March, 1955

The Midwinter Championship Regatta in Sarasota, Florida was hampered by cold weather, but eleven hardy Thistlers competed across four races. Bill Mangold in Hot Canary won decisively, with Mrs. Ferrie Ranney second and Bill Timmis third. Heavy weather caused multiple mast failures and capsizes including damage to boats piloted by Sandy Douglass and Jack Beachem.

The Thistle Class Association is conducting an advertising campaign to finance the yearbook. Members are encouraged to make personal contacts with prospective advertisers. Advertising rates are provided for quarter page ($22.50), half page ($35.00), full page ($60.00), and front or back cover ($100.00).

Various classified advertisements for boats for sale, sails, boat equipment, and related services. Also includes extensive directory of prospective advertisers for the Thistle Yearbook across categories including sail makers, insurance providers, paint manufacturers, boat trailers, and miscellaneous suppliers.

Dick Deaver won the Southern California Yachting Association's Annual Mid-winter Regatta held at Los Angeles on February 19. Earl Simon took second and Neal Allen third among eight Thistles competing in conditions with winds averaging over twenty miles per hour.

The Rochester Canoe Club, home of Fleet 46, held its annual Award Dinner on November 13 with Bob Hurtzell installed as Commodore. Dave Allyn won the Founder's Trophy as Fleet 46 champion. Special humorous awards were presented to members of the Submarine Fleet.

Ron Small at Mayflower Court in Huntington, Long Island is collecting information and photographs for the new Thistle Yearbook. Members are urged to send glossy black-and-white photos before the approaching deadline.

The Governing Board has established rules for chartering boats at the National Championship Regatta. Detailed procedures outline how distant skippers can request chartered boats, including fees, requirements, and conditions for boat operation and return.

The second annual Atlantic Coast Championship Regatta will be held June 18-19 at Lavallette Yacht Club in New Jersey. The central New Jersey location offers moderate winds and tidal conditions ideal for racing, with excellent facilities and proximity to multiple regional regattas allowing sailors to attend multiple events in one trip.

The Lake Erie District held its annual meeting at Rocky River, Ohio on February 13, 1955. Members voted to limit entries in the District Championship Series and discussed coordinating regional regattas to reduce travel burdens. The district championships will be held at Rocky River on July 23-24.

Members are urged to complete and return the annual dues slip included with the issue, regardless of payment status. Accurate membership records are needed to determine representation quotas for the National Championship and other official purposes.

A partial list of scheduled Thistle regattas across multiple regions for 1955, with dates and locations ranging from June through September. The list is incomplete but provides sailing enthusiasts with ideas for travel destinations and timing.

The Chief Measurer discusses problems with standard halyard sheaves on the mast that can cause damage and jamming. He proposes that a larger sheave diameter extending properly into the groove would solve these issues while remaining compliant with class rules.

Several sailors and fleets have expressed interest in legalizing hiking straps in Thistle boats. The author notes that the time is ripe for an official motion to be submitted by a fleet to move this proposal forward.

Dave Minton was reelected Fleet Captain of the Thistle Fleet at Leatherlips Yacht Club, with Hap Nelson serving as Fleet Secretary. A regatta is being planned for early June at the club.