November-December 1962

Historical overview of Midwinter Championship regatta locations and winners dating back to 1947. The championship began in Miami in 1948 and moved to St. Petersburg in 1956, becoming a beloved Thistle tradition with winners listed chronologically.

Howard Mead dominated the Fourth Annual Thistle Regatta at Lake Guntersville on October 13-14, winning both races. Seventeen boats participated with the third race cancelled due to lack of wind.

Fleet 68 of Newport Harbor announces their 1963 racing schedule with races scheduled for fall and winter months. Includes 1962 season standings showing Pfirrnman in first place with 175 points.

The seventh annual Heather Bowl Regatta at Red Dragon Canoe Club featured Pete Bordes and Elmer Richards tying for first place. Both shared the keeper trophy after a coin toss determined possession. The event offered challenging racing on the Delaware River.

Chief Measurer addresses several rule clarifications from the TCA Annual Meeting including spinnaker pole fittings, shroud tension devices, and bow eye regulations. Technical discussion of boat measurement standards and safety considerations.

Allen Cottle won the Gilman Fall Thistle Championships at Coronado Yacht Club in Southern California with 16-18 knot winds. Cottle led the entire third race while other competitors battled for position changes.

Story of Paukie (Thistle No. 1), the famous boat that won five National Championships under Sandy Douglass. Now with new skipper Stephen Klotz from Cowan Lake Fleet, the boat has become a multi-generational family project involving Harold and Lois Klotz and their son Steve.

Thistle Class Association President Elmer Richards introduces himself through a comprehensive biographical letter. Details his age, family, education, sailing experience, and vision for the class including controlled growth and emphasis on one-design characteristics.

Roger Brett of Kansas City won the Last Mark Regatta concluding Fleet No. 105's racing season at Lake Jacomo. Featuring varied weather conditions from 20 knots to calm, with Brett taking first place in the final race.

Ralph Kelley of Sacramento Fleet 97 won the invitational at Folsom Lake on October 27-28. Three races in light winds typical of the lake, with Kelley demonstrating superior performance through all races against competitors from three fleets.

Announcement and details of the 8th Thistle Winter Championship scheduled for January 29-31, 1963 at St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Features five modified gold cup races with prominent skippers expected to compete and comprehensive social program planned.

Detailed schedule for the 1963 Midwinter Championship regatta in St. Petersburg from January 28-31. Lists daily activities including races, meals, social events, and requests for boat registration.

Comprehensive technical article on preparing for and recovering from capsizing. Covers flotation requirements, buoyancy placement, specialized equipment, recovery procedures for different sail conditions, and crew coordination techniques based on experience at high altitude lakes.

Dick Sabin won the final invitational regatta at Palo Alto Yacht Club in November with moderate winds. Three races in triangular and windward-leeward courses showcased tactical sailing with position changes throughout each race.

Sixteen-year-old Spike Boston won the 6th Annual Naptown Thistle Invitational Regatta. A forty-boat fleet from six states competed in two days of races with varying wind conditions, ranging from moderate Saturday winds to six to fifteen mph on Sunday.

Eddie Golden won the third annual Lake Lanier Invitational Regatta with a record fleet of 26 boats. Golden's performance as Commodore of the Lake Lanier Sailing Club did not hinder his sailing success as he led throughout the three-race series.

The 1962 Hawaiian Invitational was sailed October 29-November 3 on Kaneohe Bay with visiting skippers from California and Kauai competing against local Hawaiian fleet. Despite typical trade wind expectations, the regatta featured variable light winds and strategic maneuvering.

Editor's request for photos of Thistles in action at regattas. Many requests are received for boat photos for publications, and the editor encourages readers to submit action photos for class publicity purposes.

TCA reminder regarding required elections and annual reports for fleet organizations. Elections must be held by December 1 each year and results filed within two weeks. Annual reports must be submitted to National Secretary-Treasurer in January.

Jim Miller finished the 1962 season with the highest score in Cleveland Yacht Club's Thistle Fleet No. 1. Includes complete season standings showing Miller narrowly ahead of John Wanenmacher in a competitive fleet.

Balboa Yacht Club held their Navy Day Regatta October 20-21 with Andy Littlejohn winning despite challenging conditions. Minimal wind and complex water conditions frustrated many competitors while Littlejohn navigated to victory.

Dues reminder for non-fleet members stating that 1963 dues are due with no billing sent. Members will only receive two more Bagpipe issues before being dropped from the mailing list unless dues are paid.

Association announcement explaining membership benefits and urging early payment of dues. The proposed change to make January 31 the penalty date for late payment is explained, along with membership fee schedules.

Classified advertisements and boat sales listings. Includes sails for sale, Thistle models, insurance services, wanted boats and equipment, and various Thistle boats and accessories for sale.