January-February 1969

A rules article discussing class regulations governing the purchase of new sails by Thistle owners. Limits purchase to one suit per year with exceptions for accidents or damaged sails, and establishes procedures for approving additional sail purchases.

Editorial section addressing fleet captains with notes about the 1969 regatta schedule, dues reminders, and district secretaries list. Includes discussion of TCA members who are not active racers and considerations for class unity.

Column discussing sail design concerns and asking for reader input on key sailing questions regarding main and jib choices, with emphasis on understanding various sail types and their applications.

Comprehensive memo by Chief Measurer Jim Miller addressing mast specifications, variations in mast performance, and the proposed new mast development program. Covers the Proctor F-section mast study at Sayville, specifications for aluminum and wood masts, and considerations for the new design.

A humorous cartoon featuring two sailors discussing testing new piles for masts, with one sailor saying 'Those Thistlers are testing our piles for masts — Coach!'

Extensive feature article from prominent class sailmakers discussing sail design trends, comparing different sail types (main, jib, spinnaker), addressing questions about zippers, luff tension, draft, and providing recommendations for various sailing conditions and crew weights.

Profile article introducing Gerry Ficks, 1968 Lake Erie West Champion, to the Thistle community. Details his sailing career, business background, and accomplishments in competitive racing, including his innovative mast and rig developments.

Information about Thistle Class films available for loan at meetings and regattas, including a list of films from 1946 to 1968 covering districts, nationals, and various locations.

Report on the Ohio Valley Sailing Championship Regatta held at the Louisville Sailing Club in October. Richard D. Gallmeyer of Indianapolis, Indiana won with a steady 1-1-3 series, with Ed Duckworth and last year's winner in second and third places respectively.

Report on the Delta Districts Seabrook Sailing Club regatta at Galveston Bay. Bludworth won the series decisively, with detailed race-by-race descriptions showing Bludworth's superior skill on close reaches and planeing reaches.

Report on the Heather Bowl regatta at Red Dragon Canoe Club. Jim Miller took the Delaware at the Annual Heather Bowl sailing his Thistle 'Spirit' with the experimental bendy aluminum mast. His sailing technique proved that the new mast is a definite improvement over previous designs.

Report on the 6th annual 'Old Goat' Regatta at Lake Lanier Sailing Club in Georgia, a tribute to Fleet 19's 'Old Goat.' Jim Weir (1943) won the regatta in light and fluky winds. The trophy recognized the skipper who placed last yet still participated in all races.

Report on the 1968 Hospitality Regatta at Jackson Yacht Club in Mississippi. Massey (1948) and crew won the regatta with expert sailing and tactical positioning. The event was marked by beautiful weather and good competition among Thistles from across the region.

Feature highlighting Dennis Clark's first-place finish at the 1968 Thistle Nationals in Seattle, including a list of major trophies won at that championship and noting Clark's impressive collection of wins.

Report on Peoria's unique Broken Crank Regatta held in October. Abramson (924) won with tactical racing skill. The event featured light winds and challenging racing conditions, with notes about the regatta's history and memorable moments.

Report on the H. Goetz Memorial and Grey Ghost regattas at Lake Hoptagong, New Jersey in September. Ted Fontelieu Jr. sailing Grey Ghost won both the H. Goetz Regatta and the Coast Fall Series.

Report on the 104th Weekend Regatta at Lake Norman Sailing Club in North Carolina. Larry Haupt won the series decisively with a 1-1-1 finish, followed by Wood and Boston. Three races were sailed in varying wind conditions from light to brisk.

Report on the Mayor's Cup Regatta at Bloomington Yacht Club on Lake Lemon, Indiana. Ed Tjardes won the first two races, securing victory in the regatta.

Report on Northern California Thistle races including the Santa Cruz Fall Invitational and Santa Cruz Y.C. Fleet 69 Fall Invitational. Multiple sailmakers' sails competed in light wind conditions.

Comprehensive classified section featuring Thistle boat sales listings, sailboat inventory notices, Thistle-related products and services, and marine equipment advertisements.