November 1958

Notice that the 1959 Thistle Year Book is in process and all Secretaries, Fleet and District representatives need to promptly and completely fill out and return their Annual Reports, which form the basis for the Year Book material.

Comprehensive account of the fifth annual High Sierra Thistle Series held at Huntington Lake, California, July 19-20, 1958, with 28 Thistles participating from fleets throughout California. Frank Marshall won the '58 Skipper series with good wind conditions prevailing.

Announcement of the 1959 Midwinter Championships to be held in St. Petersburg, Florida at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club January 29, 30, 31 with three races scheduled.

Report on New England's 1958 fall racing season, with 20 boats participating in the first scheduled day, winds forcing postponement, and smaller turnouts the following day with 12 diehard skippers racing in moderate conditions.

Important notice of changed registration procedures effective immediately, directing all Measurement and Registration Certificates for new and transferred Thistles to be sent to Secretary-Treasurer Miss Pollye Norton, establishing a centralized registration process.

Editorial commentary discussing various topics including race stories, the North-South Swimming Pool Championship, and the Thistle Class Association's growth and development potential.

Profile of newly elected Thistle Class Association President Douglas Westin, highlighting his education, family background, sailing experience since age eleven, and his contributions to the organization and sailing community.

Comprehensive coverage of New England's fall regatta season, including detailed reports from the Savin Hill, Port Clinton, Lake Champlain, and Atwood regattas, with race results and highlights from various competitions.

Opinion piece discussing the possibility of alternate hull materials for Thistles, noting that fiberglass has been conditionally authorized by the Board of Governors for licensing, with emphasis on equal performance standards and careful implementation.

Fleet news from Acton Lake in Hudson Woods State Park near Oxford, Ohio, reporting on a newly formed Hueston Sailing Association conducting handicap racing with Thistles and regatta held on October 19th.

Technical article addressing the problem of rudder control and steering in Thistle sailboats, discussing various locking mechanisms and the practical solution of using a bolt through the rudder post.

Regatta report covering the Port Clinton week-end races in October with 21 Thistles competing, featuring reports of race conditions, notable finishes, and social events including Saturday buffet dinner and prize ceremony.

Report of the Huntington Fleet #35 Annual Invitational Regatta with results showing Elmer Richards taking first place. Ed Walsh finished second and John Torresen third, with detailed race results showing all 40 boats competing.

Report of the Harvest Moon regatta at Atwood Lake near Canton, Ohio, with detailed account of race conditions, leader changes, and dramatic finishes across two days of competition.

Report of Lake Champlain Club's first fall regatta featuring Ed Rust of Williamstown, Massachusetts winning with decisive performance in light airs and a triangular race course over Outer Bay.

Report of the Skip Boston licebreaker Series in Detroit with Skip Boston taking the overall victory over a field of 12 Thistles. Notable wins for various skippers including George Devlin and Herbert Mainwaring with details on race conditions.

Fleet news announcing new officers elected at Balboa Fleet 68's annual meeting and reporting the 1958 Fleet Championship results with John Daniell as Champion.

Fascinating technical feature describing the revolutionary two-blocked spinnaker launching method developed by Skipper Sinny Sinclair and his crew involving a new halyard system with creative pulley mechanics.

Report of the Lake Hopatcong Open Thistle Regatta held August 16-17, 1958 with Al Williams leading a large fleet of 34 boats to victory, demonstrating superior sailing ability in variable wind conditions.

Collection of classified advertisements and boat listings including complete Thistles for sale, boat parts, jewelry, and travel tips from sailors, as well as a humorous travel account about scenic drives.