February, 1959

Howard Boston's boat (111) with crew Manawaca, Lolly, and George Devlin won the Second Annual Boston Tea Party regatta held January 30th at St. Petersburg Yacht Club, winning the midwinter trophy by a 1.5-point margin. The race featured unusual weather conditions including fog and challenging sailing conditions in light winds.

The Admiral Farragut Championships for 1959 are scheduled for May 2 and 3 at Fort Loudon Lake at Knoxville, Tennessee, sponsored by Fleet 45 of the Concord Yacht Club. This is described as a great opportunity for those wishing to get their boats in shape for a weekend with good company.

A brief notice from the Secretary-Treasurer reminding members that 1959 dues are overdue and must be received by April 1st to avoid penalty. Members are warned of the risk of missing a yearbook issue if dues remain unpaid.

Official record of the Thistle Class Governing Board meeting held January 28, 1959 at St. Petersburg Yacht Club, covering budget approval, sail plan clarifications, fiberglass boat evaluation procedures, trophy matters, and amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws regarding dues collection and delinquent members.

Editorial commentary from the editor addressing the complexities of Thistle sailing and the Midwinters, noting that definitive sail plans are now set, discussing fiberglass boat evaluation processes, and encouraging dues payment to maintain membership benefits.

Race results scoreboard from the Second Annual Boston Tea Party Midwinter Championships held at St. Petersburg, showing boat numbers, skipper names, and point totals for 30 boats across multiple races.

Discussion of the Governing Board's consideration of fiberglass Thistles for evaluation purposes, noting that one boat is available through Ray McLeod and that clarification of procedures is needed before further decisions can be made.

The Memphis Cotton Carnival Regatta has been scheduled for May 9-10, 1959 at McKellar Lake in Memphis, sponsored by the Delta Sailing Club. The Thistle Fleet 72 extends an invitation to all Thistlers to attend and participate, with motel and hotel reservations available.

The eighth annual Dixie Regatta, held by Fleet 48 of the Atlanta Yacht Club on May 30-31, 1959. The event features three race days with Saturday morning races starting at 10:30, with provisions for out-of-town skippers seeking free lodging in privately-owned cabins at the club.

Classified advertisements and marketplace listings for Thistle sailboats, sails, fittings, jewelry, and related maritime equipment from various owners and sellers across the United States.

A photograph of the Hawaiian Fleet 76's anchorage showing boats in Kaneohe Bay with the Koolau Range mountains in the background.

Notice regarding the 1959 Thistle Year Book currently in production. Editors Ev Harrell and Ron Small request that all Secretaries and Fleet representatives submit their Annual Reports promptly, noting that missing reports will result in blank spaces in the yearbook.