April/May 2006

Hale reports on successful 2006 Midwinter Championships with strong participation and enthusiasm, particularly from newcomers. He encourages members to attend upcoming Atlantic Coast and Great Lakes championships, and announces an accepted bid from Eugene Yacht Club to host the 2007 Nationals.

Smith advocates using video as a powerful marketing tool for the Thistle class. He explains how modern technology makes it easy to capture sailing footage, edit videos on laptops, and distribute them to build enthusiasm. The class plans to convert existing VHS videos to DVD and create new educational and marketing materials.

Winchester reports on measurement issues including centerboard trunk construction and stringer specifications. He expresses concern about declining fleet membership and rising boat prices, advocating for getting old boats into the hands of new sailors and educating newcomers about boat condition and proper storage.

Comprehensive coverage of the Midwinters East regatta with reports from eight races. Notable performances from Greg Fisher who won overall, Scott Griffin in second, and descriptions of different wind and water conditions throughout the week with detailed tactical discussions.

Collection of advertisements and classified listings from various pages including Rooke Sails boat covers and spinnaker turtles, APS Ltd. sailing supplies, North Covers (North Sails), Jibmaster II cleats, Quantum Sails (multiple locations), Berlin Yacht Club 50th Annual Regatta, and Great Midwest Yacht Company.

Photo section showing the winners of the A and B fleets at Midwinters East, including Greg Fisher (first place A fleet), Scott Griffin (second place), Greg Griffin (third place), Robby Brown (fourth place), and Eric Gesner (fifth place), as well as B fleet winners Matias Heinrich, Mike McBride, and Bill Farabaugh.

Humorous anecdotes and vignettes from off-the-water activities at Midwinters East, including boat rigging mishaps, shuttle adventures, dining experiences, dancing, and social gatherings that showcase the camaraderie and fun atmosphere of the regatta.

Complete series standings for the Midwinters East regatta held February 25 - March 3, 2006, with 50 boats competing across 8 races. Greg Fisher finished first overall with 30 points, followed by Scott Griffin with 30 points and Greg Griffin with 39 points.

History and profile of Southern California Thistle Fleet 68, established in the 1950s and currently spanning Santa Barbara to Dana Point. Fleet members sail from various clubs and regularly compete in national, district, and inter-district events. The fleet is hosting the 2006 Pacific Coast Championship Regatta at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club.

Comprehensive calendar of Thistle Class regattas scheduled for 2006, organized by month from January through November, including locations, dates, contacts, and previous year winners. Covers regional championships, district events, invitational regattas, and the National Championship.

Preview of the 2006 National Championship at North Cape Yacht Club in LaSalle, Michigan. Details the club's location, facilities, typical sailing conditions, and planned social events including opening ceremonies with a band, activities throughout the week, and closing ceremonies at the Toledo Zoo.

Official Notice of Race for the 2006 Thistle National Championship at North Cape Yacht Club, LaSalle, Michigan, August 6-11, 2006. Details eligibility, entry requirements, registration procedures, race schedule, insurance requirements, and race administration protocols.

Comprehensive overview of US SAILING's restructuring and mission by Vice President Tom Hubbell. Covers the organization's history dating to 1897, its new streamlined board structure, five new divisions (Competition, Olympic, Education, Recreation, Administration), councils for member input, and emphasis on broadening participation across sailing disciplines.

Report on the SCYA midwinter regatta at Newport Harbor Yacht Club with three Thistle boats competing in light to medium winds. Pete Troin won with Team Mason in second and Bob Bevan in third. The event was followed by relaxation and sailing, with appreciation expressed to Newport Harbour Yacht Club and SCYA for supporting Thistle racing.

Photo report of the January Frost Bite series of the Thistle fleet racing at Carolina Sailing Club in Raleigh, NC in mixed fleet racing. Includes photos by Dave Batchelor and Charles Murphy of Carolina Sailing Club members racing Thistles.

Raffle advertisement for Thistle hull #4000, a fully-rigged competition boat with builder's standard package valued at $20,150. Organized by Thistle Fleet 177 in Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin and supported by the Thistle Class Association and Great Midwest Yacht Company. Tickets are $100 each with a maximum of 499 sold.

Adventure narrative of a group of Thistle sailors crossing 26 miles of the Pacific Ocean from Newport Beach, California to Catalina Island in August 1999. Five boats made the challenging journey with support from a lobster trawler, featuring rough conditions on the outbound leg and easy downwind sailing on the return.

Comprehensive report of the 32nd Annual Orange Peel Regatta at Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville on March 18-20, 2006. 37 boats from 11 states competed with Mike Ingham winning, Greg Griffin in second, Paul Abdullah third, Scott Griffin fourth, and Skip Dieball fifth. Highlights include coaching sessions, Friday sunset cruise, three Saturday races, Saturday dinner and entertainment, and Sunday's lighter wind racing.

Race results for the Orange Peel Regatta held March 18-20, 2006 at Florida Yacht Club. Mike Ingham won with 12 points, Greg Griffin second with 20 points, Paul Abdullah third with 24 points, Scott Griffin fourth with 24 points, and Skip Dieball fifth with 27 points across five races.

Official minutes from three major TCA meetings: August 2, 2005 Governing Board meeting in Lavallette, NJ; August 4, 2005 Annual Meeting; and February 25, 2006 Governing Board meeting in St. Petersburg. Topics include officer reports, class growth initiatives, 2007 Nationals planning, raffle project, and racing format changes.

Personal essay by Bagpipe Editor John Duckworth explaining his passion for sailing through family tradition, connection to nature, and the unique camaraderie of the Thistle class. He reflects on his family's multi-generational involvement in sailing and invites readers to submit their own essays for an ongoing column.

Photo collection page featuring special Thistle-related images including a beautiful wooden Thistle on Clinton Lake near Lawrence, Kansas, a Midwinters East shot, and a James River sailing scene with a mixed fleet.