January-February 1963

The editor reflects on the Bagpipe's role as the official newsletter of the Thistle Class Association, discussing challenges in photo sourcing and the complexity of publishing schedules. He mentions the upcoming issue deadlines and appeals for reader contributions.

Ron Small advocates for inter-fleet and inter-district team racing among Thistle skippers, arguing it would be more exciting and maneuverable than individual competition. He discusses tactical advantages and suggests that team racing should be promoted within the Thistle class.

Walt Stubner (1124) won the 1963 Midwinter Championship at St. Petersburg, January 29-31, with an impressive performance including a first race victory. The results table shows detailed finishing positions for all competitors across five races.

A collection of post-race interviews with Midwinter Championship winners and competitors, featuring Walt Stubner, Ed Walsh, Skip Boston, Pete Bordes, and others discussing their racing tactics and experiences during the championship series.

A detailed narrative account of the informal tuneup races held on Monday before the Midwinter Championship series, describing wind conditions, sailing tactics, and memorable moments from competitors' racing experiences.

Coverage of specific Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon races during the Midwinter Championship, describing wind conditions, weather legs, and individual boat performances including notable achievements by Walt Stubner, Peter Hale, Dick Royce, and others.

Official minutes from an Executive Committee meeting held during the morning of January 31, recording decisions about the 1963 National Championship location, bylaw amendments regarding the governing system, and tie-breaking procedures.

Dick Royce provides a whimsical account of the winter musical activities at Oldsville featuring the orchestra and various musical groups arranged across a four-day sequence, with creative nicknames for the boats and humorous commentary on the proceedings.

A report on the growth of Fair Haven Yacht Club's Thistle Fleet #25, which has signed up most crews as active dues-paying members. The report highlights the Labor Day Classic regatta held in gale winds with three boats racing, and lists the winners of this event.

Dave Minton discusses recent changes to Thistle Class rules, including kick-up rudder modifications and dimension specifications for rudders. He clarifies technical details regarding buoyancy tanks and fiberglass hulls.

Comprehensive official minutes from the Governing Board meeting held January 28, 1963, covering membership classifications and dues, family ownership rules, measurement certificates, eligibility requirements, and various governance decisions regarding National and District championships.

Report on the Christmas Regatta at Newport, California, which drew 20 Thistles and saw John Thorn (1044) win decisively. The race results table shows placings across five races with details on wind conditions and notable performances.

Jack Sayre explains a simple method for turning a Thistle over in the garage for maintenance purposes using only pulleys and rope. The technique requires no special boat modifications and maintains safety by allowing the boat to rest on the gunnels.

David Fenn describes a practical modification to fix loose kick-up rudders that have proven problematic in rough water. His solution involves wiring the blade down, which prevents accidental upward movement while maintaining the safety feature for underwater contact.

Will Libby announces the availability of Thistle Class films covering activities from 1946 to 1962. These films are property of the Association and available on a free loan basis with a $15 deposit. Various film lengths and subjects are listed.

Technical continuation of the Measurer's Memo discussing buoyancy tank specifications, flotation calculations, and proper placement of stern buoyancy tanks in Thistle hulls, both wooden and fiberglass versions.

Early regatta dates and schedules for the 1963 sailing season, announcing upcoming spring and summer events across different regions and yacht clubs in preparation for the National Championships.

Collection of classified advertisements and boat listings including used sailboats, Thistle-specific boats for sale, Thistle insurance offerings, and maintenance services available to class members.