November-December 1976

Editor Reba Fox announces upcoming changes to St. Petersburg, discusses camping restrictions at South Mole, invites guests including Sandy Douglass, and requests articles and editorial contributions from readers.

Richard Goldman seeks a partnership for his lovely yellow-striped Thistle #1734, offering to trade with another skipper in the Santa Barbara Sailing Club area.

Annual TCA membership dues structure and payment information for different member categories and publication schedule.

President Tom Richards reflects on successful Thistle season and growth in the class, emphasizing the importance of active membership, District Governors as strength of the class, and encouraging people to take on leadership roles.

Discusses TCA's philosophy of maintaining one design while accommodating changes, evolution of materials and hardware over decades, the value of Egyptian cotton and synthetic materials, and plans for standardization and expansion of specifications.

Detailed program schedule for the 1977 Thistle Mid-Winter event in St. Petersburg, February 26-March 3, with registration, racing, and social activities, plus accommodation information for campers.

Official rules and regulations for the 1977 Thistle Midwinter Championship Regatta including boat registration requirements, measurement procedures, trophy awards, and entry fees.

Comprehensive analysis of the top ten boats from the 1976 National Championship Regatta examining boat specifications, equipment innovations, sail designs, crew weights, and competitive trends in the Thistle Class.

Jerry Coulson describes his family's two-week summer vacation cruising and camping in their recently-purchased 32-foot Thistle through Canadian and American waterways, including stops at Lake Couchiching, Sparrow Lake, Owen Sound, Georgian Bay, and Bruce Peninsula.

Profile of Richard Angelo Percoco, the Central-Southern Regional Vice President, detailing his background from New York to Florida, his sailing career, and his work as an instructor and naval officer.

Second part of a series discussing trends in Thistle sail design, featuring perspectives from sailmakers on jib designs, main sail considerations, spinnaker preferences, and recommendations for different sail configurations.

Letter from Murphy & Nye Sailmakers announcing their new sail products for Thistle Class racing including updated mains, jibs, and spinnakers with pricing and specifications.

Race report from the Niagara Frontier Fall Regatta hosted by the Rochester Canoe Club, highlighting Fenno's victory and listing the complete results and finishing positions.

Report on the Mayor's Cup Regatta held at Lake Leatherwood near Bloomington, Illinois, where Jack Leach won with consistent finishes in the Lake Erie Fall Series.

Account of the Lake Erie Fall Series where Jack Bauer of Cleveland-based Pythagorean Yacht Club dominated competition with consistent wins across multiple races at various clubs around Lake Erie.

Report on the East Coast Fall Series Goetz Memorial Regatta at Lake Hopatcong where Ed Barbahenn won in fine fashion with close competition throughout.

Report on the ninth annual Glimmerglass Regatta held at the Otsego Sailing Club in Cooperstown, New York, with details on racing conditions and final standings.

Race report from the Fairhope Yacht Club's Jubilee Regatta and Fall Series conclusion where Loy Vaughan won the Buchan Thistle Pottery trophy using the Cox-Sprague scoring system.

Comprehensive classified section featuring boats for sale, equipment listings, insurance offerings, sailmaker promotions, and various services related to Thistle Class sailing.

Report on the Great Pumpkin Regatta held October 23-24 at Birmingham Sailing Club where Matt Gregory won with superior sailing in variable wind conditions.

Report on the Southeast Fall Regatta Loy Vaughan Downs Bloody Mary where Loy Vaughan won following competitive racing in variable wind conditions.