According to the San Diego Union Tribune two family members lost their life when the MacGregor 26 they were on flipped over. Full article: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/27/two-dead-boating-accident/
From the sources which I’ve searched, the boat appears to be a 1987-88 MacGregor 26D(aggerboard). This boat is designed for a maximum capacity of 6 adults with 1400 lbs of water balast and the daggerboard lowered. The Heart of Sailing Foundation owns the boat and advertises that it takes special needs people onto the water for enjoyment. A 54yo special needs adult drowned, as did his 76yo father. While an investigation is presently undertaken, there are reports that either no lifejackets, or very few lifejackets had been worn. Also, there were reportedly 10 people aboard, far more than rated capacity, meaning that the boat’s stability would be severely compromised.
Please, Please, Please practice safe boating so that you and your boatmates may enjoy it another day.
On a personal note, I commend the efforts of concerned citizens to bring joy to special needs individuals… I have a Downs Syndrome sister with whom I am very close.
