April/May 2007

President Hale announces the success of the Thistle Southern Circuit with strong turnouts at Midwinters East and Orange Peel regattas. He discusses the TCA membership campaign, governing board actions on bylaw changes for National Championship courses, membership category restructuring, and measurement issues raised by Chief Measurer Rulings.

The Long Term Planning Committee proposes restructuring TCA membership to simplify qualification for skippers by allowing both boat owners and non-owners to become Active Members. The proposal includes specific changes to Constitution and Bylaw items regarding membership classifications, dues, eligibility, chartering, and National Championship participation. Proposed changes require membership vote at 2007 Annual Meeting.

First Vice President Kreitler humorously reflects on the annual ritual of creating maintenance lists for Thistle boats. He describes how his list starts ambitiously each year but gets whittled down through procrastination, which then becomes the starting point for next year's list.

Growth & Promotion Officer Craig Smith celebrates the successful fleet growth story of Boston Harbor Thistle Fleet #22, which tripled its membership through dedicated recruitment. He announces the availability of three Thistle Class DVDs for order and describes new online resources including archived Bagpipes, web videos, branded merchandise, and a call for video footage of Thistles sailing in strong winds.

Chief Measurer Winchester proposes two Chief Measurer Rulings (CMR #72 and #73) to address measurement issues. CMR #72 makes the tack pin optional for mainsails, allowing a slug attachment instead. CMR #73 permits fillets under the rail with a maximum radius of 1/4 inch to maintain consistency and control boat building techniques.

Tom Turner, a long-time sailor and US Sailing Judge at Lake Lanier Sailing Club since 1969, passed away on March 1, 2007. He served in multiple club leadership roles and was instrumental in organizing the 1996 Paralympics sailing event. He frequently sailed Thistles and was known for his emphasis on good sportsmanship and fairness.

The 2007 National Championship in Eugene, Oregon is being planned to match the quality of the 2002 event, with the same race committee, expected perfect weather, and comprehensive pre-race requirements for sails, measurements, and safety equipment. The article outlines the regatta venue benefits and provides guidance on boat preparation and weight requirements.

Joe Mccorkell shares practical advice on packing and securing Thistles on trailers, comparing two proven setups: Mike McBride's mast support system using V-rests and bungees, and Doug Laber's mast carrier used by Chris Pollak. The article includes detailed descriptions and photos of both methods to help new Thistlers travel safely to regattas.

Detailed race-by-race reports from the seven races of the 2007 Midwinters East regatta in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Reports include tactical decisions and notable performances by top skippers including Greg Fisher (#3839), Scott Griffin (#3997), Steve Lavender (#3893), Robby Brown (#3983), and Scott McCormack.

Complete race results from the 2007 Midwinters East regatta held at St. Petersburg Yacht Club with 69 competitors. Greg Fisher #3839 won the championship, followed by Paul Abdullah #3985 in second and Robby Brown #3983 in third. Results include all 7 races with final scoring.

A narrative account of the 2007 Midwinters East social events, highlighting Elmer Richards' historic 50th consecutive MWE appearance with details of the "Elmer Extravaganza" celebration, the ongoing "Vince" the plush toy saga, and various recreational activities. The author captures the vibrant social culture of the Thistle fleet in St. Petersburg.

Tom Ehman provides practical advice for fleet captains on creating a vibrant, social racing environment that attracts and retains sailors. Recommendations include potluck dinners, theme parties, newsletters, short races, crew awards, simplified rules, strong fleet captains, family inclusion, publicity, and charity regattas.

Feature article about Mike Gillum, an accomplished Thistle skipper and boat enthusiast, and his collection of wooden Thistles. After 20 years of searching, Gillum acquired #1010 (formerly Buddy Ebsen's boat named Rebel Yell), a 1940 Plymouth woodie wagon for restoration, and plans to commission John Riddle Boat Works to build "The Virgin," an unbuilt D&M kit estimated at $24,830.

Mike Rees describes cruising the Columbia River from Astoria to Portland in a Thistle, navigating sand bars, mud flats, and tidal changes while offering practical advice on navigation, routes, and planning a three-day cruise. The article provides details on landmarks, marine traffic, and suggested stops at Cathlamet and St. Helens.

Report on the 33rd Orange Peel Regatta held at Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville with 55 boats. Skip Dieball won the regatta, with strong sailing from teams including Mike Ingham and Robby Brown. The article highlights the regatta's Southern hospitality, coaching clinics, and the growth of the Thistle Southern Circuit.

Report from the Southern California Districts held at Lake Pleasant, Arizona with 13 boats. Skip Kempff won the championship, with Mike Polterak and Dave Bloomburg tied for second. The article describes the changeable wind conditions and the eventual cancellation of Sunday races due to high winds.

Minutes from the February 25, 2007 TCA Executive Committee meeting held at St. Petersburg Yacht Club, documenting discussions of bylaw changes, membership restructuring proposals, governing board appointments, website management, and membership statistics. Includes specific bylaw adjustments to National Championship course specifications approved by the Governing Board.

Listing of new TCA members from various regions and membership categories, plus membership application form with annual dues structure. The application outlines membership benefits and requirements for Active Members, Junior Members, Associate Members, Contributing Members, and Sustaining Members.

Report on the 2006 Southeast Fall Series which consisted of six regattas with 71 skippers competing and 21 qualifying for the series championship. Greg Griffin and Mark Reddaway won the series title through consistency, while the season was marked by competitive racing with multiple winners and wide participation.

Humorous sailing terminology and definitions by editor John Duckworth, offering lighthearted takes on sailing terms and situations relevant to Thistle sailors and racing culture.

Photo section for reader submissions showing Thistles and sailing-related images, including a notice for the June 23-24, 2007 Vermilion Boat Club regatta and photographs from various events and social activities.

Humorous letter from a plush toy named Vince to Ben Larsen, documenting Vince's adventure at the 2007 Midwinters East regatta in St. Pete and promising further travels ahead.