June 1960

Bill Walton claimed the Admiral Farragut Championships in a traditional Friday night regatta at the Concord Yacht Club near Knoxville, Tennessee, with excellent sailing conditions. Walton's dominant performance over the series established him as the season opener winner, while other sailors competed in multiple races with varying results.

The Thistle class faces a growing controversy over Schock's aluminum masts, which the TCA maintains are completely illegal for sanctioned events. President Evans Harrell issued a strong open letter denying the legality of aluminum spars, while class members reported problems including poor buoyancy and boats turning over.

Measurer George Devlin addresses a proposal to allow floating jib luff wires and a controversial round seam in sail stitching. He outlines technical considerations for limiting floating jib luff wire to maintain class integrity and control.

The Delta Sailing Club's annual carnival at McKellar Lake featured races for Thistles and other small boat classes, with Walton and Goldsmith continuing their strong performances. The competing fleets provided strong racing throughout the weekend event.

Lake Thistle Fleet No. 90 officially received its charter after expanding from one and one-half boats to six complete boats. The fleet was honored at a ceremony led by TCA President Ev Harrell, with charter members celebrating their official status.

The Rochester Canoe Club of Rochester, New York, and the TCA combined to score a significant publicity achievement by highlighting the Thistle's role in RCC's history. The Times-Union featured the Thistle as RCC's oldest sailing class.

A new sailing book by Stuart Walker provides detailed guidance on spinnaker handling and small boat racing techniques. The book contains practical advice for improving spinnaker skills through various weather conditions and maneuvers.

A comprehensive review of the new sailing techniques manual that has become essential reading for competitive sailors. The book combines expert knowledge from top sailors and includes practical advice on racing, starting, and boat handling for various wind conditions.

A news and letters column featuring diverse fleet updates including congratulations to the Bagpipe, new fleet registrations, schedule corrections, insurance reminders, and various class announcements from Thistle Association members nationwide.

Pete Bordes swept the three weekend Spring Series races at Milford, Connecticut, with excellent winds and competition. His "Maid of Pligh" finished with a perfect score of four victories under the best-four-out-of-six scoring system.

President Evans Harrell's comprehensive letter addresses the aluminum mast controversy by providing constitutional and procedural arguments against approving Schock's aluminum spars. He clarifies TCA policy on design changes and explains the required amendment process for any rule modifications.

A collection of classified advertisements and boat sales listings from Thistle owners and sailors offering boats, sails, accessories, and services including boats for sale, sailmaker services, and sailing equipment.