July 1954

Olive Garde donates a perpetual sterling silver trophy to Marblehead Race Week for the top Thistle skipper. She noted the class deserves better recognition and publicity at the event, comparing it to other classes that have their own trophies.

Correction to previous issue: Lake Hopatcong V.C. Open Thistle Regatta is scheduled for August 7-8, not August 21-22. This timing gives District skippers a chance to practice before the District Championships.

Sandusky Bay Regatta will be held July 24-25, featuring a three-race series open to all classes with good Thistle participation expected. Social events include free dances and meals.

Announcement of registration deadline for the Nationals at Fenwick, Connecticut, August 25-28. Enclosed postcard must be mailed by July 23. Details provided on accommodations, meals, events schedule, and activities.

Notice to all District Secretaries that officers for the 1954-55 term must be elected and their names sent to the National Secretary prior to August 26 Annual Meeting.

Fleet 64 of Sarasota, Florida received its charter last month with three notable members: Charlie Clarke, Bill Johnson, and Beebell Newell, all of whom hold prestigious positions in the sailing community.

Article addresses a rules question from Ray Sieple about using two jibs on spinnaker runs. Chief Measurer George Devlin ruled against it. Ironically, Devlin himself won his national qualifying regatta without using a spinnaker.

Official notice of Annual Meeting of Thistle Class Association on August 26, 1954 at Peace House, Fenwick, Connecticut. Details quorum requirements, proxy voting procedures, and agenda items including proposed amendment to By-Laws.

Report on Rochester Canoe Club's Annual Invitation Regatta in June, hampered by poor weather. Only one complete race was held due to lack of wind Sunday. Notable competitors included George Angle, Will Libby, Sandy Douglass, and Al Babcock.

Jack Howard confirms the High Sierra Series dates as July 24-25, held at Huntington Lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 7000 feet elevation. Readers encouraged to request circular for details on this scenic venue.

Dick Binard, national Thistle champion, moved to Atlanta and his famous boat Br'er Fox was badly damaged when rammed by a V-Flyer, breaking the shell over a large area. The prospects for restoration remain uncertain.

Reminder to notify the National Secretary if you have sold your Thistle, providing boat number and new owner's name and address, so records can be kept up to date.

Request for help locating 40 Thistles that have passed into obscurity or unknown ownership. National Secretary Jack O'Shea needs information to complete boat records. Includes list of missing boats with last known owners.

The Thistle class recently appeared on the cover of The Ensign, the official publication of the U.S. Power Squadrons, featuring Fritz Kester's Diamond 5-47 boat.

Fleet 54 season report noting early May club work at Red Dragon Canoe Club in Edgewater Park, New Jersey, and racing beginning May 15. Two new boats launched this season. Report on local regattas and spring racing results.

New event announced by Interlake Fleet of Sandusky Sailing Club: the Interlake Steeplechase, a 17-mile race from Sandusky to Put-In-Bay on August 7, prelude to the Put-In-Bay Regatta August 9-11.

Notice that two sailors are seeking spinnakers for their Thistle boats.