April/May 1998

Tom Hubbell reflects on his experience coaching new Thistle sailors at Coach-TCA. He shares his initial anxiety about competing with much younger, more experienced sailors and discusses the importance of patience, encouragement, and maintaining enthusiasm when teaching newcomers.

Ron Schauble discusses strategies for building active fleet membership and participation during peak sailing season. He emphasizes the importance of fleet newsletters, promoting events locally, and creating awareness of upcoming national competitions.

John Hudson provides editorial updates on class matters including the website presence, the importance of checking the Thistle web page, and upcoming national championships. He encourages members to participate in regattas and connect with the Thistle community.

Notices of the deaths of two long-time Thistle supporters and sailors. Hamilton Fay (Fleet #1396) passed away in January, and Suds Soderlund, a longtime secretary and organizer, died in October 1997.

Financial report showing TCA revenue and expenses for fiscal year 1997. Total revenue was $66,944 with total expenses of $56,580, resulting in an excess of $10,364.

Promotional article for the 1998 Thistle National Championship to be held August 8-14 in Racine, Wisconsin at Racine Yacht Club. Highlights include Midwest convenience, excellent facilities, perfect sailing conditions, affordable lodging and meals, and the tagline 'The ultimate Family vacation.'

Official rules and procedures for the 1998 TCA National Championships including eligibility, registration, measurement, check-in, race schedule, and scoring details for the event at Racine Yacht Club.

Comprehensive guide to dormitory accommodations at University of Wisconsin Parkside for the 1998 Thistle Nationals. Provides FAQs covering room costs, check-in procedures, amenities, location details, and campus facilities.

Guide to vacation activities around Racine and Milwaukee for Thistle Nationals participants. Includes a top-ten list of attractions and activities such as theme parks, shopping, day trips, historical sites, nightlife, and beach access.

Advertisement for acrylic boat covers featuring benefits and pricing for various cover types by Rooke Sails.

Remembrance of Jack LaFollette, a 1957 charter member of Thistle Fleet #69 and dedicated supporter of the Indianapolis sailing club. He passed away at age 73 and was known for his genuine love of sailing and participation in Thistles and Midwinters.

Comprehensive report on Thistle Midwinters West held in St. Petersburg and Mission Bay in January 1998. Includes detailed race descriptions, wind and weather conditions, fleet participation, results from multiple divisions, and race analysis from three major regattas.

Ken Obenski reflects on the Thistle Midwinters West as the 'Happiest Regatta,' discussing the balance between serious competition and fun social activities. He describes the regatta's atmosphere, the pre-race traditions, and how it has evolved into a valued event for both sailors and non-sailors.

Race results table from the 1998 Midwinters West Championship Division showing skipper standings across four races with points accumulation.

Race results table from the 1998 Midwinters West President's Division showing skipper standings across four races.

Match racing bracket results for the Fourth Larry Klein Memorial Regatta showing three tiers of competition with Lettenmaier as champion.

Guide for encouraging women sailors to participate in Women's Nationals. Provides strategies for fleet organizers, skippers, and individual women to increase participation, including finding crew, planning logistics, and forming teams.

List of new Thistle Class members from various fleets and regions including Long Island Sound, New Jersey, Niagara Frontier, Central Atlantic, Carolinas, and other districts.

Question and answer quiz feature about a well-known figure in Thistle racing history. The identity and answer appear on page 26.

Advertisement for the 1998 Dixie Regatta at Atlanta Yacht Club May 23-24, featuring Mardi Gras theme activities and details about registration.

Minutes from the March 1, 3, and 5, 1998 Governing Board meetings held in St. Petersburg. Covers organizational matters, website updates, fleet development strategies, regatta proposals, co-skippering rules, nationals site selection, and various class business decisions.

Brief report of top finishers from the 1998 Midwinters East held in St. Petersburg, including results from Championship and B Division races.

Announcement of 1998 Atlantic Coast Championship hosted by Thistle Fleet 34 and Severn Sailing Association July 18-19 in Annapolis, Maryland. Includes race schedule, housing information, and pre-registration form details.

Directory of Thistle Class Association District Governors with names and contact information for all regional districts.

Advertisement for custom boat covers offering various materials and styles, including trailing covers, dry sail covers, flat top covers, and rudder covers. Made by sailors for sailors.

Humorous poem by Ron Schauble recounting a sailing mishap where a crew loses the jib halyard, breaks the mast, and loses the rudder. The narrative describes the mishap with dramatic flair but ends with the boat safely recovered.

Advertisement for Aro Thistle Spars offering quality masts and spars with consistent quality, affordable prices, highest quality extrusions and hardware, and fast delivery.

Report on the Julep Cup Regatta held at Louisville Sailing Club in Prospect, Kentucky in October 1997. Details fleet conditions, race results showing Bright's boat winning, and Bauer taking second place.

Advertisement for McCartney Boatworks specializing in repairs, refurbishing, and new boat building for Thistle Class vessels.

Regatta report for the Kansas City Thistle Fleet's competitive race that featured extreme weather challenges. The report chronicles the chaos of racing in high winds and difficult conditions, including several capsized boats and dramatic race finishes.

Instructions for joining the Thistle Class Association and information about membership benefits including the Bagpipe and Green Book.

Answer to the 'Who Is...' quiz from page 18. Rod Glover is currently a familiar face in the judges boat at many major Thistle regattas.

Information about the Thistle Class Used Boat Clearinghouse service that helps buyers and sellers of Thistle boats connect through the class office and website.

Guidelines for submitting content to the Bagpipe newsletter including where to send copy, ads, photographs, and payment information.

Advertisement for Sobstad Sails highlighting their work with top Thistle sailors to develop faster sails and offering comprehensive support including clinics and web resources.

Classified listings for Thistle sailboats and equipment for sale, including boats in various price ranges from $1350 to $3368.