November-December 1976

The editor welcomes contributions from readers and solicits articles about Thistle activities. Topics can range from racing and camping to technical articles.

A sailor named Richard Goldman shares his enthusiasm for Thistle sailing and reaches out for companionship while sailing his lovely yellow-striped Thistle named Flicka.

The class president reflects on the Thistle season's progress and future direction. He emphasizes the importance of one-design racing and calls for growth in fleet participation while maintaining competitive standards.

The class measurer discusses the one-design philosophy and construction standards. Topics include the introduction of fiberglass hulls and aluminum masts, maintaining class consistency, and recent equipment developments to ensure competitive fairness.

Comprehensive schedule and event information for the 1977 Thistle Mid-Winter Championship held at St. Petersburg Yacht Club from February 26-March 3. Includes sailing events, social activities, and accommodation guidelines.

Details about the 1977 Thistle Midwinter Championship regatta including entry requirements, registration procedures, race instructions, and trophy awards for various divisions.

Comprehensive technical analysis of the top ten boats from the 1976 National Championship. Includes detailed information about boat construction, equipment, rigging, sails, crew weights, and performance characteristics.

A narrative account of a family summer vacation cruising and camping in a Thistle sailboat. The family explores Canadian waterways including Lake Simcoe, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, and various parks.

Details for the 1977 Thistle Mid-Winters West regatta held at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. Includes schedule, registration information, measuring procedures, and contact details for charter arrangements.

A profile of Richard Angelo Percoco, the Central-Southern Regional Vice-President of the Thistle Class. Details his background, sailing history, and current work in the class leadership.

Second part of a technical roundtable discussion among top sailmakers about Thistle sail design trends. Covers jibs, mainsails, spinnakers, and other technical considerations from multiple sailmakers' perspectives.

Brief article discussing sail replacement trends for winter racing, with quotes from sailmakers about when to consider new sails.

Detailed race instructions and addenda for the 1977 Thistle Mid-Winter Championship including starting procedures, course configuration, and scoring rules.

Marketing letter from Murphy & Nye Sailmakers announcing their new sail designs for 1977, including mains, jibs, and spinnakers. Details product improvements and ordering information.

Order form for Murphy & Nye sailmaker products including all-weather mains, jib designs, and spinnakers in various colors and specifications.

Report on the National Fall (NF) Fall Regatta hosted by the Rochester Canoe Club in upstate New York. Detailed race results with 45 Thistles competing, including winner Fenno and standings of top finishers.

Report on the Mayor's Cup Regatta held by the Bloomington Yacht Club at Lake Leatherltips on September 25-26, 1976. Leach's boat wins with strong performances despite variable wind conditions.

Report on the Lake Erie Fall Championship Regatta at Pymatuning, where Jack Bauer of Cleveland Yacht Club won with consistent performances. Details about the regatta conditions and top finishers.

East Coast Fall Series race report from Hopatcong where Ed Barbahenn prevailed despite challenging wind and water conditions. Includes details of race progression and top finishers.

Report on the ninth annual Glimmerglass Regatta held on Otsego Lake, featuring nearly 40 boats. Fenno took first place with multiple race victories, with results detailed in a comprehensive table.

Comprehensive collection of classified advertisements covering Thistle boats for sale, rigging equipment, sails, parts, and related marine products. Includes listings for custom boat builders and dealers.

Report on the Birmingham Sailing Club's eighth annual Great Pumpkin Regatta held October 23-24. Matt Gregory's boat won despite variable wind conditions with good participation from Atlanta Yacht Club.

Report on LISC's Old Goat Regatta. Loy Vaughan of Birmingham won the regatta with strong finishes throughout. Comprehensive race results and standings provided.

Report on the Sturgeon Bay Invitational regatta where Andy Barnes of the Winnetta Thistle Fleet won convincingly. Details Andy's first place finishes and notes about the event being the sixth in the Mid-Winters West series.

Report on the 8th Annual Bloody Mary Regatta held at the Western Carolina Sailing Club. Loy Vaughan prevailed despite challenging weather, heavy rain and variable wind conditions throughout the weekend.