December/January 1988

The newly elected president reflects on his 35 years of involvement with Thistle sailing and outlines his vision for the class, emphasizing fun, health of fleets, dreamer-builders, and responsiveness to member needs.

Report on position responsibilities for promoting fleet growth, including organizing events, communicating with members, introducing new sailors, ensuring proper registration, and increasing fleet activity at all levels.

Announcement of new Chief Measurers Rule No. 65 and modifications to CMR No. 1 regarding electronic devices and compass use, digital compass wind shift detection, and mainsheet attachment specifications.

A proposal to modify the Class By-Laws to permit racing at Huntington Lake, California, which offers excellent thermal winds, calm afternoons, and beautiful mountain scenery ideal for National Championship sailing.

A historical account of the origins of the Thistle class, starting with a mysterious ship that appeared on Lake Erie in 1945 and the subsequent design by Sandy Douglass that sparked the creation of this now-established sailboat class.

A detailed account of the restoration of Thistle #474 (the "C" Sharp), documenting the techniques, materials, and challenges involved in bringing a wooden Thistle back to life after years of storage.

An examination of Rule 35 on limitations of course alteration, explaining its application, appeals, and nuances in specific racing scenarios involving starboard boat right-of-way situations.

Complete listing of special awards and trophies presented at the 1988 Nationals, including honors for performance, regional achievements, and special recognitions, along with the 1988 honorary officers.

A photo gallery showing the top finishing teams from the 1988 Nationals President's Division, including first through fourth place winners.

Technical examination of sail control systems on wood-hulled Thistle boats, detailing various rigging methods used to manage control on the 45' brace and centerboard, with photographs of specific installations.

A first-person account of the extensive restoration process for Thistle #371, a wooden boat purchased in 1986, documenting the challenges and triumphs of bringing a 40-year-old wooden sailboat back to life.

A humorous letter from the spouse of a wooden boat restorer, describing the life changes and personal independence gained from two years of her husband's obsessive boat restoration project.

Complete directory listing of regional representatives managing Thistle Class districts across the United States.

Announcement and details for the 1989 Midwinters East regatta, including registration information, activities, housing contact, and entry form for the event hosted by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

Report on the Pacific Northwest District Regatta held in June at Central Ferry on the Snake River, including descriptions of racing conditions, course layout, and detailed race results.

Account of the 9th Delaware River Perpetual regatta in October, featuring the challenging conditions of the Chesapeake Bay coast fall series with strong winds and river currents.

Report on the 16th annual Supersail regatta held at Winnetka Yacht Club in July 1988, featuring competitive racing with 13 boats and notable performances by local skippers.

A humorous account of the first weekend in August on the Chesapeake Bay featuring light air racing and various crew mishaps, with focus on one boat's dramatic comeback and competitive spirit.

Report on the 46th annual Michiana Championship Regatta held at Eagle Lake, featuring strong competition between Indianapolis and Goguac yacht clubs with detailed race results.

Account of the Westport Fall Invitational regatta with detailed race results, including descriptions of competitive conditions and notable performances from various skippers.

Regatta report for Horrock's Memorial as part of the East Coast Fall Series, held in September at Sayville with race results from challenging sailing conditions.

Report on the Oyster Roast regatta, the fifth event of the East Coast Fall Series held in Annapolis in October, featuring detailed race results from varied wind conditions.

Collection of classified ads and boat listings for Thistle sailboats and related equipment, with contact information for buyers and sellers.