June/July 2007

President Peter Hale discusses the successful TCA membership recovery campaign, which gained 162 new members by year-end through improved communication and restored confidence in the Bagpipe as the primary membership communication tool.

First Vice President Charlie Kreitler provides practical advice for organizing fleet social events, outlining four approaches from fully-sponsored barbecues to potlucks, emphasizing how food brings together part-time sailors and families.

Growth and Promotion VP Craig Smith announces the digitization of historical Bagpipe archives, with issues from 1960-1969 and samples from later decades now available online at thistleclass.com.

Collection of advertisements and classified listings for Thistle-related products, services, and sales including DVDs, boat covers, sails, insurance, and equipment.

Secretary/Treasurer Patty Lawrence reflects on cost changes over 20 years, explaining why the TCA must raise membership dues in 2008 to maintain operations and quality communications while remaining competitively priced versus other sailing classes.

Sea Scouts from Maryville, Tennessee mounted an impressive exhibit of a restored Thistle sailboat at the Blount County Public Library, introducing the class to approximately 2,000 daily visitors and sparking significant community interest in sailing.

The Bagpipe honors the life and legacy of legendary sailor Bruce Goldsmith (1936-2007), who won the Thistle National Championship in 1960 along with numerous other racing titles and served as mentor to many in the sailing community before his tragic death.

Greg Fisher reflects on Bruce Goldsmith's approach to coaching and his ability to teach perspective and enjoy life, illustrating with an anecdote about receiving beer during a race when the crew was struggling psychologically.

The 21st annual Crawfish Classic held at Shreveport Yacht Club in Louisiana featured three races across two days, with Craig Koschalk winning overall after storms threatened the event but clearing in time for excellent sailing conditions.

Alycia Sanders describes her team's first-time experience at the 2007 Midwinters East regatta in St. Petersburg, Florida in humorous detail, from equipment failures and possums to learning to steer and earning a Pink Flamingo award.

A regatta at Eagle Lake in Michigan featured fine sailing conditions and a kid-friendly atmosphere with social activities including a sauna party, with Mark Makielski winning by seven straight races.

The annual 8-Ball regatta at Indianapolis Sailing Club drew 29 boats with unseasonal warmth and light winds on Saturday, improving wind on Sunday, with Bruce King's team winning overall followed by Andrews/Rhodes and Glover.

US SAILING announces the One-Design Sailing Symposium November 17-18 in Columbus, Ohio, featuring parallel tracks for fleet building and sailing skill improvement with presentations by industry experts.

The 2007 Wet Your Thistle Regatta at Hoover Sailing Club in Westerville featured 21 boats in perfect conditions with Steve Lavender winning overall, set at a beautiful facility with numerous sponsor-provided prizes and raffle items.

Scott Latham profiles the restoration of Mad Cow, a wooden Thistle sailboat owned by Tom Lawton and Sarah Hatsell of Connecticut, detailing their meticulous rebuild process with epoxy and varnish, and their racing success in this beautiful classic boat.

Editor's note documenting a humorous exchange of emails between Scott Latham and two different Tom Lawtons - one the original who sailed in 1956, and one who recently restored Mad Cow - revealing the rich history of Tom Lawtons in the Thistle class.

The Disco Dixie regatta at Atlanta Yacht Club over Memorial Day weekend drew 68 boats with a 1970s theme, featuring four divisions of racing, a Saturday night disco party, and Brent McKenzie winning overall with consistent 3-4-3 finishes.

Editor John Duckworth encourages readers to contribute to the Bagpipe, sharing a personal story about his father Ed's long involvement in the Thistle class and how family connections have shaped the sport's community.

The NCAL (Northern California) District Championships held March 31 - April 1 at Richmond Yacht Club featured Saturday buoy races and a Sunday pursuit race, with Mike Gillum winning overall despite the small six-boat fleet.

A photo column featuring candid images from Thistle events, including a morning dockside ritual photo by Nancy Molitor.