December-January 1979

President Keinath discusses the new TCA officers and structure, upcoming constitutional amendments, and the establishment of a Past Presidents Council for guidance. He calls for input on proposed amendments by February 1, 1979.

A two-day pre-regatta workshop will be conducted March 2-3, 1979 at St. Petersburg, focusing on boat handling, tuning, and racing. Limited to 24 boats at $25 per team, covering intensive training, on-water drills, and evening sessions with cost split among skipper, crew, and forward crew.

Minton details findings from measuring centerboards at the 1978 Nationals, comparing results to previous measurements and specifications. Out of 92 boats, issues were found with thickness tolerances, profile deviations, and weight variations requiring compliance checks.

The 18th running of the Thistle Mid-Winters West will be held January 18-21, 1979 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. Three short races will qualify boats for championship and commodores divisions, with details on registration, timing, race format, and contact information.

Comprehensive information for the 1979 Mid-Winter Championship at St. Petersburg, March 2-8, including regatta officers, housing arrangements, camping information, and detailed daily schedule of races, meetings, and social events.

General information for the 1979 Championship Regatta at St. Petersburg including eligibility requirements, measurement procedures, registration fees, crew awards, trophies, and entry form instructions.

Detailed technical analysis of boats at the 1978 Nationals covering hull materials, boards, rudders, rigging, sails, and crews. Discusses construction materials, design innovations, and crew performance trends from the championship.

Profile of 1978 National Champion Andy (Drew) Barnes, a 25-year-old from the Chicago area with exceptional sailing skills and competitive drive. Discusses his background in athletics, sailing career development, and his strategic approach to racing.

Detailed technical guide for strengthening flexible centerboards through glassing, layup techniques, and contouring. Includes sections on equipment, materials, grinding procedures, and compliance checks with specifications and formulas for measuring board dimensions.

Third installment in a series on sailing basics, focusing on spinnaker use and technique. Covers setting and dousing procedures, trim considerations, crew weight distribution, and common trimming errors.

Directory listing of TCA District Governors for 1978-79 season, organized by region with names, addresses, and phone numbers for all geographic districts.

Detailed race report of the Nyack regatta featuring competitive battles between Liggett and Barbehenn fleets, with analysis of racing conditions, strategy, and final standings of the event.

Race report from the Central-Southern Interdistricts Championship at Lake Arkabula, featuring competitive racing between top competitors with detailed standings and commentary on tactics and conditions.

Race report of Lake Hartwell regatta where John Davidson (2970) navigated challenging and changing weather conditions to take first place with competitive racing throughout the event.

Regatta report covering racing at Peoria with Sandy Rapp taking victory despite various boat and equipment challenges encountered during the competition.

Race report from the 8th annual Old Salty regatta at Lake Norman Yacht Club on September 8-10, 1978, with Art Evans achieving victory in competitive racing conditions.

Race report from the Geist regatta where Champ Clover achieved overall victory, with coverage of racing conditions, technique commentary, and final standings.

Report on the Massachusetts District Championship where Richards achieved victory as the new district champion, with racing details and final standings.

Report of Labor Day regatta at Palo YC where Phyllis Godfrey and team demonstrated consistent performance across races, showing growth in a competitive sailing series.

Advertisement for Great Midwest Yacht Company offering DIY kits for Thistle boat parts, including rudders, centerboards, rails, and a complete bare boat kit for home builders.

Report of the Decatur Invitational Regatta where Andy Barnes and Champ Glover again battled for top honors, with detailed race standings and commentary on competitive sailing.

Report of the Doldrums Regatta held at Percy Priest Yacht Club in Nashville where Loy Vaughan achieved victory in close competition with Bren McKenzie.

Report of the South Atlantic District Championship at Privateer Yacht Club in Tanooga where Brent McKenzie added another victory to his list of championships.

Classified advertisements section containing for-sale listings for Thistle boats and sailing equipment, as well as advertisements for marine services and products.