June-July 1979

The March 1979 Governing Board meeting of the TCA was held at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Key reports include the Measurer's Memo on hull construction standards, discussion of Bryant Spars as a mast builder, and the President's concerns about negative cash flow and fuel shortages affecting summer participation. Reports are provided by various officers and committee chairs on upcoming events and class business.

The 1979 Mid-Winters regatta was held in St. Petersburg, hosted by the Thistle Class with 22 states represented. Ohio's Mark Gilliland won the championship in a repeat performance. The report covers the week's racing conditions and details of how Gilliland secured the title over strong competitors including Fox, Klein, and others.

Twenty-one Thistlers and their crews participated in the first USYRU Class Tune-Up Clinic at St. Petersburg before the Mid-Winters. Gary Jobson, senior member of the Union's Racing Clinic staff, was the instructor. The article describes the two days of intensive practice that improved participants' sailing skills and techniques.

Final standings table for the Championship Division of the 1979 Mid-Winters regatta, showing all participating boats ranked by points across the five races.

Final standings table for the Commodore's Division of the 1979 Mid-Winters regatta, showing all participating boats ranked by points across the five races.

Announcement of the Junior Championship and Sailing Seminar for Thistles held July 27-29, 1979, in San Diego, California. The event is instructed by Dave Ullman and includes racing, regatta registration, and various activities.

Comprehensive article on sailing conditions in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. Discusses the geography, favorable thermal effects, wind patterns, local conditions unique to the bay, and why it is a popular destination for Thistle racing. Includes technical information about wind shifts and current patterns for sailors planning to race there.

Comprehensive technical guide to measuring Thistle sails, including detailed instructions for mainsail and jib measurement techniques. Includes diagrams and specific measurement locations, point calculations, and the process for completing measurement patterns used to ensure sails meet class specifications.

A collection of letters from Thistle sailors addressing topics including photography techniques, photography of Thistles from above, sail photoproofing solutions, amendments to the constitution, and fleet mooring standards and regulations.

Directory of new Thistle owners and members organized by fleet location. Lists hundreds of new sailors who have recently joined the Thistle Class Association, representing fleets across North America and internationally.

Detailed discussion of a proposed amendment to the Thistle Class Plans regarding the use of mahogany and teak in boat construction. The amendment suggests expanding the materials allowed for wooden parts to include sustainable hardwoods beyond just mahogany and teak, addressing supply and cost concerns.

List of Thistle Class members recognized for their financial support to the organization, including sustaining and contributing active members. Includes a note that the Class now qualifies as a charitable organization.

Listing of radio amateur operators (hams) who are Thistle sailors, with their call signs and preferred frequencies and times for communication.

Profile of Ron Small (1954), the unofficial historian of the Thistle Class. The article traces Small's sailing history from youth, his involvement with the Class since its early days, and his work compiling the Class's historical records and history of Thistling.

Detailed continuation of the March 1979 Governing Board meeting minutes, covering discussion of Class business, reports from officers and regional representatives, financial matters, and decisions on various proposals.

Race report from the Florida District Championship regatta held in Sarasota. The report describes the close racing and challenging conditions, with results showing the top finishers and their point standings.

Regatta report from the Southeastern Interdistrict Championship held in Birmingham. The article describes racing conditions and strategy used by the winner, with detailed race results and commentary on the competition.

Race report from the Niagara Frontier Districts Championship held at Fair Haven on Oneida Lake. Details the racing conditions and results, with commentary on the competition and final standings.

Detailed race report from the Niagara Frontier race held in Lake Erie, describing the challenging conditions and tactics used by winner Fenno. Includes comprehensive results table and analysis of the competition.

Brief race report on the Florida Circuit regatta won by Mike Persson. Includes results showing Persson's victory and the standings of top finishers.

Race report from the Florida Circuit and the inaugural race of the Florida Series hosted by the Davis Island Yacht Club. Details Persson's consistent performance and racing conditions, with comprehensive results table.

Detailed race report from the Orange Peel regatta, with focus on Sinclair's success. Includes description of sailing conditions and comprehensive race standings.

Race report from the Arizona Invitational regatta. Describes the performance of top competitors and racing conditions, with final standings showing Cummings' results.

Race report focusing on Bob Ball's performance in the Sun Coast Series. Describes his commanding performance and the final standings of top competitors.

Race report from the Flathead Lake regatta. Describes the racing conditions and results, with Westover taking the victory.

Comprehensive collection of classified advertisements and marketplace listings for Thistle boats, sails, equipment, and related products. Includes boat for-sale listings, new Thistle sales opportunities, and service advertisements.