November-December, 1966

The Chief Measurer reflects on his role and responsibilities within the class. Discusses new specifications published in the yearbook, interpretation of class rules, and addresses practical issues such as hull number markings and fiberglass construction details.

Comprehensive questionnaire-based analysis of boat characteristics at the 1965 Nationals comparing wood versus fiberglass hulls, mast types, centerboard materials, and performance factors. Includes statistical tables and analysis of crew weight, hull weight, and finishing positions.

Details of the 1966 Thistle Mid-Winter Championships in St. Petersburg, Florida (February 20-23). Provides comprehensive event schedule including practice racing, three championship races, meals, parties, and trophy presentations.

Report of the Delta District Championship won by Mac Middlebrook. The series featured three races in varying wind conditions, with Middlebrook scoring a 1st, 4th, and 2nd place finish to claim the title.

Report on the LEW (Lake Erie West) Districts regatta held at North Cape Yacht Club in Toledo, Ohio. Bob White won the district championship, with detailed final standings provided.

Report on the 1966 Central Atlantic District Championship held at Annapolis, Maryland on July 16-17. W. Alexander (1591) won the series with steady sailing throughout, followed by W. Poole and J. Lassiter.

Report on Pacific Northwest District championships showing continued growth in boat quality and participation. Highlights include the Cannon Cup Regatta, Memorial Day Regatta at Eugene, and the PNW Districts at Yale Lake, Washington.

A sympathetic note for Ray McLeod and his wife Marilyn following an unfortunate accident during a regatta at Buckeye Lake, Ohio.

Jack Holzaepfel won the annual Damfull Regatta in Columbus, Ohio, tying on points with Thistle president Larry Haupt. Details of the fleet's performance and boat weight comparisons.

Ed Fracker won both the sailing and sailmaking competitions at Cleveland Yachting Club's 1966 Bagatelle Regatta in July, demonstrating prowess in a 60-boat fleet with challenging wind and sea conditions.

Bill Walton won the Lake Cowan Invitational Regatta in Ohio for the second consecutive year, continuing his winning streak in light to moderate winds.

Ed Walsh won the Governor's Cup Regatta at Riverton Yacht Club on the Delaware River. Walsh had won the fleet title on three previous occasions and extended his dominance.

Report on the Fair Haven Fun Affair regatta held on Lake Ontario. Gene Wood won the series, demonstrating that Thistle racing can be both competitive and enjoyable.

Twenty-three Thistles competed in the Fall Invitational Regatta at Huntington, New York. Posey lost in the opening encounter but recovered to win the series in a competitive event with excellent sailing conditions.

National Champion Walt Stubner garnered a first and third place to win the Westport invitational regatta. The event featured northwest winds causing collision and collision avoidance with significant boat-for-boat competitions.

In continuation of the East Coast Fall Series, twenty skippers arrived at Milford Y.C. on October 3 to participate in the "Last Chance" Regatta. Wind and weather conditions shifted multiple times throughout the day's racing.

The Second New England Fall Series Regatta was held at the Raritan Yacht Club in September. Art Gossard of RYC won the Gold Cup Course races with Ed Walsh and Ed Garfield of RVDCC placing second and third.

A perfect fall weekend welcomed 35 Thistles to the 11th Annual Heather Bowl Regatta on the Delaware River at Red Dragon Canoe Club in Edgewater Park, New Jersey in October.

Lake Michigan District Champion Roger Brett beat his close associate and rival Larry Haupt for the Jackson Yacht Club Hospitality Regatta held in October. The event drew 186 Thistle boats across three courses.

In a display of form that had dominated much of the 1965 racing season, Glen Clark swept three races in two days to win Kaneohe Yacht Club's annual Fall Invitational. Details of the three-race series with varying wind conditions and tactical decisions.

Collection of classified advertisements for Thistle sailboats, equipment, parts, and services including boat sales, sails, insurance, covers, rigging supplies, and other maritime products and services.