October/November 2007

The President reflects on the fall sailing season and the transition from summer racing. He discusses personal sailing goals, the importance of year-end fleet appreciation, and encourages sailors to plan for the 2008 season including Midwinters and Nationals.

The Growth & Promotion officer discusses expanding Thistle membership through college sailing liaisons and the Thistle Racing Academy program in San Diego. The Academy has successfully introduced over 40 new sailors and increased fleet participation from 3-4 boats to 6-9 boats per event.

A collection of advertisements and vendor listings including Annapolis Performance Sailing, Coral Reef clothing, North Sails boat covers, Jibmaster II equipment, Rooke Sails covers, Quantum Sails, Great Midwest Yacht Company, and insurance and coaching services.

The US Sailing One-Design Sailing Symposium scheduled for November 17-18, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio will feature nationally renowned sailing rules expert Dave Perry along with Stuart Walker, Greg Fisher, Skip Dieball and 25 other presenters. The symposium offers workshops on boat handling, rules, fleet building and women's participation.

Detailed race reports from the 2007 National Championships held at Fern Ridge Reservoir in Eugene, Oregon. The reports cover the challenging wind conditions, tactical decisions, and competitive performances across three races in both Championship and President divisions.

Continued race reports from the 2007 Nationals covering races 4, 5, and 6 in both Championship and President divisions, with detailed tactical accounts and final race analysis from various competitors.

Greg Griffin receives the Minton Trophy in recognition of his extensive service to the Thistle Class, including his work as TCA President in 2002 and his contributions to developing strong fleets and training programs in the Southeastern region.

A children's race at the 2007 Nationals in Eugene where four Thistle skippers loaned their boats to novice young sailors for a fun windward-leeward course, introducing the next generation to competitive sailing.

A colorful narrative account of the 2007 Nationals week in Eugene, covering the journey there, the venue, social events including Mexican Pirate Night, engagement and birthday celebrations, and the post-Nationals road trip sightseeing adventure.

Official standings and award photographs for the 2007 Championship Division at the Nationals, with Mike Ingham winning first place, Scott Griffin second, and Terry Lettenmaier third.

Official standings and award photographs for the 2007 President's Division at the Nationals, with Matt Soderlund winning first place, Ron Smith second, and Brian Kitchin third.

A personal account of the Women's Nationals regatta in Eugene, describing the preparation, light air racing conditions, and the experience of competing in a women-only Thistle event with family support.

A match race report from the 2007 Junior Nationals where only two boats competed - Team Mojo skippered by Tyler Andrews and Team Old Glory skippered by Kevin Bradley - in a spirited three-race series won by Andrews' team.

Report on the Central-Southern Interdistricts regatta held May 19-20, 2007 at Windycrest Sailing Club on Lake Keystone where Craig Koschalk won with strong sailing and community spirit prevailed among the 13 participating Thistle teams.

A personal essay about becoming a competitive Thistle sailor later in life, overcoming fears and age-related doubts through sailing with experienced friends, and discovering the transformative power of teamwork and persistence.

Description of the San Diego Thistle Racing Academy monthly training sessions that have successfully introduced over 40 new sailors to Thistle racing through structured instruction on boat handling, rigging, and practice races.

Official notice from the President regarding Chief Measurer's Ruling #72 on the use of the main tack pin, including grandfathering of sails and current requirements for tack pin usage in racing.

Report on the 2007 Berlin Invitational regatta in Ohio where Karl Felger won with crew Ben Mercer and Brooke Banning, recognizing the importance of world-class crew work in competitive sailing.

An editor's puzzle column featuring pun-based clues where the answers are past Nationals locations, plus a call for on-the-road photographs from Thistlers.

Complete details for the 2008 Thistle Midwinters East regatta scheduled for March 1-7, 2008 at St. Petersburg Yacht Club in Florida, including NOR, schedule, entry fees, and entry form.

Official minutes from the Annual Meeting held July 31, 2007 in Eugene, Oregon, covering officer reports, constitutional changes, new membership classifications, and election of the 2008 slate of officers.

Official minutes from the Governing Board Meeting held July 29 and August 1, 2007 in Eugene, Oregon, covering officer reports, new business including Chief Measurer rulings and bylaw changes.

A reader-submitted photo section featuring images from Thistlers on the road and at various locations, encouraging community members to share their Thistle adventure photographs.