December/January 2000

Paul Jordan's inaugural message as the new president reflects on the Thistle class community, describing how sailing Thistles has created an extended family through friendships and travels. He emphasizes the importance of participation in Midwinters and Nationals events, Coach TCA opportunities, and notes that the Lake Norman Yacht Club race committee won the St. Petersburg Trophy for race management excellence.

Regatta announcement for Midwinters East scheduled for March 4-10, 2000 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Includes complete schedule of events, coaching sessions, social activities, entry information with fees, and contact details for registration.

A comprehensive article on growth and promotion strategies within the Thistle class. Kerry Nielan thanks his predecessor Ron Schauble for electronic age development and discusses implementing growth strategies at Fleet 2 (Crescent Sail Yacht Club), including boat preparation, party scheduling, family events, and mentoring programs. He emphasizes that the core of growth and promotion is people and community.

First report from the new Chief Measurer. Addresses several technical issues including proper sail numbering requirements, non-approved CAD drawings, the now-eliminated 1000 maximum breaking strength requirement for halyards, and his position against cut-down mainsails, preferring the option of reefing instead.

Terry Lettenmaier introduces himself as the new editor of the Bagpipe, noting this is the first issue he has worked on with Dennis Lettenmaier and Tim Mortimore. He discusses the survey of the top 10 Nationals finishers as the feature article and notes that determining crew weights was the most challenging part of the survey.

Comprehensive survey of the top 10 finishers from the 1999 Nationals at Edenton, North Carolina. Includes detailed interviews with each skipper about crew experience, boat setup, wind strategy, crew weight considerations, and secrets to success. Also includes technical specification tables for hulls, rigging, crew weights, and sails.

A retrospective article examining the 1963 Nationals held at Sayville, the first of six Nationals hosted at this venue. The article provides detailed race-by-race accounts of the competition with emphasis on tactics, wind conditions, and notable performances by top competitors of that era.

A comprehensive compilation of listserve discussions on safe sailing practices and the use of reefed mainsails to extend sailing conditions. Includes perspectives from multiple sailors and sailmakers on when to race in heavy air, crew capabilities, rescue procedures, and technical details of various reefing systems. Covers debates about whether the class should standardize reefing, experiences with slab reefing, and historical context of roller reefing.

Report on the 8th Annual Thoroughbred Regatta held May 8-9, 2000 at Cave Run Lake in Morehead, Kentucky, hosted by Thistle Fleet #175. A record 13 boats competed in challenging heavy air conditions Saturday (18-20 mph with gusts to 25 mph) followed by light air on Sunday. Brian Jerman won the regatta with consistent results.

A humorous account of the WerstFest regatta at Canyon Lake, Texas over Halloween weekend, where heavy rain and high winds prevented any racing by Thistles. The event turned into a social occasion with only 3 of 7 expected boats attending, zero races sailed, but celebration of German-American heritage and Werstfest festivities continued.

Report on the Make-A-Wish Thistle Regatta at Cottage Park Yacht Club in Boston, which featured 4 competing boats and raised over $20,000 for children in need. Steve Liggett won 3 of 4 races with crew Maf Terry and John Saxe. The regatta helped rejuvenate the Boston Thistle fleet after a period of inactivity.

Report on the 1999 Great Pumpkin Regatta at Birmingham Sailing Club, featuring 21 Thistles in heavy air sailing. Paul Abdullah won with consistent finishes. Multiple capsizes occurred throughout the weekend due to challenging conditions. Notable social events included a harvest moon and great group atmosphere.

Two humorous anecdotes about running aground and centerboard issues. David Dickson shares a story about running aground near pelican mounds in Memphis and getting stuck on the board and rudder. Paul Jordan recounts a similar incident when birding near Shreveport where he became stuck on the rudder. Both stories provide amusing lessons in managing shallow water sailing.

Report on Fleet 34's annual Oyster Roast Regatta and party held October 9-10 at Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis. Twenty-two Thistles competed despite challenging Saturday light air and Sunday heavy rain conditions. Brent Barbehenn won the regatta with consistent performance across five races, followed by Eric Gesner and Scott Milnes.

Report on the Sequim Bay Regatta hosted by Tacoma Fleet 115 on July 10-11, 1999, with 11 Northwest Thistles competing. Ideal conditions with 10-knot sea breeze and flat water produced excellent racing. Ken Tucker won the regatta, edging out defending champion Terry Lettenmaier on a tiebreaker.

Letters section featuring a welcome letter from Hank Biggers rejoining the active Thistle community after many years, welcoming back Thistle #2361 named "Attitude." Also includes a new member listing with names organized by district.

Report on the US Sailing annual meeting held in Baltimore October 28-31, focusing on the One Design Class Council's activities. Discusses web space for classes, listing of sailing publications for press releases, and plans for a growth seminar at the March Chicago meeting. Mentions the Championship of Champions invitational regatta and leadership awards.

Report that Lake Norman Yacht Club's race committee for the 1999 Thistle National Championship in Edenton won the prestigious St. Petersburg Trophy for excellence in race management. The article highlights the achievement of LNYC's dinghy-focused committee and includes quotes from committee members celebrating the honor.

Classified advertisements and marketplace listings for Thistle boats, sails, and equipment. Includes boats for sale, used sails, and miscellaneous marine equipment. Also includes advertising information for the Bagpipe and a humorous advertisement for the Sunbury Thistle Clinic.