December, 1950

The editor discusses the end of the sailing season in Central Ohio due to winter weather and the removal of the EMERALD from the water during the 'Big Blizzard of 1950'. He appeals for more correspondence and news from fleets, and makes a plea for members to help complete the Association's historical records and return membership blanks so the Association can publish a 1950 Year Book.

A detailed report of a challenge match between Thistles and Lightnings held on September 30th at Lavallette, New Jersey, which resulted in a complete victory for the Thistles. Seven Thistles competed against seven Lightnings in two races with an 8-knot breeze, with the Thistles demonstrating superior sailing ability.

Report of the Mentor Harbor Thistle Fleet's annual regatta held on July 30th, won by visiting boats from other fleets. Harvey Busch's NAN TOO won first place, followed by Emery Kampa in NATURE BOY, with Willard Friswell's JUST IN CASE taking third place in a brisk 12-15 knot wind.

Report of the Leatherlips Regatta held October 21-22 with 22 Thistles participating. Despite light wind conditions, the regatta was well attended with visiting boats taking all honors. GREAT SCOT (Barnett) won first place overall with a score of 59 1/4 points.

Race results from the Port Clinton Yacht Club event held September 30 - October 1, 1950. FLOGEO (Butts) won the overall series with 53 1/4 points. The table shows results for 17 competing Thistles across three races.

The Secretary provides important information about membership dues, mailing list management, and the need for accurate information from Fleet Secretaries. He discusses the Association's financial status ($120.13 in treasury), announces that 1951 dues are payable January 1st, and emphasizes the need for members to submit fleet reports and notify the office of address changes to avoid being removed from the mailing list.

Report from John Malone of the Pymatuning Thistle Fleet on their 1950 racing season results. The fleet had six boats competing in their first year and performed well in the Club Handicap series. Results show CORONET (Hanson) as the overall champion with 28 points across 7 races.

Announcement that Skip Eveleth has taken excellent action photographs from the 1950 Nationals and is offering unmounted 5 x 20 mileprintings for $5.00 each. The editor notes that arrangements could not be made to reproduce the photos in the BAGPIPE but provides contact information for those interested in purchasing prints.

Report of the Third Annual Coconut Grove Sailing Club Regatta held November 4th in Miami, where Thistles dominated a mixed fleet of Lightnings, Crickets, and Suicides. George Koster in BABE (35) won the overall series and first place trophy, with John Hanafourde in GAY GAL (331) taking second place.