August 1957

The Nationals will be held for the first time at Seneca Lake in Geneva, New York at the famed Finger Lakes. Planning has begun with measurements, board meetings, and the traditional awards banquet scheduled for Friday.

Fleet No. 48 in Atlanta has donated a trophy in memory of Jack O'Shea to be known as the President's Cup, awarded to the highest scorer in the last three races of the Nationals. Additional trophies are also being provided for the next five years.

On July 20-21, the Thistle Atlantic Coast Championship was held at Larchmont Yacht Club, featuring representatives from seven states and over fourteen different fleets. The races showcased varying wind conditions and competitive sailing, with Dennis Posey ultimately winning the championship.

Details the official measurement procedures for all Thistle sloops intending to sail in the 1957 Nationals, including specifications for spinmakers, mainsails, masts, booms, centerboards, rudders, and the limitations on modifications.

Responses to reader inquiries about measurement procedures and technical questions regarding sail plans and boat specifications for Thistle racing.

Continuation of the Atlantic Coast Championship race report, detailing the final stages of racing and competitive positions among top sailors.

Dennis Posey wins his second consecutive Atlantic Coast Thistle Championship, demonstrating his skill against competitors like Gallagher and Merrick.

Summer 1957 racing report for Thistle Fleet 36, with 13 boats participating. The series results showed Doug Gibb winning the championship. Race results and standings are included.

Report on the 1956 racing season for Thistle Fleet 22 with very competitive, sharp racing. The club held weekly races and inter-district competition, with 14 races counting for the season championship.

At Lake Hopatcong, Al Williams won the racing with fast sailing, beating Bob Duff and Jim Williams by a safe margin. Sunday's lighter winds and working of the sea provided for good sailing conditions.

Continuation of a historical column about Jack Meyer, a Boston sailmaker, recounting stories about his boat and sailing adventures from the past.

Bob Duff proved himself a well-rounded racer by winning his first District championship in both light and heavy going, capturing first in the July 6-7 Perth Amboy Regatta and scoring multiple wins.

Classified listings for Thistle sailboats and equipment for sale, including boats built by Douglas and McLeod, racing-equipped vessels, and various gear.

Report on the New England District Championships during Marblehead Race Week (July 19-27), including racing conditions, competitor performance, and the competitive spirit that made it the year's highlight event.

Bill Bruch, a Navy helicopter pilot, sailed Wave No. 918 to victory over a fleet of 27 Thistles at Newport Harbor in California. The series featured challenging wind conditions and was sponsored by the Newport Harbor Thistle Fleet.

Report on the New Jersey Governor's Cup Regatta at Riverton Y.C., noting the unusual anchor-throwing contest feature and describing the spirited competition among participating boats.

Report on the South Atlantic Districts regatta held at Old Hickory Lake in Nashville, Tennessee, with detailed race results showing Howard Mead winning the championship.

Bill Mangold with Louis Schowe and Don Rowe as crew won the 10th Annual Gaboon Race for a battered old schooner. The race was a 40-mile old Royal Gaboon with multiple class entries and showcased various sailing skills.

Report on the Heather Bowl Regatta at Red Dragon Canoe Club in Edgewater Park, New Jersey, featuring competitive sailing and final standings with Al Williams winning the championship.

Report on the Lake Erie District Championships held July 13-14 off Rocky River in Lake Erie, with detailed race results and standings. Jim Hendrickson sailing "Black Jack" won the championship.

Continuation of the historical column about the sailboat industry, discussing technical developments and marketing practices in the Thistle boat building industry.

Report on the Leatherips Yacht Club regatta with 63 Thistles competing in the Comets and Penguins divisions. Jim Townsend of Kiser Lake won with several other competitors finishing close behind.

Technical column about the proper use and tightening of the boom vang to prevent mast damage and improve boat control during sailing.

Information about the artwork "Breezing Up" by the artist Yngve Ed. Sorderberg and prints available at a discount from the original Thistle handbook.