April/May 2000

President Paul Jordan reflects on lessons learned from watching the America's Cup races and draws parallels to Thistle racing. He pays special tribute to Honey Abramson, the class's sole employee and Secretary-Treasurer for 40 years, as she prepares to retire.

Tom Hubbell provides a detailed guide to the process for proposing amendments and changes to TCA rules and specifications. He outlines the difference between membership votes and Governing Board votes, and explains the critical steps of proposal development and promotion.

Chief Measurer Bruce McCutcheon outlines his philosophy on boat modifications and class regulations. He explains his conservative approach to changes, focusing on the transom height issue that developed over years and the decision to keep the 3/4 size mainsail illegal to preserve the boat's simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Comprehensive report on the Larry Klein Memorial Match Racing Regatta held at Mission Bay Yacht Club the day before Midwinters West. The event features fleet races followed by single-elimination match racing among the top eight boats. Dennis Lettenmaier won the finals against George Szabo.

Historical account of the 1968 National Championships at Sayville, which was marked by fierce winds and numerous mast failures during the third race. The article details how this event led to changes in mast specifications and resulted in the first West Coast Nationals being held in Eugene, Oregon in 1969.

Announcement of the Thistle Fleet 48 Dixie Regatta at the Atlanta Yacht Club, scheduled for May 27-28, 2000. The regatta is presented as a "Gilligan's Island" themed fun-filled weekend of competitive racing and great partying.

Comprehensive calendar of Thistle class regattas from May 2000 through January 2001, listing event names, dates, locations, and organizer contact information organized by month.

Brief announcement that the Old Town Dinghy Club Thistle Fleet #183 has been reorganized and given a new charter by the class. The fleet will operate from Tiger Point Marina and Boat Works on Egans Creek in Old Fernandina, Florida.

Announcement of the 2000 USA Junior Olympic sailing schedule with 20 festivals scheduled across the country. Thistles will be sailed at the North Coast Junior Regatta at Port Clinton YC, Ohio on July 7-9.

Obituary honoring Jack Sackett, a long-time Thistle sailor who passed away on February 27, 2000. His father purchased Thistles for juniors at Mentor Harbor Yacht Club in Ohio, establishing a family tradition of Thistle sailing spanning multiple generations.

Feature article about photographer John Krimmel's first solo exhibition titled "Art of the Machine Print" held at the Earl and Birdie Taylor Library in San Diego, March 3-31, 2000. The exhibition showcased Krimmel's sailing and landscape photographs, with an emphasis on Mission Bay and San Diego Bay subjects.

Profile of Will Lyons, a 14-year-old sailor elected as captain of Cave Run Thistle Fleet 175 in November 1999, reportedly the youngest fleet captain since records have been kept. The article highlights his sailing talent, pleasant personality, and enthusiasm for recruiting junior sailors.

Detailed race-by-race account of the 2000 Midwinters West regatta held at Mission Bay Yacht Club, January 28-30. The report includes observations about wind conditions, tactical decisions, notable boat performances, and personal anecdotes about competitors that highlight the essence of Thistle sailing community.

Analysis of the President's Division racing at Midwinters West 2000, where avoiding mistakes proved crucial in light wind, short course racing. The author discusses the strong correlation between final rankings and worst race performance, and shares tactical lessons about hitting corners and crew management.

Detailed race results tables for the Championship Division and President's Division at the 2000 Midwinters West regatta, including all seven races in the Championship Division and four races in the President's Division with final point totals.

Classified advertisements section featuring Thistle boats for sale, miscellaneous sailing equipment and parts, and custom services. Includes ads for sails, spinnaker poles, covers, half-model builders, and racing pants.