January-February 1962

Editorial encouraging class members to pay their annual dues. Membership provides newsletters, community, technical support, and regatta participation opportunities. Dues structure varies by membership category.

President Devlin announces appointments to the Executive Committee and the measurement committee. These committees include prominent members responsible for governance and boat measurement standards.

Administrative note explaining new procedures for duplicate measurement certificates. The association is creating permanent records for all registered boats. Owners are requested to submit blank certificate copies to complete the file.

Race report from the 1962 Thistle Midwinter Championship held at St. Petersburg. Ed Sherman Jr. won overall, with Pete Bordes second and Magnus Pedersen third. Includes detailed race standings for all 40 boats and commentary on the competition.

Fleet news reports from Thistle associations across the country. Reports include fleet championships, participation numbers, and notable accomplishments from various regional Thistle fleets.

Classified advertisements and marketplace listings including boats for sale, equipment, accessories, and services related to Thistle sailing.

Governing Board announces that the 1962 National Championship will be held at Richmond County Yacht Club in Staten Island, New York, August 20-24. Also describes new Nationals procedures and approvals of regional championship events.

Chief Measurer Dave Minton reports a formal protest filed against boat #1361 owned by Jerry Milgram of Brookline, Massachusetts. The protest concerns differences in shear line height and removal of transom gratings.

Detailed proposal by Pete Bordes for restructuring the National Championship format. The proposal uses a divisional system to increase participation while managing fleet size limitations and maintaining competitive integrity across all races.

Race report from the annual Sugar Bowl Regatta held at Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans. John Martin (boat 876) achieved a perfect 1-1-1 finish to win the event. Also includes results for other Thistle boats in the regatta.

Humorous short story about sailing on the Ohio River during calm conditions. A skipper and crew struggle against an unexpected tug boat with barges that passes, leaving them in the doldrums to paddle back to the dock.

Reflective article on downwind racing tactics and the challenges of running with spinnakers. Includes anecdote about racing on Diamond Lake and discusses an incident with an unexpected romantic distraction during a race.

Preview of scheduled regattas for the 1962 sailing season. Lists upcoming championship and invitational events with dates, locations, and contact information.

Letter to the editor from Bill Shock submitting a humorous photo of a capsized Thistle on the California coast. Ned Jacoby provides details of the incident during a winter regatta at Balboa Yacht Club.

Humorous poem celebrating the birth of a child to a Thistle sailor family. Playfully describes the sailing life that awaits the newborn.