Why Does the Thistle Look Like That

Douglass explains the functional design philosophy behind the Thistle's distinctive appearance, addressing criticism about its unconventional look. He covers design choices including the plumb bow, lack of decking, and round-bilge hull construction, arguing that each feature serves a practical purpose and results in superior sailing performance.

This is a summary. The full article text is © the Thistle Class Association — read the original scan via the link above.

• Design
• Gordon Douglass
• Boat Design
• Performance
• Hull Design
• Decking
• Round-bilge
• Functional Design