New Mexico Yacht Club Memorial Day Regatta

The New Mexico Sailing Club's marina on Heron Lake in northwestern New Mexico consists of 135 much sought-after slips and buoys, plus guest docks and support facilities, including a pump out station. The nearest Colorado town is Pagosa Springs, and principal routes are Highways 84 and 17 from the north, and 84 and 64 from the south. Just north of the historic town of Tierra Amarillo, turn off Highway 84 west toward Heron Lake on Highway 95. The first right after entry into Heron Lake State Park provides access to the marina. Continuing on Highway 95, the next right, past the State Park information center, leads to the boat ramp and mast-raising pole.

Ice, beverages and groceries are available in Chama and Tierra Amarillo, and to a more limited extent, at the Heron Store at the entrance to, or at the Stone House Lodge at the west end of, the Park. There is no water or electricity at the marina; among other sources, fresh water is available at the information center or other Park facilities (which include showers).

With an overnight permit from "self help" stations around the lake, trailers and vehicles may be parked at the ramp or in parking areas near the marina. Cook aboard, grill meals on the Club's dock, or drive to restaurants in the Stone House Lodge, Tierra Amarillo or Chama.

The lake's elevation is approximately 7,150'; when full, its surface area is about 5 by 3 miles. It is a "no wake" lake, without jet skis or speedboats. Always cool at night, evening thunderstorms are common in late summer. Bring a fly rod if anchoring out in one of many protected coves. Visiting sailors, and in particular, visiting racers, are welcome, and all races are "open".

Contact Spence Reid (sr@keleher-law.com or 505-346-9114) with any questions.

From Spence Reid at NMYC

Current (2004) projections for the Heron Lake reservoir water level, expressed in elevation above sea level, and based on 3/5/04 data, indicates 7113' by Memorial weekend. That is not enough to permit the use of either boat ramp, among a number of other limitations. Perforce, please indicate, on the SAIL calendar, that NMSC's Memorial regatta is cancelled.