November-December 1962

Sinclair reflects on swimming in a Thistle near St. Petersburg and traces the history of the Midwinter Championship, which evolved from informal gatherings to a major regatta held annually.

A chronological list of Midwinter Championship winners from December 1947 through February 1962, showing the development of the regatta and the sailors who competed.

Howard Mead won both races of the Fourth Annual Thistle Regatta at Lake Guntersville on October 13-14, demonstrating his continued dominance of South Atlantic Thistle racing.

Newport Harbor Fleet 68 announces their 1963 racing schedule beginning with Fall Regatta in September and continuing through the winter months with various regattas and competitions.

The seventh annual Heather Bowl Regatta at Red Dragon Canoe Club on the Delaware River featured two races in challenging tidal conditions. Pete Bordes and Elmer Richards tied for first place, with Bordes winning the keeper trophies and securing bragging rights.

Measurer Dave Minton clarifies several technical matters resulting from the TCA Annual Meeting, including rulings on spinnaker pole fittings, bow toggle arrangements, and other equipment specifications that affect Thistle class racing.

Allen Cottle won the Gilman Fall Thistle Championships at Coronado Yacht Club, overcoming challenging wind conditions and competition from other top sailors through superior tactical sailing and boat handling.

The article recounts the history of Paukie (Thistle No. 1), a pioneering Thistle in Kansas that acquired its third skipper, Stephen Klotz. It chronicles the boat's development, various skippers, and the colorful stories of her racing history and notable crew members.

President Elmer Richards introduces himself and his background, including personal information, educational and professional accomplishments, sailing experience, and his vision for the Thistle Class Association's growth and organization.

Roper Brett won the Last Mark Regatta at Lake Jacomo with his boat No. 1481, featuring beautiful weather and close racing with Walton finishing second and other competitors rounding out the results.

Ralph Kelley won the Folsom Lake Invitational hosted by Sacramento Thistle Fleet 97, with thirteen boats from three fleets competing. The regatta featured challenging conditions with wind strength changes affecting race tactics and outcomes.

Announcement for the 1963 Thistle Winter Championship regatta scheduled for January 29-30-31 at St. Petersburg Yacht Club, featuring 5 races on a modified Gold Cup course with visiting dignitary skippers from across the U.S.A.

Detailed daily schedule and activities for the St. Petersburg Midwinters regatta, featuring race times, meals, and special evening entertainments including TCA meeting and pleasure cruises.

Tom Goodwin provides comprehensive technical advice on preparing a Thistle for capsize recovery and describes various methods for preventing water ingress and maintaining floatation, based on his practical experience and accident analysis.

Dick Sabin won the final invitational at Palo Alto Yacht Club sailed in moderate winds on November 11. The race featured triangular courses with multiple lead changes and tactical duels among top competitors before Sabin secured victory.

Sixteen-year-old Spike Boston, from the Boston Yacht Sail Co. family, competed in the sixth annual Naptown Thistle Invitational Regatta at Indianapolis, finishing near the top of a 40-boat fleet racing in moderate winds.

The 1962 Hawaiian Invitational Regatta was sailed October 29 through November 3 on beautiful Kaneohe Bay with visiting skippers from the mainland competing against local boats in trade wind conditions.

Eddie Golden led the 19 Thistles to record fleet at the third annual Lake Lanier Invitational Regatta. His responsibilities as Commodore of the Lake Lanier Sailing Club didn't hinder his quest for the Carling Trophy.

Editorial note requesting photographs of Thistles and sailors for publication in The Bagpipe. The editor notes that action photos and regatta documentation help chronicle the class activities.

Classified advertisements featuring boat sales, equipment for sale, sails and fittings, insurance options, and various Thistle-related services and products available to the class.