June/July 1991

President Finefrock discusses the successful start to the 1991 Thistle season with 63 boats at Mid-Winters East (a 4-boat gain over 1990) and 28 more boats than 1985. He highlights the importance of participation and describes upcoming promotions and activities to engage the membership.

The Third Vice President discusses strategies for promoting Thistle sailing and achieving growth through participation. He emphasizes the need to identify inactive boats and sailors, invite them to various functions and events, and make participation attractive to boost class engagement and numbers.

The Chief Measurer reports on specification amendments and changes to be voted on at the annual meeting, including modifications to sail reinforcement, anti-flutter tabs, boom vangs, and other technical specifications for compliance with class rules.

Minutes from the March 6, 1991 Governing Board meeting at St. Petersburg Yacht Club covering officer reports, old business, new business including Nationals planning at Jacksonville, and discussion of proposed amendments to the class rules and technical specifications.

Chamberlain writes about the need to promote non-racing aspects of Thistle sailing and address the tension between competitive racing and casual family sailing to expand the class appeal and retention of members.

Abramson reviews a book about sailing found in the Thistle publication archives. The book, "The Courtship of Peggy McCoy" by Ray Sipherd, features a sailboat of the Thistle class and contains sailing lore.

Davia provides practical advice for sailors preparing for a week-long sailboat trip, covering topics such as physical training, job planning, hotel selection, and repair/maintenance work needed before departure.

A comprehensive history of Memphis Fleet 72 celebrating their 35th year. The fleet has grown from 5 original boats in 1956 to over 20 boats by 1991, with detailed racing statistics and stories of notable skippers and competitors over three decades.

A tribute to Howard J. Kingshill, a Thistle enthusiast and 20-year member of the New Castle Sailing Club celebrating his 80th birthday on June 24, 1991. The article highlights his long association with sailing and racing.

Official information about the 1991 Thistle National Championship held August 10-16, 1991 at The Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville, Fleet 133. Includes schedule of events, accommodations, registration, special events, food and beverage service, measurement information, and contact details.

Report on the 1991 Midwinters West Regatta held in California with results from both the Championship and Commodore's divisions. The event attracted 85+ boats from across the West Coast region and featured strong competition and social activities.

Announcement of the 1991 Pacific Coast Interdistrict Championships scheduled for July 18-19, 1991 at Huntington Lake, California. Includes information about accommodations, registration, and details about the sailing venue.

A directory listing new Thistle owners and sailors organized by region (Carolinas, Central Atlantic, Delta, Florida, Lake Erie East, Lake Erie West, Lake Michigan, Long Island Sound, Michiana, Mid-America, New Jersey, Niagara Frontier, Northern California, Pacific Northwest, South Atlantic, Southern California), welcoming them to the class.

Report on the annual Potomac River Lightning-Thistle challenge race held on August 26, 1990 in Washington DC. The Thistles finished first with winners Steve Nearing and Lucy Baker, followed by analysis of race tactics and results.

Brief report on the SCYA Midwinters regatta with lumpy seas and varied conditions. Notes the tight competition with three races held but poor attendance with only three boats on the line for at least one race.

Comprehensive report on the 1991 Midwinters East regatta in St. Petersburg featuring 63 Thistle boats across multiple days of racing with descriptions of weather conditions, course management, and social activities.

Race results table for the 1991 Thistle Midwinters B Fleet (Challenger Division), showing final standings for 19 boats that competed at St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

Complete race results table for the 1991 Thistle Midwinter Championship held at St. Petersburg Yacht Club, showing all 63 boats that competed with their finishing positions across seven races.

Classified advertisements section featuring boat listings for sale, services including photocopying, addressing services, and various Thistle-related items and equipment for sale.