Sailing at Elephant Butte Lake, January 4, 2009

Snow on the distant peaks of the Black Range of southern New Mexico seen from Elephant Butte Lake.

Boom framing winter sunset at Elephant Butte Lake, January 4, 2009.



Sunset view from the bow of Constellation


Ribbons and his crew had to return to Albuquerque on Saturday night, but good winds were in prospect for Sunday, January 4, 2009. And, they delivered. Zorro, Tad, Batgal, and I wound up sailing around the race course area, then decided to sail further north, around Long Point Island, up to the entrance to Barney's Cove, and well up into the area between South and North Monticello Points. The further north we went, the more the wind freshened. Then we got in some great spinnaker runs and reaches with winds in the 8- to 16-knot range and boats speeds of 6 to 8 knots. It was fantastic sailing, although getting a bit chilly for some of the crew. The winds moderated as we reached the end of our sail, but remained good enough for us to get back to the marina slip before it was too dark.