March-April 1968

Cover photo essay featuring multiple sailboats under full sail demonstrating the start of the 1968 sailing season.

Reader correspondence including praise for the Bagpipe newsletter, reports on boat activity, and requests for publication of articles.

Obituary for Ted Himsworth, a prominent figure in the Thistle Class who served as Chief Measurer and was instrumental in establishing Fleet 29 in the Niagara Frontier District. The article celebrates his contributions to sailing and the Thistle organization.

Announcement of an article contest for junior sailors conducted by Yachting magazine. Submissions should describe sailing experiences, with the best articles to be published and winners receiving prizes.

Detailed minutes from the TCA Governing Board meeting held February 19, 1968, covering the 1968 Nationals site selection, boat registration procedures, financial reports, Inter-District Championship regattas, and various administrative matters.

Race report on the Mid-Winter Championship where Peter Barrett retained his title through excellent sailing and tactical skill, demonstrating positive sophistication from start to acceptance of instructions.

Complete race standings and results from the Mid-Winters Championship regatta showing final placings for both Championship and Consolation divisions with detailed scoring.

Detailed explanation of the registration, qualification quota, and dropdown procedures for participation in the Thistle National Championships, including specific examples and district quota calculations.

Financial statement for the Thistle Class Association for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1967, showing receipts and disbursements totaling $17,443.51 in receipts and $17,225.52 in disbursements.

Brief notice of administrative change with William Fausset unable to complete his term as Northern California District Secretary, replaced by Al Smeds.

Technical article detailing methods for inventing a Thistle hull, including how to mark reference points and use specialized equipment for safe inversion and hull work.

Race report on the Mid-Winters championship series, describing the starting tactics, fleet management, and the final victory, with particular attention to weather conditions and course adjustments.

Technical discussion of Cunningham holes placement on Thistle sails, with diagrams showing released and tightened positions, and debate about whether holes obsolete existing sails or provide design advantages.

Commentary questioning class design philosophy and Cunningham hole proposal, with discussion of sail obsolescence concerns and competitive fairness in the one-design class.

Report on the East Coast Fall Series regatta highlighting Ted Fontelieu's victory and the participation of multiple classes across eight annual pilgrimage events in fall sailing.

Technical article about boom outhaul rigging with detailed diagrams and explanation of construction for proper tension control and draft management.

Race report on Cedar Point Yacht Club's Commodore and Thistle Fleet hosting an annual Fall Thistle Invitational with 40 boats competing, won by Ted Fontelieu who outmaneuvered Peter Bordes in tight racing.

Race report on Hawaii's opening 1968 regatta won by Hank Inouye who spent many weekends practicing on Kaneohe Bay with his wife Helen and daughters Patti, Cindi and Lori.

Race report on the 1968 Houston Yacht Club Midwinter Regatta held February 17 and 18 at Galveston Bay with 19 boats competing.

Race report on Fleet 16's Frostbite Regatta in early November with 40 families camping and sailing on Silver Lake with colorful descriptions of the fleet's winter activities.

Comprehensive listing of Thistle Class regattas scheduled for spring and summer 1968 across all regions: Great Lakes, Mid and Southwest, Atlantic Coast, and Far West & Pacific.

Technical article about water skiing with a Thistle sailboat, including detailed descriptions of techniques for hoisting the skier, maintaining balance, and managing the challenge of initiating and maintaining the skiing operation.

Detailed race report of the Hospitality Regatta held in Jackson, Mississippi, October 21-22, 1967, with blow-by-blow descriptions of three races and the eventual victory of Witty with supportive crew.

Comprehensive section of classified advertisements including boat sales, boat parts for sale, wanted listings, equipment offerings, and services for Thistle Class sailors.