April-May 2003

Report on the XXXII Midwinter's West Regatta held in San Diego with 29 boats competing. Picture-perfect weather and competitive sailing provided excellent conditions. Kirsten Cummings won the regatta in the Championship Division, with Mike Ingham and Skip Dieball finishing close behind.

Report on the Presidents Division racing at Midwinters West 2003. Detailed accounts of racing conditions, tactical decisions, and final results with Terry Lettenmaier dominating the fleet across multiple races and conditions.

President's letter discussing the camaraderie of the Thistle Class, the importance of supporting the fleet regatta schedule, and concerns about the use of digital compasses and misuse of the class listserv.

John Baker won the 2003 Lumberjack Regatta at Tupper Lake, NY with excellent hospitality provided by Susan and Elmer Richards. Mother Nature's 12-17 knot winds produced excellent sailing with 17 boats competing in five races.

Tribute to David B. Valla, who passed away suddenly on January 8, 2003 at age 49. He was a former TCA President (1995) and served on the Board of Directors. A passionate Thistler and best friend to the class, he is remembered for his infectious laugh and genuine care for others.

Registration form and information for the 2003 Thistle National Championships to be held at Fort Walton Yacht Club, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, August 2-8, 2003.

Official Notice of Race for the 2003 Thistle National Championships at Fort Walton Yacht Club, including rules, eligibility, entry procedures, measurement requirements, race schedule, and scoring information.

Proposed amendment to TCA Specifications allowing marine VHF radios aboard for safety communication, weather retrieval, and race committee notifications during racing. Includes detailed reasoning and response to potential concerns.

Comprehensive listing of Thistle Class regattas scheduled for 2003 from January through February 2004, including event names, dates, locations, contacts, and previous year winners.

Initiative to locate over 1000 lost or uncertain Thistle hulls. The Thistle Class Secretary is seeking contact information for boats whose locations are unknown to bring owners back into the class and promote growth.

Editor's column about planning and attending regattas throughout the season. Discusses strategies for managing regatta schedules alongside family commitments and offers practical suggestions for finding crew and logistics.

Report on the 2003 Larry Klein Memorial Regatta featuring fleet races followed by match racing. Skip Dieball's team won the championship in exciting competition with light wind conditions on Mission Bay.

Final race results for the Championship Division at the 2003 Midwinters West Regatta, showing Mike Ingham finishing first with 18 points, followed by Skip Dieball at 18.5 points.

Final race results for the Presidents Division at the 2003 Midwinters West Regatta, with Terry Lettenmaier dominating the fleet with 8 points across all races.

Classified advertisements and marketplace listings for Thistle-related products and services, including boat covers, trailers, insurance, and boat sales.