November-December, 1964

Describes a dramatic photo of Tom Williams (1499) sailing on a spinmaker reach during the Red Grant Regatta near Perth Amboy, New Jersey. The image captures the boat at maximum drive with the boom nearly touching the water as the boat lays over under full power.

Announces that the faithful Secretary-Treasurer, Honey Abramson, has moved from Urbana, Illinois to Chicago, and provides her new address for correspondence.

Reprints Bob Smith's commentary from the August issue of One-Design Yachtsman noting that the Thistle is the greatest all-around boat, with suggestions for fleet captains and secretaries to keep promotional materials handy for prospective Thistle buyers.

A feature presenting 1964 National Thistle Champion Peter Bordes, detailing his sailing background, philosophy of racing, and journey from the 1957 Nationals in Geneva to winning the championship. Includes anecdotes about other successful Thistle sailors and Bordes' diverse accomplishments.

A new column intended as a reader service where the Bagpipe will answer questions from Thistle sailors about sailing and racing problems.

Announces that the official mailing address for the Thistle Class Association has changed to Northbrook, Illinois.

Official minutes from the Thistle Class governing board meetings held during 1964, covering measurement proposals, ruling clarifications, class position on sail innovations, financial reports, nationals qualification changes, and various committee actions and votes.

The Chief Measurer discusses his ruling philosophy on sail innovations, emphasizing conservative specifications to prevent competitive advantage. Covers issues like synthetic materials, sail cloth weight, and centerboard specifications.

Photo essay analyzing fleet starting procedures in large Thistle fleets, showing three sequential photos at gun plus 10 seconds, gun plus 1 minute, and gun plus 1.5 minutes, with analysis of boat positions and windward mark tactics.

Article by a veteran Thistle sailor on glass boat design, comparing them favorably to plywood Thistles for rescue and handling procedures. Covers advantages in swamping situations and practical safety considerations for crew.

Brief congratulations to two members of the Thistle Class who were married during the 1964 sailing season, with details of one couple's plans to stabilize their crew situation.

A humorous poem written by two groomsmen as a lament from the boat (Brim, #1573) on losing its skipper to marriage.

Detailed schedule for the 1965 St. Petersburg Midwinters regatta held February 14-18 at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, including registration, races, meals, and social events.

District championship race results from four different district competitions, showing standings for multiple Thistle sailors and their placements.

Report on the Niagara Frontier District championship won by Dean Parker, with details about the challenging racing conditions and multiple races.

Account of the Hawaiian Invitational Regatta where mainland Thistle sailors Larry Haupt, Ralph Kelley, and Warner Giles led a group in competition against local Hawaii fleets, with detailed race reports.

Report on the High Sierra Regatta at Lake Huntington, California, where Tom Beckham won despite high altitude conditions and challenging weather.

Report on Labor Day sailing competition in the Delta District near Houston and Galveston, Texas, with details about the course and competitive field.

Report on the women's division of the St. Petersburg Thistle Regatta where female skippers swept the top three places, with details about the racing and commentary on the significance.

Report on the Central States Sailing Association Labor Day Regatta at Lake Jacomo near Kansas City, where Larry Haupt won the competition.

Report on the Cape May regatta where Ed Walsh won against tough competition, with details about the racing conditions and results.

Report on Quincy Bay Race Week where Hatch Brown and Dr. Walter Collins won the Thistle Class competition, with details of the competitive racing.

Collection of classified advertisements for Thistle sailboats, sails, equipment, insurance services, and related boating merchandise. Includes advertisements for custom boat covers, marine products, and various Thistle listings for sale.