January-February 1967

The Editor announces publication of Frank McLane's letter addressing communication gaps and emphasizes the importance of fair coverage across all districts. The Editor commits to publishing regatta stories promptly and acknowledges the responsibility of fleet secretaries to ensure proper coverage.

McLane expresses appreciation for Bagpipe coverage but requests inclusion of all regatta results from Florida Thistles, noting that many other skippers deserve recognition. He sends several regatta result lists and expresses hope that Thistles can find space to include them.

The article introduces the newly elected Thistle Class Association officers for 1967, with photographs and biographical information. The officers include President Dave Minton, Vice President Tom Wilson, Vice President/Measurer Art Menke, and Chief Measurer Ted Himsworth, along with district secretaries for various regions.

Himsworth provides news about MG Co. in San Angelo as an approved builder and discusses new tolerances at St. Pete in 1966. He addresses the NAYRU appeal decision on shifting ballast rules and provides guidance on the new Measurer's Ruling 34, emphasizing proper procedures for skippers regarding shifting ballast.

This section provides various notices including Thistle dues information from LBJ, announcements about yacht racing at Mid-Winters, governing board meetings, the 1967 Thistle Class Yearbook editor appointment, and several regatta date announcements.

The TCA Executive Committee has approved holding the 1967 National Championship Regattas at the Mentone Yacht Club in Mentor Harbor from August 14-18, 1967. This will be held at the same location as the Mid-Winter Championships in 1956, home of Thistle Fleet No. 8.

The article reports on the establishment of three new Thistle districts and reactivation of seven fleet chapters during 1966. It provides details on the Charleston Thistle Fleet, new fleets in the Rocky Mountains, and other emerging sailing communities with Thistles.

Stubner provides a comprehensive technical review of Thistle sail aerodynamics, examining the properties of Dacron sail cloth and how sail design affects performance. The article covers topics including sail panel construction, jib airfoil design, and optimization strategies for different wind and sea conditions.

Continuation of the sail aerodynamics article, focusing on selecting jib airfoil shapes for different wind and sea conditions, and discussing how jib geometry can be varied to optimize performance.

An advertisement and article noting that Thistle boats equipped with Thomas sails achieved five top-ten finishes at the 1966 Thistle Nationals. It highlights the reason for the success being the use of Thomas sails and floating luff wire technology.

Lamb reports on Eddie Sherman's return to competitive Thistle racing, chronicling his victory at the Veterans Day Regatta at Boca Ceiga and his subsequent performance at the Davis Island Thanksgiving Regatta, where Sherman ultimately prevailed in a competitive series.

Burnett reports on the Twelfth Annual Ohio Valley Sailing Championship held at Louisville Sailing Club on the Ohio River, where Larry Haupt emerged as champion after a competitive weekend. The article includes race results and details on the various competitors.

Richards reports on the East Coast Fall Series regattas held across several districts in 1966. Walt Stubner won the overall series for the second consecutive year, with competition from throughout the East Coast. The article provides results from six scheduled regattas.

Strehlow reports on the Broken-Crank Regatta held at the Ivy Club in Peoria, Illinois, the last regatta of the Midwest season. Marlin Abramson won the first race, followed by a competitive series with various winners emerging.

Murphy reports on the Second Annual Sandlubber Regatta at Lake Thomas in Texas, where Willig emerged as the winner after a close and competitive series involving seven Thistles from various fleets.

Shaw recounts the dramatic Duke Kahanamoku Invitational in Hawaii, detailing how Clark and Shaw narrowly escaped DNF finishes during the races. The article chronicles the various misadventures and technical issues that nearly prevented them from competing.

Shaw describes the biennial Hawaiian Invitational Regatta held in conjunction with Honolulu's Aloha Week Festival. The article details the competitive racing and ultimate outcome, with Shaw's crew achieving top honors despite the challenging conditions.

Calhoun reports on the centennial "Hundred and Twentieth Fourth Weekend" sailing event at Lake Norman in October 1966. Ed Walsh, a two-time National Champion, won the series with a consistent 2-2 record, followed by Jack Brown and W.L. Tumlin.

The article provides descriptive coverage of Thistle sailing operations at Lake Norman, including details about the racing schedule, fleet facilities, and characteristics of the sailing area.

A comprehensive classified section featuring boat listings, used Thistles for sale, used equipment and services, including boat covers, sails, insurance, and various marine products and services.