November-December 1975

A comprehensive analysis of the top ten boats at the 1975 Nationals, examining their equipment, rigging, sails, crew weights, and design innovations. The article includes detailed equipment tables comparing specifications across different winning boats and discusses the evolution of Thistle design and construction methods.

President Steigerwald discusses the association's activities and upcoming plans, including the Mid-Winters West Championship and proposed format changes for better participation. He addresses concerns about new boat builders and fleet-wide involvement in regatta planning.

The editor discusses the importance of preserving Thistle Class traditions while introducing the newsletter's 29th volume. He advocates for maintaining the one-design character and encouraging participation in regatta activities at all levels.

Chris Pollak won the prestigious Mallory Cup championship sailing in New Orleans, defeating strong competitors including renowned sailors Corny Shields and Gene Walet. The article details the competitive series with various wind and weather conditions throughout the races.

A detailed technical examination of slab reefing systems for Thistle Class boats, including construction details, advantages, disadvantages, and a complete parts list with costs. The article includes diagrams showing how to rig and operate the reefing system.

Announcement and details about the 1976 Midwinters West Championship at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, scheduled for January 30 - February 1, 1976, with Steigerwald defending his title and details about the format and schedule.

Report on the Old Goat Thistle Regatta held in September at Miami, where Brent McKenzie took first place. The article describes the challenging conditions and racing throughout the event.

Race report from the Hoover Regatta where Gilliland achieved first place. The article describes challenging conditions and the competitive nature of the event on a autumn weekend.

Report of Howard Mead's victory in the International Old Goat regatta at Lake Altamaha, with details about the course, wind conditions, and competitive racing throughout the series.

Report on the Southeastern Fall Series won by deManio's boat Slippery-When-Wet IV. The article describes varied wind conditions throughout the series and discusses boat handling techniques and crew performance.

Report on the Thistle invitational regatta in Decatur, Illinois, where competitive racing in various wind conditions produced close finishes and interesting competitive moments.

Report on the Glimmerglass Regatta at Otsego Lake in New York where Fenno achieved victory in competitive racing with multiple race finishes.

Report on the Fifth Annual Old Salty Regatta at Lake Norman Yacht Club in September where deManio took first place in competitive conditions. The article describes wind patterns and competitive moments throughout the races.

A tribute to Ted McMillan III recognizing his sailing accomplishments and character, excerpted from Downeast Magazine. The piece highlights his involvement in long-distance sailing events and the respect he commands in the sailing community.

Report on the 1975 Bagatelle regatta held at Cleveland Yacht Club and Thistle Fleet No. 1, with details of the race results and competitive standings throughout the series.

Report on the first annual Frontier Fall Regatta at Saylorsburg Lake, where Fenno dominated the competition in challenging conditions across back-to-back racing days.

Collection of classified advertisements, boat sales listings, product advertisements, and business directory entries covering insurance, boat covers, sails, rigging equipment, boat builders, and marine products.

A comprehensive listing of all district governors and their alternates for the 1975-76 Thistle Class season, including contact information organized by district code.