February/March 2000

Jordan welcomes new Thistlers and reflects on why sailors love the class. He discusses the importance of the TCA Coach program at Midwinters East, the value of listserve discussions for communication, and encourages members to consider associate memberships and junior development opportunities.

Nielan outlines a strategic business plan for the Thistle Class Association with three main focal points: enhancing public relations and communication through a Growth and Promotion Guide, developing junior sailing programs to create a pipeline into the class, and enhancing internet resources including online registration and real-time regatta results.

Mccutcheon discusses the decision to maintain official boat plans in mylar rather than convert to CAD, addresses the ongoing issue of transom height discrepancies, and emphasizes the importance of ensuring proper anchor requirements are enforced during racing.

Conerly tells the story of how the Pacific Northwest District acquired molds for Thistle boat construction through the efforts of Grant Noel, and how these molds eventually led to the founding of Northwest One Design. The article explains the lease arrangement between the district and builder, the mold improvements, and the success of boats built from these molds.

Ehlinger profiles Thistle Fleet #176 at Nockamixon Sail Club in Pennsylvania. He describes the fleet's history since 1987, its growth and current membership of 12 boats, and highlights the club's informal but competitive structure, affordable racing programs, and commitment to the Thistle class tradition.

Gerondale shares practical tips for sailing with children as crew, including loosening rules, providing special treats, picking target boats to watch, giving kids responsibilities, and making pizza a race day tradition. He emphasizes that racing with kids requires more planning and patience but creates memorable family experiences.

McNitt recounts her experience learning to sail Thistles and the critical importance of proper clothing for crew comfort and performance. She discusses foul weather gear choices, wet suits, boots, gloves, and the psychological benefits of being properly dressed for the elements.

This historical retrospective examines conditions from the 1966 Thistle Nationals held in Sayville, NY, drawing from archived Bagpipe articles. It describes the consistent southwesterly winds, race-by-race conditions, and strategic considerations for sailing on Great South Bay, providing context for the 2000 Nationals to be held at the same venue.

Dryden, winner of the 1998 and 1999 National Championships, shares his approach to upwind strategy. He discusses key traits including flexibility, high intensity, decision-making mode, communication, and "the zone," then explains his systematic framework for assessing wind patterns, current, mark positioning, and starting line strategy.

Lettenmaier explains the printing process that now allows color pages in selected issues of the Bagpipe. He describes the "self cover" process, notes which pages can carry color, and invites readers to submit color photographs for future issues.

A profile of Carol Winchester, an artist who creates Thistles-themed artwork including watercolors and acrylics. The article describes her journey into art and the Thistle community, her award-winning works, and information on purchasing her art for regattas, gifts, and custom commissions.

A collection of brief fleet updates including Lolly Boston's 84th birthday celebration, Boston Fleet #22 revival efforts at Cottage Park Yacht Club, recognition of Past Thistler Earl Fox by President Clinton, and reports from boat builders Great Midwest and Northwest One Design about new boat construction and deliveries.

Vandenberg reports on the Carlyle mixed class regatta in September where 11 Thistles competed among 250 total boats. Jack Finefrock won with a dominant performance, with Kevin Arrow and Chris La Beede finishing second and third. The article notes the Thistle fleet's impressive performance against supposedly faster boats.

Samuels reports on the San Diego Mission Bay Fall Thistle Invitational held in November. Will Cummings won a competitive series against Don Sondys and Dean Iwahashi. The article discusses centerboard trim strategies and the author's experience taking delivery of a new boat from builder Doug Laber.

Holder reports on the 45th annual Mint Julep Cup regatta in Louisville in October, which faced persistent rain throughout the weekend. Despite poor visibility and wet conditions, 17 skippers competed in light winds on the Ohio River. John Bright won the series, with Michael Larrison earning his first regatta trophy and Greg Deaves competing after arriving late.

Mccutcheon reports on a fall series regatta held in Ossining, NY in October with 16 Thistles competing on the Hudson River north of the Tappan Zee Bridge. Despite challenging weather including light winds and thick fog, John Baker won with Charlie Kreitler in second place.

Balough and Lettenmaier report on the 1999 Pacific Coast Championships held at Eugene Yacht Club in a unique Friday-Saturday format. Dane Winchester dominated the final races to win the championship and the perpetual trophy, with Terry Lettenmaier finishing second and Wayne Balsiger third.

Jones reports on the Hoover Thistle Regatta held September 11-12 in Ohio with 27 boats competing. Kit Holzaepfel won convincingly, demonstrating strong boat handling throughout. The article includes race-by-race descriptions and a detailed finishing results table.

Owen reports on the Thou-Can regatta held in Florida with 9 boats, notable for having a record number of female skippers. The regatta emphasized fun with a "no whining" clause and short courses. E. Burks and C. Burks won the regatta with consistent performances across six races.

Greg Griffin reports on the Bloody Mary Regatta held in November on Lake Hartwell near Anderson, SC with 15 boats. Scott Griffin won with dominant performances, with Michael Szabo finishing second. Despite poor Sunday wind conditions leading to abandonment of races, Saturday's three races were completed successfully.

A collection of classified advertisements and marketplace listings including boats for sale, miscellaneous sailing equipment, and job postings. Items include used Thistles, sails, carbon fiber spinnaker poles, covers, and instructional positions.