Sloops crossing in the afternoon

Black Magic, close hauled, passes upwind of Highlander, a Hunter 26. Winds varied from about 7 to 22 knots -- fairly steady and consistent by mountain lake standards.

As Black Magic and Highlander pass, you can appreciate the contrast between two very different sloops. Most of the Etchell's weight is in her solid lead keel whereas the Hunter is ballasted with water. The Etchells has absolutely no accommodation whereas the Hunter has a huge interior volume. And, even though Black Magic is several feet longer than the Hunter, it's significantly slimmer and has minimal freeboard.

Here's a closer look at the Hunter 26 Highlander under minimal sail.