August/September 1985

President Kaighin discusses the importance of builder leadership and enthusiasm for class growth. He notes progress in establishing a west coast builder and encourages support for all builders to foster the class's development and bring new blood to Thistle sailing.

Kitchin reports progress on establishing a west coast builder and advises that new keel and stem molding specifications have been approved and are now in effect. He warns that illegal moldings exceeding the 5/8" maximum have been found and recommends quality repairs during upcoming chevron events.

Robinson outlines growth and promotion strategies for the class, including recruiting past participants, organizing social events, promoting boat shows and new fleets, and creating a newsletter. She notes that powerboat sales doubled in 1984 and encourages participation at Midwinters events.

Perry reprints and explains the first fundamental rules from the IYRU rule book, focusing on rendering assistance and fair sailing principles. He analyzes several protest cases illustrating when and how these rules apply, emphasizing the balance between competition and safety on the water.

This simplified version presents the minimum essential racing rules for beginners going out on a race course against other boats. Knowledge of these rules should help new racers avoid serious trouble and understand basic race course management and right-of-way principles.

A collection of member letters discussing class competitiveness, the value of older wooden Thistles, aging of the fleet, perceived skill gaps, women's participation, junior sailors, racing formats, and promotional suggestions. Contributors debate whether old boats can be competitive with modern designs and propose various improvements to the class.

Small recounts a memorable racing story from when he was a young sailor in Huntington, Long Island. The narrative describes a competitive multi-class regatta where his volunteer crew led to an exciting race, conflicts with other competitors, and ultimately a celebration of camaraderie among Thistle sailors despite the heated competition.

Bauer reports on the 40th Bagatelle Regatta celebrating the Thistle Class's 40th birthday, which drew 64 boats to Fleet No. 1 at Cleveland Yachting Club. The report details the race conditions, winning boats including Chris Klotz in first place, and celebrates the continuing tradition of competitive Thistle sailing with a social event featuring a special cake and awards.

Comprehensive listing of newly registered Thistle Class members organized by region and district, welcoming them to the class and introducing them to the various fleets across North America.

Jacobs reports on the South Atlantic Thistle district championships held at Muscle Shoals Sailing Club. George Ingram won the event in light winds with excellent boat speed and tactics, finishing well ahead of competitors in a series dominated by consistency in challenging sailing conditions.

The Carolina District held their 14th Annual Bottoms Up Regatta at Lake Murray Sailing Club with twenty Thistles competing. Strong winds and variety marked the racing, with Mark Gise emerging as the winner by sweeping two races and holding first place overall.

Bruce reports on the first annual Mid-America Circuit Series consisting of four regional regattas. Larry Wagner from Memphis won the circuit using the Cox-Sprague scoring system. Each of the four fleets in the Mid-America District (Tulsa, Little Rock, Memphis, Jackson) hosted one regatta, with seventeen skippers qualifying.

Glover describes Kurt Finnie's victory in the Lake Erie West Spring Series Event on Charles Mill Lake. Finnie won all three races despite close competition from Kirk and Weihtman, with several lead changes throughout the regatta.

Kingshill reports on the Separation Day Regatta held in New Castle, Delaware, celebrating the 209th anniversary of Delaware's independence. Four visiting skippers and crews dominated the competition over local New Castle Sailing Club sailors and club-member Thistles. Jim Grundy won two races and captured the club prize.

Finefrock describes the Crabpot Regatta held by Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis. Brent Barbehenn won the regatta in spring wind conditions. The report notes the visit of Bruce McCutcheon (Bagpipe Editor) and the "Hey A" guests, with Jim Dixon as skipper.

Russell reports on the Admiral Farragut Regatta held at Fort Loudon Lake in May with light winds. Lake Lanier sailors dominated the competition with David Hartman taking first place, followed by George Ingram and Orren Williams, all from the Atlanta Yacht Club.

Glover reports on the Alum Creek Fleet Challenge Regatta where Tom Hubbell (3652) took the individual honors along with Champ Glover, John Lowry and Mark Hess to lead the fleet challenge regatta. The regatta was sailed on a sunny day with moderate winds and provided an excellent dinnertime celebration with warm southern hospitality.

Sherlock reports on the Pacific NW District's Memorial Day Regatta where local Thistle ace Evert Slijper and crew Fred Tatch and Ann Batey beat the field. The regatta drew nearly eight Thistles and other class boats from the 1969 Thistle Nationals. Slijper's consistent sailing and skill maintained a lead throughout the weekend's races.

Koivu reports on the Florida District championship held in Jacksonville where Brian Koivu outlasted Dave Kaighin to win in a highly contested regatta. The depth of the Florida fleet was evident with each race won by a different skipper, and the event concluded with an excellent dinner coupled with warm southern hospitality.

Bonds describes the Doldrums Regatta held June 22-23 at Percy Priest Lake in Nashville, TN. Sixteen Thistles from the South Atlantic district participated in a regatta with light winds and warm weather. Despite hot conditions, sailors enjoyed a barbecue dinner and celebrated with an awards banquet.

Full-page classified advertisements section featuring individual Thistle boat listings for sale, sailing services, insurance, boat part suppliers, and Thistle-related merchandise. Includes both private sales and commercial advertisements from various sailors and marine suppliers.