September-October 1960

Bruce Goldsmith and his wife Pam sailed their Thistle 'Pearlshape' to win the 1960 National Thistle Championship held at the Detroit Sail Yacht Club in August. The boat, with scratched paint and an old set of orlon sails, proved superior in the fleet despite its weathered appearance. Goldsmith's extensive racing experience in the Nipper and Rocket classes contributed to his success.

The Thistle Class Governing Board met during Nationals Week and addressed several hard policy decisions affecting class rules. Key resolutions included suspending one competitor from TCA 1960 events, censuring the Central Atlantic district, issuing new charters to fleets, amending by-laws regarding TCA officers sailing, establishing aluminum spars restrictions, and discussing National Championship regatta size limitations.

The 1960 Annual Meeting of the TCA established new officers and approved several important resolutions and policy changes, including standardization of boat measurements and approval for experimental aluminum spars to extend through 1961 Nationals.

Describing variable wind conditions at a Mystic Boat Club regatta on July 9-10, the article details how light winds and ocean currents affected the two-race event, with detailed analysis of each race outcome.

Al Walsh defeated Ed Walsh to win the Perth Amboy Yacht Club New Jersey District Championships, with Al sailing at home in the defending and perennial champion's home waters and edging out both Noel Cram and the experienced fleet.

Al Williams and his one-man crew Nelson Macan defeated 42 skippers from six districts to win the annual Atlantic Coast championships held for the first time on lower New York Bay, sponsored by the Richmond County Yacht Club of Great Kills.

Harry White from Pymantung Yacht Club sailed his white boat to win the 1960 Great Lakes Thistle championship held at Erie Yacht club on July 23-24. Perfect sailing weather kept the lucky break factor minimal while his experienced crew and boat handling proved decisive.

Eighteen Thistles representing all four districts competed in the New England District championship series held at Winthrop, Massachusetts. The three-race series, enlivened by significant ocean traffic, featured competitive sailing over a six-mile triangle course.

A new light blue Thistle named 'Mistress' piloted by Ray McKee won the Hawaiian Thistle Championship races at Kanaeohe Bay. The boat, a recent addition to the fleet, demonstrated superiority in five days of competition with consistent performance.

George Butts of Sandusky Sailing club piloted his yellow Thistle 'Pileup' to an unsquested victory in the Lake Erie District championships held July 9 and 10 in Sandusky. Butts took first in the first race and demonstrated consistent performance throughout the series.

Bruce Goldsmith sailed off with the Lake Michigan District championships at Decatur, Illinois on July 30-31, with Roger Brett second and Bill Walton third. Goldsmith's success continues his winning streak across multiple district championships in 1960.

Twelve Thistles from all four fleets in the Delta district competed in the District championship near Austin, Texas on July 16-17. Despite poor wind conditions, Metcalf demonstrated superior boat handling to win while the fleet experienced frustration with variable conditions.

A letter to the editor from Bill Friel discussing the 'Bagpipe' newsletter's coverage and classification of East Coast fleet activities, arguing for better regional representation and noting the magazine's efforts to remain comprehensive.

Thistles were given a friendly welcome to Pymatuning as they arrived for the club's thirtieth annual Thistle Lightning Invitational regatta. Fleet 31 hosted incoming yachtsmen in a party, and Frank Russell proved first place finishes against competing skippers.

The Concho Yacht Club celebrated the Fourth of July with a three-day regatta. Going west on a surprise visit, three new members of the Highland Lakes Thistle fleet opened Fleet 91's sailing season with boats fresh from the workshop.

Bill Walton took top honors in the Thistle class at the State Regatta held Labor Day weekend in Springfield, Illinois at Island Bay Yacht Club. The event featured 124 sailboats in seven classes with Bruce Goldsmith placing third.

A regatta report from Long Island with race results and finishing order from the event.

A record fleet of 31 Thistles participated in the District Regatta at Lake Lanier, where Mead retained his district title with serious competition coming from Dr. Kaigh Smith and others. The first race Saturday morning featured a close competition.

A classified section featuring boat sales, insurance offerings, jewelry, and equipment for Thistle sailors. Multiple boats are listed for sale with various conditions, features, and prices ranging from used models to recently refinished vessels.

Chuck and Berard Wiley, having won all but one of the regatta and Central Atlantic championship titles, were favored to clinch the Chesapeake Bay high point championship as Thistle veterans. Detailed analysis of their sailing dominance and competitors' strategies.

The South Atlantic district's 'Five Flags Regatta' drew only four boats, resulting in a three-way tie for first place between Wheat Cleveland, Kaighen Smith and Hank Reichle after three races.

Elmer Richards of Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club won the annual open regatta on July 16-17, posting finishes of 10-1-1 to edge the Hopatcong Fleet Cup. The event hosted visiting skippers from Connecticut, New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Fair Haven Yacht Club hosted the Niagara Frontier districts regatta with 37 boats registered from Fair Haven Yacht Club, Rochester Canoe Club, Canadaigua Seneca, Niagara Sailing Club and Ithaca. The regatta featured three races over a Gold Cup course with varying wind conditions.

The annual 'last Chance' Regatta at Milford Yacht Club formally ending the racing season was held in excellent weather on Sept. 24 and 25. Pete Bordes took his third straight weekend victory in the last weekend series, constituting the Northeast championship.

An editorial discussing the past year of Bagpipe coverage and reflecting on the role of the newsletter in the Thistle community. The author considers developments in boat design and philosophy regarding the class's future direction.

Evans Harrell, TCA President, welcomes Fleet 95 into the Thistle fold. He notes the growth of the class and expresses optimism about expanding fleet activities, inviting members to participate in upcoming events.