October-November 1978

President Gaenzle reflects on the Class's response to promotional initiatives and the importance of promotional programs. He discusses growth in Class participation, financial stability, and the successful publication of the Yearbook. He notes ongoing issues with Class unity and encourages proactive engagement.

Andy Barnes won the 1978 National Championship at Cleveland Yacht Club, edging out competitors including Lake Michigan Marauders. The championship featured seven races with exciting competition across multiple divisions, strong winds, and challenging conditions throughout the week.

Detailed standings table showing final positions and scores for all skippers in the Championship Division through seven races at the 1978 Nationals.

First race of Division 1 with 50-knot wind at 5 knots. Irv Liggett took an early lead with strong competition from Barnes, Gilliland, and others.

Division 2 race with 45 to 4.5 knot winds. Andy Fox had the advantage early, spotting more air and gaining good speed.

Second race of Division 1 with 40-knot, 10-12 knot winds. Andy Barnes got the clear air he wanted and took off on a starboard tack, with other strong sailors following.

Division 2 race showing position-shuffling among the fleet. Gilliland passed Fritz on first reach and held his lead on the second with Laura moving into second place.

Division 1 race with 230-degree wind, 8-10 knots. There's one thing sailors often do more than most people except pregnant women: waiting. One-minute rule was in effect for first starts as well as recalls.

Division 2 race where the winner's report on race one was short and enviably simple. Larry Klein spotted a header of about 15 degrees on starboard white sailing before the race.

Fourth race of championship division with 280-degree, 16-knot winds. Landlings had changed with Gilliland taking eleventh in third race while Andy Klein had bad one. Fox and Laura opened up lead in second.

Fifth race of championship division with 280-degree, 7-knot winds. By now it was late afternoon and the fleet was more than ready to visit CYC beer truck on shore, but the Race Committee sent the President's Division in for the day.

Championship fleet stayed on the lake for sixth race. Gilliland was not to be counted out, though the comebrace routine he excelled at this week proved not to be his luck this time.

Final championship race. As final race got underway, Andy Barnes and Greg Fisher were among those picking the port end of the line. Chuck Steigerwald could not find the slot he wanted.

Reader feedback form inviting comments on the Bagpipe and suggestions for future articles and topics. Form includes space for name, address and fleet number.

Complete listing of individual race awards across Division I and II for all seven races, including trophies earned by top finishers.

Announcement of future Nationals locations for 1979 at Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts and 1980 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, California.

Final position awards for Championship and President's Divisions, listing the top ten finishers with their boat numbers, crew members, and trophy awards.

Listing of special trophies and awards given for various categories and achievements during the 1978 Nationals Championship.

Detailed minutes from the Governing Board meeting held on August 12 at Cleveland Yachting Club, covering officers' reports, committee reports, rule clarifications, and fleet charter updates.

Minutes from the Annual Meeting held at Cleveland Yachting Club on August 16, covering officers' reports, committee reports, and voting on fleet amendments.

Reports from various committees including Growth and Development, with information on promotional efforts, new publications, and fleet promotion strategies.

Account of Fleet 113's successful open-house event designed to attract new fleet members and promote the Thistle Class. The event included displays, demonstrations, and informal gatherings to publicize the association.

Detailed analysis of alternative penalty systems for sailing infractions. The author surveys skipper preferences on the 720° Turns approach versus the 20% Automatic Penalty, finding divided opinion among respondents with valid arguments on both sides.

Account of competitive California district racing held in the Potomac River, with detailed race reports featuring Peter Hale's strategic sailing and other competitors' performances.

Report on the first annual Rob Roy Regatta held in May at Swift Creek Reservoir near Richmond, Virginia, which served as the Central Atlantic District's first regatta. Paul Norloff took first place with strong sailing throughout.

Report on Lake Erie West District Championship with favorable wind conditions and competitive racing among top sailors. Greg Fisher's strategic sailing and strong performance led to victory.

Report on Mark Gilliland's strong performance at Cowan Lake Thistle Regatta in Ohio. His consistent racing and strategic sailing helped him secure victory in difficult wind conditions.

Lake Hopatcong District Championship hosting competitive racing that converted a final run into a beat before a sea breeze provided a good breeze. Kichin's consistent performance led to first place finish.

Report on the 1978 Canacanoe Regatta hosted by Canadrague Yacht Club, with Larry Klein winning consistently across all races, demonstrating strong performance with boat 1111.

Short definitions and explanations of sailing terminology as part of a continuing educational series. Includes references to successful sailmakers and their products.

Description of a new Class service established to help Thistlers obtain new boats and those looking for used ones. The clearing house will be run through the Secretary's office, maintaining current information on available boats.

Collection of classified advertisements and marketplace listings for sailboats, equipment, services, and merchandise related to Thistle sailing. Includes boats for sale, sails, covers, insurance, and specialty items.

Report on Michiana District Championship sailing at Cedar Sail Yacht Club, where Larry Klein achieved dominant performance with impressive scores across all races.

Report on first shock of Junior Championships at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego in July 1978. Randy Smith sailed to victory with consistent performance throughout the series.

Report on Bottoms Up Regatta at Lake Murray sailed in sunny skies and 10-12 knot winds. Brent McKenzie achieved impressive scoring with consistent strong finishes throughout the series.

Research article on the hazards posed by lightning to small sailboats with grounded rigging. The author seeks reports of historical incidents and provides guidance for safety precautions.