December/January 1994

The President discusses the Thistle Class's critical need for growth and development, emphasizing the concept of perennity. He reflects on the company's 100th birthday and long heritage, and calls for action to ensure the class continues to grow and prosper. He identifies growth and perennity as the most urgent issues facing the class and asks for ideas from fleet captains and district governors.

The Chief Measurer discusses new flotation rules for Thistles, explaining how the recent ruling affects minimum flotation requirements and provides alternatives for adding flotation weight. The memo details specific calculation methods and materials for complying with the new 400-pound positive flotation requirement.

Michael Gillum reflects on his journey to becoming editor of the Bagpipe, recounting his early years with Thistles and how he came to accept the editor position. He discusses his commitment to the role and expresses hope that his involvement will be an asset to the class.

A letter to the editor expressing thanks to the Thistle Class for a plant gift and reflecting on the sender's late husband's involvement with the class.

A listing of newly affiliated Thistle Class members organized by region, including fleet names and sail numbers.

A humorous song performed at the 1993 National Championship Talent Night at Oak Harbor, featuring a California group singing to the tune of "Stop in the name of Love" by The Supremes, with commentary on sailing and relationships.

An announcement of the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration of the Thistle Class in 1995, describing plans for a gala weekend event and inviting members to participate in the planning process.

An announcement that the Thistle Class will participate in Sail Expo '94 to be held February 5-13, 1994 in Atlantic City with expanded programming and seminars, calling for fleet captains to reserve booth space and submit promotional information.

A narrative account of Thistle #947 encountering and following the tall ship "The Star of India" during a voyage from San Diego Bay, describing the ship's impressive size and speed, and the adventure of racing and pursuing the historic vessel.

A listing of Thistle Class members recognized for sustained active membership, contributing active membership, and contributions to the class during 1993.

Event announcement for the 1994 Midwinters East regatta at St. Petersburg Yacht Club, with detailed schedule of races, activities, and social events from February 27 to March 4, plus an entry form and registration contact information.

A comprehensive Q&A with the top ten finishing boats from the 1993 National Championship at Oak Harbor, covering boat setup, tactical changes, current effects, and sailing techniques. Includes detailed tables of hull and centerboard data, rig data, sail data, and crew data for each top finisher.

A report on the 6th Annual March-of-Dimes Regatta held July 17, 1993 at New Castle Sailing Club in Delaware, featuring 18 boats competing in a triangular course with results showing Bartoshesky in a Sunfish winning overall, followed by various Thistle competitors.

A congratulatory notice marking the birth of Elmer Richards' granddaughter Emily Michelle, with a photo of him holding the infant.

A humorous account of the 1993 Tacoma Fried Regatta at Sequim Bay, describing adventures involving the "Lugnuts" expedition team, campground mishaps, weather challenges, and amusing encounters with locals and fellow competitors.

A report on the High-water Regatta at Bloomington, Indiana on May 15-16, 1993, featuring 19 skippers and crews from Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, with results showing Dave Bloomberg from Indianapolis winning with Bruce King and Erin as crew.

A report on the Cowan Lake Regatta held in Ohio near Cincinnati on June 19-20, 1993, featuring eight Thistles racing in excellent wind conditions with Bob France and his team winning the B Fleet overall and other skippers finishing well.

A report on the Lake Erie West Districts regatta held at Cowan Lake near Cincinnati, Ohio on June 19-20, 1993, with 21 boats competing in excellent wind conditions and various sailing techniques explored.

A detailed account of the annual Thoroughbred Regatta held at Cave Run Lake near Morehead, Kentucky on May 22 and 23, 1993, describing weather conditions, race management, and the experience from the perspective of a mid-fleet competitor.

A report on the 21st running of the Winnetka (IL) Yacht Club's Supersail regatta over July 24-25, with Doug Slater winning overall with crew Bruce King and Erin, competing against other skippers from the region.

A report on the Broken Crank Regatta held at Island Bay Yacht Club on Lake Springfield in Illinois on September 18th, with Island Bay reviving its Sunfish fleet and Thistles bringing young sailors into the sport for competitive racing.

A report on the Central Atlantic District Championship held June 19-20 at the Fishing Bay Yacht Club in Deltaville, VA, with Steve Nearing winning the championship for the second consecutive year.

A collection of classified advertisements including boat listings, gear for sale, boat repair services, and various Thistle-related products and services.