 |
|
5 |
Gorda Sound, Virgin Gorda, BVI |
6/23/1994 |
12.10 |
|
4 |
Trellis Bay, Beef Island, BVI |
6/22/1994 |
14.00 |
|
3 |
Little Harbor, Jost Van Dyke, BVI |
6/21/1994 |
6.31 |
|
2 |
Leinster Bay, St John, USVI |
6/20/1994 |
8.81 |
|
1 |
Redhook Bay,St Thomas, USVI |
6/19/1994 |
0.00 |
|
|