January-February 1964

A busted crank incident sparked the creation of an impromptu regatta held on beautiful Lake Peoria in the Illinois Valley. The event was sponsored by Fox Hole Fleet 95 and featured racing that resulted in humorous prizes from a drenched bar.

Announcement of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club hosting the seventeenth Thistle Midwinter Regatta in February 1964, the ninth time the venue has hosted the event. Information about logistics and the regatta program is provided.

Editorial note about the cover photograph featuring Bill Bell, the 19-year-old skipper of boat #41 in the Thistle Fleet, photographed while winning races and serving as fleet champ.

Secretary's reminder about the importance of submitting fleet report forms by the January 31 deadline and explaining the roster compilation process for the Thistle Class.

Glenn Clark wins the Hawaiian championship in a six-race series at Kaneohe Bay, with Tom Carpenter finishing second. The article describes the exciting match race competition and includes detailed race results showing the close competition between the top skippers.

Report on the acceptance of Cleveland Yacht Club's bid to host the 1964 National Championship at Rocky River, Ohio. Multiple clubs bid including Erie, St. Petersburg, and Balboa.

Humorous puzzle article about the Cettr, described as a unique transport method for taking Thistles long distances. The authors cleverly describe a cartopping solution using a Cincinnati rig designed to transport boats.

Report on the annual Fall Gold Cup Series held at Newport Harbor Yacht Club in November, featuring thirteen skippers competing in challenging conditions and resulting in Bob Smith winning the series.

Announcement that Ned Lockwood has been appointed to edit the 1964 Thistle Class roster, with an early deadline needed to prepare material for the printer before the spring rush of class yearbooks.

Notice to non-fleet members that 1964 dues are due and that the newsletter will be dropped from the mailing list unless payment is received.

Chief Measurer discusses centerboard measurements, noting differences in new measurements and adopted tolerances. The article covers specific dimension changes and explains measurement procedures for various boat parts.

Report on the Diamond Jubilee Regatta held on Diamond Lake in Cassopolis, Michigan, where Bill Borough won the event. The article includes race results and information about participating fleets.

Report on Ann Gilmore winning the Fleet 53 championship at St. Petersburg with crew Ed Willis and Doug Halsey, who also won previous championship races.

Announcement of the Midwinter Championship being held February 3-4-5-6, 1964 at St. Petersburg Yacht Club Thistle Fleet 53. Lists the committee chairmen and notes an outstanding entertainment program is planned.

Article featuring the top five skippers at the National Championship discussing their sail configurations. Ed Walsh, Jack Wanenmacher, Denny Posey, and others describe their mainsail, jib, and spinnaker choices and the conditions under which they use them.

Call for members to pay their Thistle Class Association dues. Explanation of different membership levels and benefits, including receiving improved Bagpipe publication during 1964.

Comprehensive historical article tracing the bagpipe instrument from its origins in ancient times through various cultures, including Scottish and Irish traditions, to its use in military bands and its cultural significance.

List of newly registered Thistle owners with their locations and Thistle numbers.

Announcement of a Thistle Fleet 41 meeting to discuss upgrading racing performance and expanding skipper participation in local and national races. Includes detailed information about proposed race divisions and structure.

Biographical profile continuation of Ted Himsworth, the Thistle Association President, covering his background, career, and involvement with the sport and Class.

Personal account of a female skipper's first experience attending and sailing in the National Championship, describing the excitement and appeal of Thistle racing.

Humorous narrative account of trailering a Thistle sailboat from Kansas to Chicago and then to Staten Island for the National Championship, describing the logistics, challenges, and adventures of the journey.

Jack Wyatt's account of salvaging an almost impossible lost series in Kaneohe Bay Thistle Fleet 76 August Regatta through consistent sailing, with detailed race analysis showing the competitive dynamics and final results.

Continuation of articles about the 1963 National Championship regatta at Great South Bay, including details about sailing techniques, boat setups, and navigation challenges encountered during the competition.

Continuation of the trailering narrative describing races at the Nationals, tactical sailing decisions, wind conditions, and various racing incidents involving spinnakers and boat positioning.

Report on Glenn Clark winning the September Classic regatta in Kaneohe Bay with a two-point lead, competing against top skippers Jack Wyatt, Harris Turner, Tom Carpenter and Page Anderson.

News brief announcing that the Executive Committee has accepted Cleveland Yacht Club's bid to host the 1964 National Championship with discussion of hometown competition and previous National champions.

Editorial request for fleet secretaries to submit regatta information for publication in upcoming issues, with specific publication deadlines provided.

Product information about styrofoam stern flotation blocks for Thistle boats, with details about materials and pricing.

Compilation of classified advertisements and marketplace listings for Thistle-related boats, equipment, insurance, and services throughout the issue.