August, 1952

An invitation from the Sandusky Sailing Club THISTLE Fleet to National Nationals contestants to participate in the Nationals and Consolation Series on Lake Erie, August 19-23. Competitors from Atlanta, Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, Niagara Frontier, Chesapeake, Barnegat Bay, and Long Island Sound are expected to participate.

The outgoing editor reflects on a busy year of growth for the Thistle Association, noting expansion in southern fleets despite unfulfilled hopes for Pacific Northwest growth. The editor thanks class officers and urges members to support them with information and participation, and offers guidance to the incoming editor about engagement with contributors.

Fleet No. 1 raised a question about the wording of the By-Laws regarding chevron designations for championships. President Hanna has clarified that blue and red chevrons should be interpreted as covering District and Inter-District Championships, with this ruling to be submitted to the Association at the Annual Meeting.

Report of the Third Annual Metedeconk River Yacht Club Spring Tune-Up Regatta in New Jersey, where Sam Merrick's WHIMSEY won the title for Thistles, defeating previous winner Harry Sindle of the Lavallette Yacht Club.

Notification that the July issue of Yachting magazine featured a Thistle article by Ralph Wiley and a cover painting by "Sody" Soderberg. The article discusses the Thistle's design and sailing qualities, with a brief commentary on spinnaker usage.

Call for volunteers and contributions to the 1953 Thistle Class Year Book. The Association seeks an Editor, Associate Editor, and Business Manager, as well as photographs, stories, and district reports from members. Material should be sent to Ron Small at Mayflower Court.

Results of the O.I.C.Y.A. (Ohio Inland Cruising Yacht Association) Regatta held June 21-22 on Atwood Lake in Sherrodsville, Ohio. Howard Boston in MANAWACA No. 111 won decisively in a fleet of 22 Thistles competing in light and shifty winds.

Report on the active Thistle fleet in Mission Bay, San Diego (Fleet No. 13). Despite her busy schedule, Lois Prager reports on multiple racing series with varying winners in different competitions throughout the seasons.

Sandy Douglass (PAUKIE No. 1) reports on the International Yacht Racing Union Trials to select a new two-man racing boat. The Thistle showed strong performance in light-to-moderate winds and proved to be the only true family boat in the trials, though the Flying Dutchman excelled in heavy weather.

Highlights of Thistle skippers holding leadership positions in other sailing organizations. Tony Herrmann elected Vice-Commodore of Lake Michigan Yachting Association, and several Columbus skippers hold positions in the Leatherlips Yacht Club, including Commodore and other executive roles.

Dick Brainard (BR'ER FOX No. 545) inspired by a Star Class No. 1 yacht displayed at Manhasset Yacht Club, proposes to enshrine the original Thistle No. 1 in his backyard as a historical monument to the class, offering to preserve this pioneering vessel.

E.D. Hoyt of Arlington, Virginia describes an unconventional way to transport a Thistle (No. 373) by mounting it on top of a 1949 Chevrolet. Used for two multi-state vacation trips in 1950 and 1951, the method proved practical despite being temporary pending the completion of a conventional trailer.

Two announcements: Bob Adams, Secretary-Treasurer, has become a father with the birth of a 6-pound baby daughter. Additionally, Fleet Charter No. 51 has been issued to the Kizer Lake Thistle Fleet in Dayton, Ohio under Robert F. Goodwin's leadership.

Howard D. Springer (No. 583) announces his move from Ann Arbor, Michigan to Seattle. He is bringing the "makings" of two additional Thistles and hopes to sell them. Fellow Thistlers are invited to contact him at his Seattle address.

For-sale listings for three Thistle boats: No. 526 (recently refinished, 38 sailing hours), No. 342 (deluxe factory model), and reference to boats photographed.