September 1952

Jim Hendricksen's Blac-Jac wins the 7th annual THISTLE National Championship at Sandusky Sailing Club in September 1952. The regatta featured excellent hospitality, favorable weather, and competitive racing across multiple divisions.

Editorial tribute to Ed Hanna, who completes his tenure as editor and has served four successive terms in various THISTLE Class Association leadership positions. His contributions are recognized for their dedication and effectiveness.

The Cleveland Yachting Club contingent at the Nationals brought competitive spirit to the racing but particularly distinguished themselves in the dining line, with Martha Tischler noting their competitive nature even in non-racing activities.

Ron Small's inaugural editorial as new BAGPIPE editor outlines his approach to publishing the newsletter. He commits to covering THISTLE news comprehensively, invites reader contributions, and welcomes informal writing style over rigid grammatical standards.

Sandy discusses the importance of maintaining strict one-design standards for THISTLES and argues against modifications. He also raises questions about hiking straps and other equipment modifications that some skippers are experimenting with.

Comprehensive race results table from the 7th Annual THISTLE National Championship, showing finishing positions across five races with overall points and final standings for 37 boats.

Report of the 7th annual THISTLE Class Association meeting held in Sandusky on August 30, 1952. New officers are elected, membership dues are increased, and several propositions regarding equipment and racing standards are approved.

Report from the I.L.Y.A. regatta held August 11-13, 1952 in Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Howard Boston dominates in his boat Manataka, with his wife Lolly Boston winning the ladies' race and narrowly edging out George Butts for the overall victory.

Results from the open THISTLE regatta at Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey on July 19-20, 1952, one of the newest THISTLE events attracting twenty entrants from various clubs.

Report from Lake Erie District Championship held on the Hudson River in New York on August 9-10. Dick Brainard of Mystic Cove dominates the competition by winning all three races in the championship series.

The editor reflects humorously on his experience covering the Nationals at Sandusky, noting moments of calm seas when wind completely disappeared and praising the crew members who assisted despite challenging conditions.

Report of the Red Grass Memorial Regatta hosted by Raritan Yacht Club on July 12, 1952, originally a closed event but now open to THISTLES, Eagles, and Lightnings. Doug McNitt's Foosh wins the THISTLE division.

Fleet 4 news from Atlanta reports membership growth to 13 boats with more coming. Local newspaper covers THISTLE activities favorably, recognizing the sport's value and the class's growing popularity in the region.

Dick Brainard, Commodore from Mystic Cove, wins the Long Island Sound District Championship by taking three first places. The championship series was conducted on the Hudson River in New York on August 9-10 with challenging wind conditions.

Results from the Carl Barnett Memorial Series held August 19-22, 1952 at Sandusky. The series was sailed conjointly with the National Championship, with competitive racing determining the winner by close margins.

A dramatic account of a severe gale on June 29 on the Allegheny River that caught THISTLE sailors unprepared. Nearly all THISTLES in the fleet were swamped by the 50+ mph winds and heavy squalls, with races eventually called off due to the dangerous conditions.

Fleet 13 news from San Diego reports enthusiastic participation in two regattas at Mission Bay. Notable for the return of Ken Ellis and his family to active sailing with their recently acquired Whim Wham, rejoining the growing California fleet.

Report from the Great South Bay THISTLE fleet announcing their participation in the Babylon regatta on July 4-6. The fleet now has THISTLERS to their feet, with results showing competitive racing.

Report from Larchmont Race Week held July 19-26 where Tiny Duys' Tumbleweed dominates the six races, with Wally Lineburgh's Whiskaway running a close second. Clear skies and fitful winds characterized the week's racing with a lighter THISTLE turnout than previous years.

Announcement about THISTLE class members appearing on radio and television in the Cleveland area to promote the sport. The appearances cover topics like one-design sailing, cost effectiveness, and family participation.

Dr. Walter Lawson, the 1949 THISTLE National Champion, wins the Central Atlantic District Championship with three first places and a fourth. Frank and Gene Marquardt in White Shadow place second with consistent performances.

Editor's column appealing for reader contributions to fill the BAGPIPE's pages. Waite thanks readers for the new three-column format feedback and emphasizes the magazine's need for THISTLE news and activity reports from the fleets.