July-August, 1969

A comprehensive multi-part article introducing a new feature series on offwind sailing tactics. The first in a series of three articles by Ted Fontelieu covering tactics and strategy on the offwind legs, addressing key decisions for skippers including sail selection, packing, stripping, jibe or chute choices, and position before setting.

Section header introducing the monthly skippers' forum discussing rules, equipment, and sailing topics.

Discussion of new ruling on wetting agents used to reduce skin friction on Thistle hulls, emphasizing honest competition and proper boat maintenance practices.

Announcement of Sears Competition used sails available for purchase at bargain prices from the Sears quarter-finals on Long Island Sound and Sears semi-finals in Florida.

Column inviting reader opinions on sailing and class-related topics, noting that responses can be either signed or anonymous.

Letters and opinions from readers about class matters, including thoughts on National rotation systems and class proliferation issues.

Obituary of long-time Thistle sailor and Lake Leatherwood competitor, known for his enthusiasm and friendliness in the sport.

Brief tribute to Priscilla Dornin, expressing the class's sympathy to the family and noting the importance of diverse sailing opportunities and competition.

A new feature series where top Thistle experts answer questions about sailing techniques, particularly focusing on jibs, their selection, maintenance, and use in competition.

Biographical profiles of two prominent District Champions: Bill Calhoun from the Carolinas District and Herb Whittall from Lake Michigan District.

Photo essay documenting a week in the life of TCA President Tom Wilson during the Mid-Winters regatta, showing his various duties including skippers' meetings, governing board discussions, and social events.

Comprehensive coverage of Thistle regattas across the United States during the 1969 season, including the Waukegan Invitational, Admiral Farragut, Dixie Regatta, Iron Man at Birmingham, Memphis Regatta, South Atlantic Districts, Erie Yacht Club Regatta, Florida Districts, Southern California Districts, Cowan Invitational, SORC competition, and Hawaii Districts.

Report on the 1969 inaugural Waukegan Fleet invitational regatta, where Marlin Abramson took first place in twenty-six boats from the nearby area in windy conditions.

Account of the 12th annual Admiral Farragut regatta at Fort Loudon Lake, where young Bill Tumlin Jr. won the three-race series with his crew from Knoxville, Thistles, beating established sailors including his father and defeating a boat with a centerboard.

Report on the 18th annual Dixie Regatta at Lake Allatoona, Georgia, featuring participation from multiple southeastern states with Harold Mead winning for the fifth time in the largest Dixie history with forty boats.

Brief report on the Birmingham Sailing Club hosting the 27 Thistles in May 10-11 annual regatta, with Tumlin winning the series and noting that winds were great for all three races.

Report of the Annual Hernando-Desoto (Cotton Carnival) Regatta at Arkabutla Lake, Mississippi in May, where Bill Larsen and crew Jack Ackerman won while competing against sailors from Memphis Fleet and the Sequential Cotton Carnival.

Report of the 1969 South Atlantic District regatta held at Thistle Fleet #48 of the Atlanta Yacht Club, Lake Allatoona, with twenty-eight boats in three races on Saturday in 30 degree heat with very light and scattered breezes.

Report of the Eighth Annual Erie Yacht Club regatta on June 7th and 8th, featuring fifty-seven Thistles in six other classes with various weather conditions and competitive sailing.

Report of the Florida Districts regatta held in April at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club at the confluence of the Banana and Indian Rivers, with Francis Seavy decisively winning to become the 1969 Florida District champion.

Report of the Southern California Districts championship held over a modified gold cup course near Newport Harbor, California, where Artful Glasier decisively won with consistent sailing over Pete Barrett's crew.

List of 1968-1969 Thistle Class championship winners across national and regional competitions, compiled by North Sails.

Report on Bob White winning the Southern Ohio Racing Circuit (SORC) competition with consistent performance across multiple regattas, establishing himself as a dominant sailor.

Report on Bob White winning two of three races at the Cowan Invitational held June 29th, with other Pewter winners including Mark Gilliland and Rod Glover.

Classified advertisements for Thistle boats, equipment, sails, and related maritime products and services available for sale or trade.