August/September 2007

Craig Smith's farewell column as 3rd Vice President, highlighting accomplishments in growth and promotion including Thistle Crew University training program, online videos, merchandise availability, and training DVDs. Mike Poltorak will succeed him as 3rd VP.

President's report on accomplishments including maintaining membership, approving new membership structure, approving first dues increase in 20 years, addressing measurement concerns, and recognizing new webmaster Mary Amburgey and Chief Measurer Dan Winchester.

Various advertisements and product offerings for Thistle-related goods and services, including boat covers, sails, rigging equipment, merchandise, DVDs, and services from manufacturers and retailers.

Secretary's report on the 2007 Nationals in Eugene, appreciation for the dues increase, transition to new webmaster Mary Amburgey, and fall sailing season reminders including the One-Design Sailing Symposium.

Obituary for James Robert Weir Jr. (1932-2007), a longtime Thistle sailor and advocate for racing who spent nearly half a century competing on Fort Loudon Lake in Knoxville, Tennessee, established a sail camp for junior sailors, and served as Concord Yacht Club Commodore.

Chief Measurer's comprehensive report detailing measurement issues addressed during the year, including concerns about floating tack position, fillet size, mast weights, and rudder profiles, with detailed recommendations for future measurement processes and archiving of measurement records.

Announcement of the 2008 Nationals returning to Pensacola Yacht Club (August 3-9, 2008) after previous events there in 1982 and 1986, discussion of venue requirements and the importance of volunteers for hosting Nationals.

A descriptive personal essay about sailing Thistles in St. Petersburg, Florida, with observations on roll-tacking, competitive racing, marine wildlife encounters, and the dynamics between sailors and spectators on the water.

Report on the 2007 Lake Erie Districts hosted by Cleveland Yacht Club with 22 teams competing in 5 races over 2 days. Kyle Finefrock won with his father Jack Finefrock finishing second, and includes a junior sailor's perspective on competing in the regatta.

Race results table from the 2007 Lake Erie Districts Championship with 22 boats competing in 5 races, with Kyle Finefrock #3845 winning with 7 points total.

Report on the inaugural Mid-America Districts at Kansas Sailing Association's new facilities, with 4 races held after initially being postponed due to poor weather. Terry O'Hara, Rachel O'Hara, and Toni Petersen won the championship.

Race results table from the Mid-America Districts Championship with 15 competitors racing 4 races, with Terry O'Hara winning with 12 points.

Detailed report on the Pacific Coast Championships at Huntington Lake with 15 Thistles competing over 6 races, and High Sierra Regatta with 3 races, featuring descriptions of challenging lake conditions, competitive racing, and social events.

Race results table from the 2007 Pacific Coast Championships (6 races) and High Sierra Regatta (3 races) with 15 competitors, Ron Smith #1285 winning the PCC and High Sierra Regatta.

Report on the 2007 Thistle Atlantic Coast Championship hosted by Toms River Yacht Club on July 7-8, with 51 boats competing in beautiful weather. Mike Ingham won with consistent sailing, Greg Fisher finished second, and Brad Thompson third.

Race results table from the 2007 Atlantic Coast Championships with 51 boats competing in 5 races, with Mike Ingham winning with 5 points total.

Account of Dave Fahrmeier's two-year restoration of wooden Thistle #815 (L'il Rogue), including centerboard trunk repairs, structural issues encountered during racing, and successful improvements that allowed the boat to compete in 2007 events.

Historical research article about identifying wooden versus fiberglass Thistle hulls, noting the class did not maintain accurate records after approving fiberglass construction in 1961, with a list of skippers and boats in the ambiguous hull number range that may be either wood or glass.

Editor's column discussing submission guidelines for the Bagpipe, addressing timing constraints of the publication deadline, guidelines for various types of submissions including pictures, charts, articles, and calendar dates, and encouraging class members to contribute content.

Report on the Delta Districts held at Lake Livingston on June 16, 2007 after the originally scheduled date was blown out, with 4 boats competing in 2 races before severe weather halted racing. Chris LaBorde won both races.

Race results table from the 2007 Delta Districts with 4 boats competing in 2 races, Chris LaBorde winning with 2 points total.

Column featuring a photograph of Jim Ballintine, his daughter Sheila, and son Brendan with a caption about making sure the windward jib sheet is free after tacking, plus a note from Vince about road trip travels on Cape Cod and scuba diving adventures including catching a 12-pound lobster.