The maiden voyage of Wind Musher

First time in the water and rigged on Harding Lake.

Lake is 30 miles SE of North Pole Alaska.

A few modifications to  the boat

This picture was taken at 1 AM on Sunday morning,  Alaska near 24 hours of daylight in June, you can sail all night long if you so desire.( click picture for

Full size shot.)

Cathy (my wife) checking out the wind. The trip to Harding was a good get a acquainted trip  to know the boat.  I  have learned to  not like the clevis pin and circle safety pin. Very hard to change quickly.

One of the first things I will change on life lines and roller furling. Also need a extra set of clevis pins and bolts and nuts  for rigging. Dropping one  might ruin a trip if not found.

This is me (Mark) I will say that I am very impressed with the Macgregor 26x.

The room below is great for two persons and all the gear. The boat sails very easy

And I think a beginner would be very comfortable with

handling it under sail.

We had winds at 12 mph and sailed along at 6 mph

Cathy awakening out the rear berth after a night on Wind Musher. Sleeping is easy  on the boat with the gentle rocking.

Added equipment!!!

After raising a anchor a dozen times

From 100 ft plus, I invested in a float that raises the anchor as you drive away, then you simply pull the float in and the anchor is under it. No more lifting. This was a 75.00 item at West marine. Fishing in Alaska is in deep water always.

Many items at 150 ft.

Cathy at the helm while I take a break from the 2.5 hour run from

Bligh Reef to Valdez..

We carried 30 gallons of gas which gave us a range of 105 miles under power at 13 mph.

Sailing is done on clear days and when the wind to our advantage.

Next year we will sail  or motor Cordova