August/September 1984

The TCA President discusses efforts to recruit non-member Thistle owners to join the association. He explains how Governors are reaching out to boats found through the Thistle Clearing House, promoting membership and encouraging Nationals participation. The President also addresses consciousness about safety standards and highlights the versatility of the Thistle class.

Ron Smith provides detailed advice for restoring old wooden Thistle hulls. He covers topics such as dry rot treatment, trunk installation, seat repair, flotation options, anti-skid strips, diagonal braces, and final finishing with epoxy. His guidance helps owners maintain their vessels in good condition.

A brief note announcing the resurgence of wooden Thistle hull restoration. Smith explains that old woodies are being restored and refurbished with new spars, rigging, and epoxy finishes, making them competitive vessels despite being older designs.

Carol Robinson discusses methods for introducing people to Thistle sailing and maintaining growth in the class. She suggests ride-along opportunities and boat shows as effective ways to attract new members, emphasizing the importance of follow-up and creating social opportunities.

Bruce McCutcheon reflects on the Bagpipe magazine's role as a forum for diverse opinions and debates within the Thistle Class. He encourages members to voice their views on key issues like ownership requirements, membership categories, and sailing opportunities to ensure the magazine serves the needs of all members.

Marty Seelig provides complete instructions for constructing a low-cost masthead fly using readily available materials. The design has been tested extensively in the 1983 season and survived numerous 360-degree laser rolls. The fly is inexpensive to make and functions effectively across various sailing conditions.

A collection of classified advertisements, boat listings, merchandise offers, and services related to Thistle sailing. Includes T-shirt orders, boat sales, repair services, sailing equipment, and miscellaneous products offered by members and vendors.

A comprehensive roundtable discussion with multiple top Thistle sailors (Fisher, Proctor, Finefrock, Tomaselli, and Barbehenn) about jib techniques, including jib lead positioning, tension settings, ratchet blocks, and barhauler adjustments under various wind and water conditions. The experts share their diverse approaches and preferences for competitive sailing.

A biographical profile of Carol Robinson, the TCA's 3rd Vice President, detailing her sailing background from childhood through her involvement in Thistle racing and family sailing adventures. She discusses her experience as Fleet Captain and commitment to maintaining competitive class standards.

A directory listing of newly welcomed Thistle Class Association members across multiple fleets and districts including Carolinas, Central Atlantic, Florida, Lake Erie, Michigan, New Jersey, Northern California, Pacific Northwest, and other regions.

A comprehensive guide to sailing liability insurance for Thistle owners. The article addresses bodily injury concerns, marine liability policies, and specific insurance questions regarding coverage limits, medical payments, and the importance of understanding one's policy to protect against legal action and medical expenses.

Julie Petroff reports on the Carolinas District Regatta held at Lake Murray near Columbia, South Carolina, where Andy Russell took the title with strong sailing throughout the weekend. The regatta featured varied winds and close competition among competitors.

Al Alyn reports on the Delta Event Wurstfest held on November 5-6, 1983 at Lake Canyon Yacht Club. The regatta featured variable winds and light conditions, with one hundred and fifty boats registered and two hundred fifty pilots competing in normal "blustery" regatta conditions.

A report on the inaugural women's racing clinic held at North Cape Yacht Club. Seventeen sailors attended and learned sailing fundamentals from experts including Amy Gretchen Loper, and Sue Potter, covering topics like sail shape, starts, navigation, rules, boat handling, and tactics over three days of practical instruction.

Julie Petroff reports on the Carolinas District regatta held at Lake Murray, featuring wind conditions that shifted from light to strong. Strong competitors competed with emphasis on handling heavy air and close competition, with detailed race results included.

Wade Hough reports on the Golden Feather Regatta held at Lake Oroville, California on May 19-20, where the Kerans won the event. Local conditions favored the Kerans' knowledge and experience. The competition was close between top finishers from the Lake Oroville Yacht Club.

Peter Richards reports on the New Jersey District Championships held on June 16-17 at Island Heights Yacht Club, where John Wilsey won using a rebuilt wooden boat. The regatta featured variable wind conditions and close racing between competitors.

Dan Wilson reports on the Delta District Championships held on Galveston Bay in perfect winds. Wilson demonstrated outstanding performance throughout the regatta, with close competition among the final standings and tactical excellence determining victory.

A report on the Mid-America District Regatta where Larry Wagner emerged victorious. The regatta was hosted by Fleet 146 at Razorback Thistle Fleet and included race results with detailed competitor information.

A comprehensive listing of Thistle racing records from 1982, documenting victories across multiple championship divisions and regional competitions. The Van Zandt sailmaker victory list highlights the dominance of Van Zandt sails in competitive Thistle racing.

An announcement from Van Zandt Sailmakers regarding their new affiliation with the Horizon group and re-entry into the Thistle sail design market with updated sail designs and concepts. The announcement encourages Thistle owners to consider Van Zandt sails for improved performance.