Macgregor 22 Sails: Choosing, Caring & Where to Buy

When it comes to small-cruising sailboats, the Macgregor 22 holds a special place. It’s a nimble, trailer-friendly sloop designed by Roger MacGregor and built between 1967 and 1975. For anyone who owns or contemplates sailing one today, understanding and selecting the right Macgregor 22 sails is key. In this post, we’ll explore what to look for in mainsails, jibs, and spinnakers (if you use them), how to care for them, and where to source quality replacements.

Why the right sail matters

Sails are the engine of your boat. On a light, easily driven hull like the Macgregor 22, the difference between a well-cut, properly trimmed sail and a stretched, poorly shaped one can be dramatic. The right sail helps:

• Maximize speed in light winds
  

• Maintain shape and drive in moderate or gusty conditions
  

• Reduce excessive heel, weather helm, or sail flutter
  

• Increase the longevity of your investment
  

Given the small rig and limited sail area, you want your sails’ shape and cloth selection to be tuned for your typical conditions.

What specs matter for Macgregor 22 sails

When ordering or comparing sails, the critical rigging dimensions for the MacGregor 22 are:

• I = 25.30 ft (foretriangle height)
  

• J = 9.20 ft (foretriangle base)
  

• P = 21.30 ft (mainsail luff length)
  

• E = 9.20 ft (mainsail foot)
  

These combine for about 116 ft² foretriangle sail area and about 98 ft² for the mainsail.

Cloth choice, cut style (cross-cut, radial), reefing points, battens, leech lines, and telltales are all secondary specs that influence performance. For example, many Macgregor 22 mainsails are built to factory specs in 6 oz Dacron, with reinforced corners, reef points, and standard fittings.

A note: sailmakers often mention that “class-legal” sails may differ slightly from factory specs, so always confirm with measured dimensions rather than assuming.

Mainsail vs. headsail options

Mainsail

• A full or standard mainsail is the heart of your sail plan.
  

• Look for quality Dacron or equivalent, strong stitching, and corner reinforcements.
  

• Decide whether you want full battens (which hold shape better but weigh more) or partial battens (lighter, simpler).
  

• Include reef points at one or more heights to reduce sail area in stronger winds.
  
  

Headsail / Jib / Genoa

• The standard jib (100 %) sized to I & J is the default. But many MacGregor 22 sailors also use 135 % or 150 % genoa sails to improve performance in lighter wind.
  

• Some sailors suggest using a “full height jib” close to genoa height as a compromise, especially when you don’t have a furler.
  

• Heavier cloth gives durability, though may be slower in very light air—many Macgregor 22 owners prioritize longevity.
  

Spinnaker / Downwind Sails

• If you sail in areas with good downwind conditions, an asymmetrical spinnaker or cruising chute can add fun and speed.
  

• Rigging a spinnaker pole or whisker pole may also require hardware upgrades.
  

• Be cautious — light boats like the Macgregor 22 can broach if overpowered downwind in gusty conditions.
  

Choosing a supplier

You’ll want a reputable sailmaker that can accept your precise rig measurements (or measure your boat on site). One vendor worth mentioning is The Sail Store, which lists a dedicated category for MacGregor sails. This is a good reference for comparing available stock and custom options.

Other vendors also provide Macgregor 22 sails, offering mains, jibs, genoas, and even custom options.

When selecting your supplier, check:

1. Ability to work from your measurements or existing sails
   

2. Material/cloth options, warranties, and reinforcement details
   

3. Shipping, especially to your region
   

4. Delivery time and fitting adjustments
   

Care, maintenance, and longevity

To ensure your Macgregor 22 sails last:

• Rinse sails with fresh water after saltwater use
  

• Dry thoroughly before stowing
  

• Store folded loosely (no sharp creases) in a cool, dry area
  

• Inspect for chafe at corners, stitching, or slides/slugs
  

• Periodically apply UV protection (UV tape or sacrificial clew strips)
  

• Reef early—the less stress on the sail in gusts, the longer it will last
  

• Have a sailmaker inspect the sail every few seasons
  

Well-maintained Dacron sails can last a decade or more in moderate use. For heavier use in strong sun, you might plan to replace jib or genoa first.

Sailing with new sails: tuning & tips

Once your new Macgregor 22 sails arrive:

1. Rig check: ensure proper mast rake, tension, and alignment.
   

2. Set up telltales on both main and jib luff/leech for trim feedback.
   

3. Start light — sail conservatively at first to understand the new shape.
   

4. Adjust sheeting and traveler to control twist and angle of attack.
   

5. Watch for flogging on jib leech; add leech line if needed.
   

6. Reef early to avoid overloading the sail in gusts.
   

Owners report that the Macgregor 22 sails well in strong winds with reefed head and main, but tends to broach if over-canvassed.

Final thoughts

Choosing and installing the right Macgregor 22 sails is as much art as science. While the classic rig dimensions and displacement give guidance, individual sailing style, local wind conditions, and budget all play a role. Use the rig specs as your foundation, demand quality from your sailmaker, and follow good care practices to get the most out of your investment.