November 1954

The Thistle Class Association is offering sterling silver jewelry and related gift items to members at nominal prices to help finance the Association's operations. Items range from spray pins to link bracelets, with prices listed. Additional merchandise items like cuff links and car tags are also available.

The editor extends seasonal holiday wishes to all Thistlers across the country, hoping for good winds and safe sailing in the coming year.

Buyers and sellers offering Thistles, spare parts, and related sailing equipment throughout the issue.

The Thistle Class Association's financial statement for the period from October 20, 1953 to October 20, 1954 shows a net balance of $2053.42. Income sources include membership dues, movie deposits, and plan sales; expenses cover administrative costs, magazine printing and mailing, and equipment.

Harold Kloz of Cincinnati is interested in purchasing a secondhand Thistle and wants to become an active member of the Association.

The Sixth Annual Junior Championship Regatta was held on Cow Bay, Long Island Sound, with twenty boats competing in a northwesterly breeze. Young Peter Dobson won the series in his Dodo's Cirou II, with Charles Alexander and Ted Kuhl placing second and third.

Bill Nexsen reflects on his experience hiking out while sailing and how modern hiking straps have improved sailing technique and safety.

Fleet 29 of the Seneca Yacht Club in Geneva, New York reports on a successful sailing season with multiple race series, noting that De Wilson's Penguin and Arthur Arms' other achievements are contributing to the club's competitive success.

Will Libby of the Rochester Canoe Club won the Niagara Frontier District Championship sailing in his Whigmaleerie, with the Rochester Canoe Club boys taking three of the five qualifying places in the district championships at Cayuga Lake.

Complete results table from the Niagara Frontier District Championships held at Cayuga Lake, showing boat numbers, skippers, club affiliations, and point totals across three races.

William W. Heintz, the new president of the Thistle Class Association, is profiled as a longtime sailor and administrator who has been an active member of the Class since the early days.

Bill Nexsen won the Lake Erie District Championship in his boat, taking advantage of favorable conditions and smart sailing to earn the title.

Results table from the Lake Erie District Eliminations showing the standings of competing boats and skippers.

Fleet racing at Sandusky, Ohio concluded successfully with Bill Ortman, Harold Struble, and Dave Ortman taking top honors in the Sunday Morning, Sunday Morning Second Half, and Wednesday Evening series respectively.

Fleet No. 1 held its annual meeting in late September and elected new officers. The fleet saw strong racing throughout the season with champions crowned in various series competitions.

A mixed fleet regatta at the Paducah, Kentucky Sailing Club in September featured various boat types including Penguins, Snipes, and Lightnings. Sam Caldwell won the Commodore's Cup and led the regatta with his successful sailing.

Dave Allwyn of Fleet 46 won the championship, with Roger Waite taking second and Chuck Wright third. The fleet represents Niagara Frontier District and has had a successful season.

The Red Dragon Canoe Club's Annual Labor Day Regatta saw six Thistles competing, with Robins winning first place and Were and Parker placing second and third respectively in the moderate breeze and tide conditions.

Manhasset Bay Race Week, held in September, saw eight Thistles participate in a shortened three-race series. Ray Kallman in Chunga won the championship with solid performances across all three races.