September, 1954

William W. (Bill) Heintz of Cumberstone, Md., was elected president of the Thistle Class Association for 1954-55. He succeeds Ron Small, with administration beginning October 1. New officers were also elected, including Jack O'Shea as Secretary-Treasurer and Harry Sindle as Second Vice President.

Howard Boston of Mt. Clemens, Michigan won the 1954 National Championship at Fenwick, Connecticut over the largest fleet in class history. Boston's skilled seamanship and the favorable 11½-point edge on his closest competitor enabled him to win decisively in challenging conditions.

Howard Boston sailing his Monsawee took second place in corrected time in the One-Of-A-Kind Series at Hiverulle, Connecticut. The four-race handicap event was won by a British built 5-0-5 sailed by Eric Oliver, with Harry Sindle and Sandy Douglass serving as Boston's crew.

A proposed amendment to Article XXXI, Paragraph 1 of the Association's By-Laws that would change hull numbering from prior to construction to final delivery was defeated at the Annual Meeting in August.

The Association's membership voted to require retention of keel moldings and centerboard shoes on all Thistles, rejecting a proposal to allow their removal. This ensures uniformity of the structural shape shown on official plans.

Bob Gallagher's dramatic battle with a floating mark during the 1953 Nationals at Racine showcased the chaos of mark rounding in challenging conditions. Despite the mark becoming entangled with his boat, Gallagher managed to free himself and complete the course successfully.

Fleet 1 sailed at the Cleveland Yacht Club over July 31-August 1 in challenging and unpredictable weather. Harvey Busch won the Bagatelle Trophy race with impressive sailing. The fleet experienced the largest and most successful Thistle picnic and the highest attendance at the Dinners' Club.

Francis "Libaine" Loche (277) won the Marblehead Challenge bowl from Olive Carpe, another of the Americas Race Week trophies. Ron Small, TCA President, was sailing Arnold Glazebrook's Haggis 674, which finished second for the week.

During the 1954 National Championships, one boat owner discovered his anchored Thistle was missing after a boat dragged and was lifted ashore. He retrieved it from a nearby trail and alerted authorities. The incident highlights the hazards of securing boats during a regatta.

A collection of boat sales listings and equipment for sale from Thistle Class members, including several completed boats and used sailing equipment in various conditions across different locations.

Fritz Keetor has designed and built a new mooring raft that addresses concerns raised in recent newsletters. The innovative design features removable rollers and a galvanized pulley system, making it easier to launch boats while maintaining structural integrity.

Al Williams won the 1954 U.S. District Championships at Sayville Yacht Club over Long Island's Great South Bay in August. The three-race series was closely contested, with many noted skippers and race champions from various fleets competing. Williams defeated several ranked competitors to capture the title.

The Thistle Class received the trophy for the largest entry in the 61st Inter-Lake Regatta at Put In Bay in August. Harvey Busch won the event from a fleet of 24 Thistles. The standings reflect strong performances in light to brisk conditions with standouts including George Butte, Tony Herrmann, and Harry Spangenberg.

Editor John H. Stevens announces his retirement after twelve months and introduces Harry Sindle as the new editor of The Bagpipe. Stevens thanks the membership for their patience and support and expresses confidence in Sindle's ability to continue the publication.

Dave Minton won the Put In Bay Steeplechase, a seven-mile race from Sandusky to Put In Bay. The race was introduced for the first time as a prelude to the annual Put In Bay Regatta on August 7. George Butts and Tony Herrmann finished second and third respectively.

A humorous collection of sailing-related quotes and observations about crew duties and life as a second fiddle, touching on topics from boat maintenance to marriage certificates and sailing terminology.