June/July 2005

Various advertisements and classified listings for sailing products and services, including boat insurance, sailmaking services, boat covers, and marine services.

The president reflects on his first Nationals experience in 1981, sharing lessons learned about equipment changes and preparation for major racing events. He discusses the excitement of competing at the highest level and memorable moments from that era, encouraging new racers to embrace their first Nationals as the ultimate learning opportunity.

An appeal to Thistle Class members to contribute articles to the Bagpipe magazine. The author encourages both experienced and novice writers to share their sailing stories, boat restoration projects, and insights, explaining that class publications are only as good as their contributors.

A comprehensive guide to the East Coast Fall Series, beginning with its history dating to the late 1950s. The article provides detailed descriptions of eight fall regatta venues (Nyack, Sayville, Hopatcong, Westport, Annapolis, Saratoga, Delripet, and Red Dragon), covering logistics, sailing conditions, social events, and the rich tradition of competitive sailing on the East Coast.

An innovative article about using smaller Snipe sails on Thistles in high wind conditions. The author describes how proportionate sail reduction improves boat balance and handling in winds up to 30 mph, making high-wind sailing more accessible and enjoyable for all crew weights.

A race report from the Seneca Yacht Club regatta in New York's Finger Lakes with nineteen Thistle teams. Eric Gesner won despite challenging light air conditions, with Kyle Finefrock taking second and Mike Ingham third, followed by a festive evening of euchre and fireworks.

John Riddle wins the Lake Erie District Championships in Vermillion, Ohio with a calm, focused approach. Aided by his daughter Megan and crew member Matt Ayers, Riddle demonstrates how relaxed attitude and teamwork overcome challenging light-air conditions that affected most competitors.

A detailed technical discussion on sailing list-serve about mainsail trimming, specifically comparing Fisher and Proctor sail characteristics and how to manage twist and hook in various wind conditions. Ingham provides practical advice on achieving proper boat balance.

The Central-Southern Interdistrict regatta at Windycrest Sailing Club on Lake Keystone, Oklahoma saw eighteen Thistle teams competing in ideal May weather. Jim Kincaid won with strong performances, while the regatta was notable for the participation of Darline Hobock, a founder of the fleet.

A letter from Permanent Rear Commodore Honey Abramson noting the death of Gladys Hermann, mother of class member Tony Hermann. Gladys was 97 and one of the early wife-crews, having competed in the 1949 Nationals with her family in boat #32.

A colorful account of Fleet 48's first "Dixie de Mayo" regatta on Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Allatoona, Georgia. With themed decorations, a margarita party, and a festive Mexican-style social event, fifty Thistles competed in three races. Greg Griffin prevailed in a thrilling final race, while the regatta also featured junior racing and numerous awards for notable achievements.

Mike Ingham dominated the Niagara Frontier District Championships on Irondequoit Bay in Rochester with the lightest and most challenging wind conditions. Ingham won three of the five races with his sharp light-air techniques, while the regatta also featured a memorable experts' roundtable discussion on Sunday.

An overview of junior sailing development in the Thistle class, highlighting successful junior participation in the 2004 Junior Bay Week regatta and subsequent Michigan City Nationals. The article encourages fleet members to support junior sailors through reduced fees, mentoring, and crewing opportunities.

The 49th Annual Berlin Yacht Club Regatta featured nine Thistles competing against Highlanders, Flying Scots, and Sunfish. Junior sailor Megan Keyser made her skippering debut, while the regatta showcased a legendary rivalry between Jack Bauer and Jack Finefrock that had spanned three decades.

A comprehensive technical guide from Great Midwest Yacht Company on repairing minor scratches and dings in gel-coated boat surfaces. The article provides detailed step-by-step procedures for preparation, application, scraping, and polishing to achieve a seamless repair.

A report on junior participation in the Inter-Lake Yachting Association (1-LYA) regatta at North Cape Yacht Club in Michigan, highlighting the importance of youth sailing programs and the success of local junior Thistlers competing in multi-class events.

John Duckworth's first letter as Bagpipe editor, discussing the steep learning curve of magazine production and the importance of contributions from class members. He thanks contributors for this issue and issues a call for more articles, photos, results, and ideas for future issues.

A collection of submitted photographs from class members, including images from various regattas and social events throughout the sailing season.