September-October 1968

Three reader letters responding to previous articles, including discussion of Bagpipe reprints, interest in mast articles, and recognition of new editor Rod Glover and the strong performance of Thistles at sailing clubs.

Official minutes of the Thistle Class Association Governing Board meeting held August 18, 1968, covering officer reports, financial status, mast study discussion, and various committee actions including approval of charter modifications and race committee procedures.

A special meeting of the Board of Governors was held to ratify chief measurer rulings related to jib halyard specifications, fiberglass reinforcement, and stern flotation requirements.

The 23rd Annual Meeting of the Thistle Class Association, held August 22, 1968 at Sayville Yacht Club, elected Tom Wilson as president and addressed issues including spar deflections, yearbook improvements, and class financial condition.

Detailed race-by-race account of the 1968 National Championships sailed at Sayville Yacht Club, featuring Dennis Clark's victory aboard the Wizard of Id (#2445), with comprehensive coverage of all six races and commentary on sailing conditions and tactics.

Championship trophy awards and winners for the 1968 Nationals, including first through sixth place finishes and crew designations.

Lists race winners for each of the six races in both Division I and Division II, as well as special achievement awards including best skipper records and distance traveled.

Complete scoring table for the Championship Division of the 1968 Thistle National Championships, showing results for 42 skippers across six races.

Complete scoring table for the Consolation Division of the 1968 Thistle National Championships, showing results for 84 skippers across six races.

Analysis of mast performance data collected at the 1968 Nationals, examining correlations between mast characteristics (bendiness, weight, deflection) and race results, with recommendations for potential standardization efforts.

Complete technical data table showing mast characteristics for boats competing in the 1968 National Championships, including material, deflection measurements, weight, and center of gravity calculations.

Chief Measurer's commentary on the 1968 National Championships, discussing Clark boat construction details, mast failures, skin thickness specifications, stem design, transoms, rudders, centerboard gasket design, and recommendations for future construction.

Summary of Executive Committee decisions regarding Clark boat construction details, class specifications, and guidelines for future boat construction requirements.

Advertisements and classified listings for Thistle boats for sale, sails, equipment, and related services. Includes boat sales listings with specifications and contact information, equipment advertisements from manufacturers, and subscription/insurance services.

Account of Marlin Abramson's victory in the 1968 Great Lakes Championship at Racine, Wisconsin, featuring his sailing skill and the strong performance of Fracker Sails.

Report on the Atlantic Coast Championship held on Chesapeake Bay, won by I. Liggett in a closely contested series with commentary on wind conditions and race tactics.

Report on the Pacific Coast Thistle Championships held in Long Beach, California, won by Everett Ross, with commentary on wind conditions and competitive racing among West Coast fleets.

Report on the Niagara Frontier District championships held on Seneca Lake, New York, won by Tim Rice with detailed results of the fleet and race summaries.

Detailed account of the Long Island Sound District championships held at Milford Yacht Club, won by Tom Wilson, featuring race summaries and competitive commentary on sailing tactics and wind conditions.

Account of the Michiana District Championships held at St. Joseph, Michigan, where Howdy King won the series with detailed race results and commentary on competitive sailing.

Report on the Lake Erie East District championships where Jack Wanenmacher demonstrated superior sailing skill, with detailed race results and commentary on competitive conditions.

Report on the Pacific Northwest District championships where Dennis Clark demonstrated dominance through individual fleet activity, with reflections on competitive growth and the strength of the regional fleet.

Account of the A.Y.C. Dixie Regatta at Lake Allatoona, Georgia, where Ed Sherman of St. Petersburg Yacht Club won, featuring competitive sailing and social events.

Report on the Admiral Farragut regatta at Loudon Lake, Tennessee, featuring three races with competitive results and sailing commentary.

Report on the New England Districts championships handled by Cottage Park Yacht Club with detailed results and competitor information.