Summer 1970

Official notice that the annual meeting of the Thistle Class Association will be held on Thursday, August 20, 1970 at 10:00 a.m. at Cedar Point Y.C. in Westport, Connecticut.

Notice reminding district secretaries that eligible skippers must be registered with National Race Committee Chairman Gerald Ficks to participate in the 1970 Nationals.

Comprehensive technical article covering boat measurement rulings, centerboard specifications, corrector weights, changing centerboard C.G., mast program considerations, and general comments about Thistle boat construction and measurement compliance.

Listing of upcoming Thistle regattas in June, July, and August 1970 including the Mavlon Regatta, Michiana Championship, 4th of July Regatta, and New England Districts.

Comprehensive safety article drawing lessons from a Santa Cruz incident where a Thistle capsized in heavy seas. Discusses the skipper's ultimate responsibility for boat safety, crew preparation, survival conditions, race committee responsibilities, and practical safety considerations for sailing in various conditions.

Discussion of the Thistle mast program including aluminum mast development at St. Pete, rigging specifications, and considerations for future mast improvements.

Comprehensive feature about the 1970 Thistle National Championships held August 17-21 at Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, Connecticut. Includes information about the town of Westport, Cedar Point Yacht Club facilities and history, camping and housing arrangements, local restaurants and attractions, race schedule, awards, and officer listings.

Detailed discussion of proposed amendments to class specifications regarding flotation and all-up weight requirements. Includes technical specifications for buoyancy, fiberglass considerations, and racing performance equalization with focus on keeping boats competitively balanced.

Technical article analyzing the sailing area at Westport, Connecticut and the meteorological conditions that affect wind patterns and racing. Covers the influence of headlands, thermal effects, prevailing wind patterns, and mechanisms producing different wind conditions on Long Island Sound.

Panel discussion featuring expert Thistle sailors discussing starting techniques and strategies. Contributors include Lew Wake, Ted Fontelleu, Gene Wood, Tom Barnard, Marlin Abramson, and Pete Barrett, covering starting line selection, wind shifts, and tactical approaches to race starts.

Race report from the St. Patrick's Day Regatta where Moldenhauer (No. 2123) won under clear 70-degree skies with low to moderate winds. Russell Pinton placed second followed by others, with various fleet members competing and Thistle Class showing good sailing.

Race report from Houston Mid-Winters regatta where Percoco won a wild and challenging series. Multiple races were held with various winners and Percoco ultimately prevailed despite difficult conditions including troubled starts and equipment issues.

Collection of brief race notes from Florida regattas including David Island Yacht Club, Thanksgiving weekend races, Tampa's WOW regatta, and various competitions.

Race report from the Mission Bay Invitational in San Diego where Everett Ross won with strong performances. Details the race with multiple boats arriving at NBYC and the various winners across multiple races.

Profile article about Bill Alexander, 1969 Thistle Nationals runner-up and Central Atlantic District champion. Details his sailing experience, various class championships, and his approach to rigging and sailing a Thistle.

Comprehensive section of classified advertisements for Thistle boats, parts, equipment, and services. Includes boat listings, sails, hardware items, boat covers, and various accessories for sale or wanted.