January 1949

Announcement of the Thistle Class Winter Meeting scheduled for February 19th at Hotel Sheraton in Buffalo, N.Y. The meeting will cover discussions about the 1949 Nationals location selection and general programming, with good company, food, and drinks promised.

President Frank LeBoutillier announces key committee appointments for the Thistle Association, including committees for development, constitution revision, measurement, and appoints John R. Lovett as Commodore.

Fleet Charter 18 has been issued to Miami, Florida. The fleet is active and participates in the Orange Bowl regatta, representing a valuable new addition to the expanding Thistle Class.

Appeal for photographs from readers to help with the development of the class. The Bagpipe seeks images of boats racing and good sailing sequences as interest increases with approaching spring.

Technical rulings from the Measurement Committee meeting of December 12, 1948, establishing specifications and restrictions for various boat components including rudders, poles, booms, grating, and rigging equipment.

Two interesting notes: Frank Janssen's boat #188 BETTY J TOO will fly the Commodore flag for the Ohio Inland Yachting Association regatta in June, and Dick Brainard shares a practical technique for threading spinnaker halyards using a weighted ball.

A detailed account of a summer cruising adventure on the Trent Waterways in Ontario, Canada aboard TARRY-BREEKS #2. The Shaw family navigated through Georgian Bay's river system, dealing with locks, rails, and camping along the way before returning via the Lost Channel.