December 2007 / January 2008

President Kreitler reflects on how the Thistle Class Association relies on volunteers, particularly Regional Vice Presidents, to coordinate regattas and select National Championship venues. He emphasizes that the RVP role is being expanded to help secure future Nationals sites.

Chief Measurer Pollak discusses his appointment to lead the measurement committee with support from past Chief Measurers. He outlines immediate issues to address including the floating tack pin rule and rudder measurement specifications.

Growth and Promotion officer Poltorak offers strategies for promoting the Thistle Class, including mentoring programs, organizing events, engaging youth, and promoting Midwinters West as a premier regatta destination.

Secretary-Treasurer Lawrence announces the new 2008 membership dues structure and encourages members to renew dues at upcoming fleet meetings.

Obituary of William Wagner Heintz (1908-2007), past TCA president and accomplished sailor, who passed away at age 99. He was active in competitive sailing across multiple classes and served as president of the Thistle Class Association in 1955.

Feature article about Brian and Sean Joyce and their wooden Thistle, Tabasco #1394. Discusses their approach to wooden boat restoration, technical innovations, and the practical challenges of maintaining and racing a wooden vessel.

Report on the Labor Day Weekend CORN (Cheney One-design Regatta at Ninnescah) held at Cheney Reservoir, Kansas, with 11 Thistles competing in light and shifty conditions. Tim Fitzgerald took first place with consistent finishes.

Report from the 4.5th Old Goat Regatta at Lake Lanier Sailing Club in Georgia, featuring 37 boats. Greg Griffin won, and the regatta included special awards including the Fastest Old Boat Award for boats over 30 years old.

Report of the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club Labor Day Regatta in which Ron Smith (former TCA President) won all seven races decisively. Report includes summary of major ABYC Thistle events and encouragement for West Coast participation.

Dramatic report from the Wild Turkey Regatta at Lake Sinclair, Georgia, featuring 14 boats competing in light wind. Greg Griffin prevailed over his brother Scott Griffin in a close competition, winning his fifth consecutive Wild Turkey title. Includes vivid description of the dramatic final race.

Report of the ninth annual Lumberjack Regatta held on Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks, with 22 Thistle Class sloops competing. Dan Fien took first place. Includes vivid descriptions of weather conditions and sailing in the Adirondack winds.

Report from the Oyster Roast Regatta at Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis, featuring 40 Thistles. Brent Barbehenn, sailing his new all ash-trimmed #4004 named Bad Ash, won the shortened 3-race event. Conditions were beautiful with 8-12 mph winds.

Account of a Thistle sailing adventure to the Gregor McGregor Regatta in Fernandina Beach, Florida, including a multi-day camping and cruising experience on Jekyll Island and surrounding coastal waters.

Personal account of the author's first Thistle Nationals at Fern Ridge Reservoir in Oregon, pursuing the Hard Novice Trophy award for first-time Nationals skippers. Chronicles their team's competition through the week, daily challenges, and ultimate finish in 22nd place overall.

Comprehensive report of the 2007 Lake Erie Fall Series comprising five regattas across multiple clubs in the Great Lakes region, with race-by-race results and skipper/crew standings throughout the season.

Lively account of the Fontelieu Invitational regatta at Westport, Connecticut, held over a weekend featuring 18 Thistles. Brad Thompson won, with vivid descriptions of blustery conditions, carnage on the course, and spirited social activities.

Editor's letter reflecting on the start of Volume 61 of the Bagpipe and how the publication has evolved. Discusses changes in content and format, and encourages readers to contribute humorous stories, technical articles, and varied content.

Photo collage and reader submissions featuring Thistles in action and humorous observations, including a multi-generational sailing family photo and a Thistle found on a farm in Poland.