June/July 2000

Key announcements including new 2000 roster mailed to members, new Secretary-Treasurer effective October 1 (Carol and Trudy Hudson replacing Honey Abramson), and reminder that National Championships in Sayville NY (August 5-11) require boat registration by July 1 and centerboard weighing.

Tribute to Honey Abramson's 40 years of service as Executive-Secretary-Treasurer of the TCA. The article celebrates her dedication, competence, and crucial role in maintaining the organization's continuity and stability. A special night in her honor is scheduled for Wednesday, August 9 at Sayville Yacht Club during the 2000 Nationals.

President Paul Jordan welcomes members to the upcoming National Championships in Sayville, emphasizing the unique family-oriented atmosphere of Thistle events and encouraging participation. He compares the Nationals to summer camp with solved logistical problems and highlights the class's commitment to being the best one-design organization.

Four proposed class rule amendments submitted for approval at the 2000 National Annual Meeting: transom height tolerance adjustment, electronic compasses allowance, spinnaker sheet twings, and aluminum tillers. Each proposal includes technical specifications and rationale for the change.

Bruce McCutcheon reminds owners planning to attend Nationals to ensure boats have proper measurement certificates and registration. He discusses ongoing research on wetting agents, noting that Starbrite (containing Teflon) will likely be approved while silicon-based materials like Veridian will be prohibited.

Comprehensive report on the 2000 Thistle Midwinters East regatta in St. Petersburg, Florida, with 60 skippers and families attending. The event featured themed purple decorations, various entertainment including a classical musicale with viola and French horn solos, themed parties, and special events recognizing participants from 23 states.

Recognition of Maridell Weaver as the 2000 recipient of the Ted Tolson Award for outstanding service to the Midwinters East Race Committee. Weaver has contributed over 20 years of service in various roles including registration, on-water duties, and serving as Regatta Chair for three years.

Ed Duckworth receives the 2000 Darlene Clark Award for embodying enthusiasm and fun at the Midwinters East. Also profiles new Regatta Chair Paul Bardes, who replaces the position and brings extensive experience in race management from other major sailing events. Bardes' background includes serving as Commodore of the St. Pete Sailing Association and managing Olympic and Flying Dutchman racing.

Personal account of how the Coach TCA coaching program has transformed the writer's sailing abilities over three years. Larsen describes the combination of classroom instruction from Tom Hubbell and Greg Fisher, weather forecasting sessions, and on-water coaching from top sailors that has dramatically improved fleet placement and sailing enjoyment.

Official minutes from the TCA Governing Board meeting held March 7, 2000 at St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Topics include recognition of Jennifer Tumlin's Women's National Championship, discussion of race rules, plans to put Green Book online, Honey Abramson's retirement and the incoming Hudsons as new Secretary-Treasurer, centerboard and transom amendments, 2000 Nationals logistics, 2001 Nationals plans, and listserve policies.

Profile of Seattle's Thistle Fleet #61, one of the largest one-design fleets in the Pacific Northwest with close to 40 boats. The fleet conducts four races weekly on Lake Washington with strong focus on mentoring new members. Fleet history dates to 1954 when the first boats were built from wooden hulls, and includes an interesting America's Cup connection.

Insightful racing tactics column identifying eight common tactical mistakes that slow boats down and cost races. Klotz argues that overfocusing on tactical boat-to-boat maneuvering wastes time compared to strategic sailing (playing wind and current, sailing the most efficient course), drawing on observations from 30+ years of racing.

Editorial guidance from the Bagpipe editor encouraging regatta chair to submit write-ups and photographs to the class website and Bagpipe. Includes instructions on submission procedures and guidelines for writing effective regatta reports (300 words for local/district, 600 for inter-district).

Announcement that the 2001 National Championships will be held August 4-10, 2001 at Macatawa Bay Yacht Club in Michigan, located just north of Holland on the western shore of lower Lake Michigan, roughly 2-3 hours from Chicago and Detroit.

Report that Past President Patty Lawrence organized and moderated a growth and promotion panel discussion at the US Sailing annual meeting in Chicago on March 24, with Thistle Third Vice President for Growth and Promotion Kerry Nielan as one of the panelists. The event brought together 44 representatives from 10 states and 13 one-design classes.

Obituary of Samuel V. Merrick, one of the top Thistle sailors in the New Jersey district in the mid-1950s, placing third and second in the 1954 and 1957 National Championships. Merrick was best known for his work as Director of the US Olympic Yachting Committee in the early 1980s, helping develop the US Olympic team that won medals in every class at the 1984 Olympics.

Tribute to Jack Sackett's lifelong passion for Thistle sailing and its impact on his family and relationships. The article traces his sailing career from childhood on Douglas & McLeod Thistles near Cleveland through decades of family racing, boat restoration and building, professional achievements, and sailing adventures including a Trans-Atlantic delivery with his son.

Memorial to Charley Jett, a premier growth and promotion advocate for the Thistle Class who helped organize Cave Run Sailing Association and Fleet 175. Known for his warm, sincere manner and humility despite his many accomplishments in banking, charity, and sailing. The article announces plans for a National Growth & Promotion Award in his name.

Report on the 35th (or so) 8 Ball Regatta held April 15-16 with 36 boats from 5 states. Bruce King won convincingly, with Andy McDonald second. The report highlights positive aspects of the regatta including participation of junior skippers, past and present officers, strong mentoring, hand-made trophies, and notably strong attendance and engagement of junior sailors.

Detailed race-by-race account of the 2000 Thistle Midwinters East Championship in St. Petersburg with 60 competitors. Kit Holzaepfel won convincingly with consistency, Bruce King finished second, and Tom Hubbell took third place. The report covers six races sailed in light to moderate winds with various course configurations.

Humorous anecdote illustrating the critical importance of a working rudder for boat balance and control. The author recounts an incident where the wooden rudder broke off during a race, requiring creative teamwork and boat-balancing techniques to return to shore. Demonstrates a practical technique learned from practicing rudderless sailing.

Classified section featuring Thistle boats for sale (vintage wooden and modern fiberglass models), custom half models, replacement sails, carbon fiber spinnaker pole components, and miscellaneous sailing equipment. Also includes submission instructions for placing classified ads.