December 2004/January 2005

A humorous first-person account of the 2005 Midwinters West regatta's social events, including the opening buffet and measurement day activities, the evening potato bar and Mike Ingham's tactics presentation, and the banquet with Emerald River Band and elaborate Tijuana pirate theme party.

Detailed account of the 2005 Midwinters West regatta at Mission Bay, covering the race committee's decision to hold races in the bay due to dangerous surf conditions, the unique modified-Olympic course used, and the competitive racing across three days in varying wind conditions.

Editor's farewell column reflecting on attending the MWW regatta and thanking supporters, announcing the transition of editorial duties to Mike and Mardi Gillum for the next two issues, then John Duckworth for the remainder of 2005. Mentions the rapid publishing schedule and reassures members about receiving all issues.

Report on the 2004 Bloody Mary Regatta at Western Carolina Sailing Club on Lake Hartwell, with 30 teams competing. Paul Abdullah won impressively with three first places, Greg Griffin showed great consistency in second place, and Michael Lenkeit finished third. Features details of the Saturday races and social events.

A comprehensive article on fleet building principles for one-design sailing classes, covering communication, leadership, fleet growth strategies, and specific principles for fleet captains including easy access to boats, balancing competitive and recreational sailors, communication, and community building.

Moderated roundtable discussion between three top Thistle sailors—Craig Koschalk, Terry Lettenmaier, and Blair Dryden—covering their sail choices, performance conditions, racing tricks, and advice for fleet improvement on topics like boat tuning and sailing fundamentals.

Report on the 2004 Berlin Annual Regatta on Berlin Reservoir on June 19-20, featuring thirteen Thistles and forty-eight boats total across multiple classes. Rob Spring won overall, followed by Nicole Finefrock and Kyle Finefrock, with detailed racing narratives and a lively evening social event.

Report on the sixth annual Lumberjack Regatta held August 28-29 at Tupper Lake, New York, won by Eric Gesner (the Thistle Class Chief Measurer and current National Champions), with Sam Ingham in second and Bill Wilson in third. Notes the regatta's community involvement and unique launching and retrieval procedures.

Various classified advertisements and product offerings including carbon fiber spinnaker poles, T-shirts and apparel services, acrylic boat covers (Rooke Sails), Quantum Sail Design Group sails, JibMASTER II cleats, information about the 2005 Nationals at Lavallette Yacht Club, and various sailing equipment suppliers.