December 2016/January 2017

President McBride welcomes readers and discusses key issues affecting the Class, including confirmation that there will be no attendance cap at the Chautauqua Nationals and details about the Midwinters East schedule. He also reflects on the successful East Coast Fall Series and encourages members to prepare for next season.

Dave Hudson introduces himself as the new First VP to the Thistle community. Based in upstate New York, he has been sailing Thistles for 43 years and has attended all but four National Championships since 1986, visiting over fifty yacht clubs. He emphasizes the importance of family involvement in the Class and outlines his commitment to the Executive Board.

Scott Buehler, the new Atlantic Coast RVP, shares his background in the Thistle Class. He was introduced to sailing late in life at age 32 through the LoGerfo ECFS Regatta and has since competed in 9 National Championships, served as Central Atlantic District Governor, and is breaking in a new boat #4039 named B-Flat. He expresses gratitude for the Class community's support.

Joy Martin's column features an interview with Aaron Holland (#3896) about his journey into Thistle sailing. Holland's story illustrates how mentorship from dedicated Thistle sailors (Jimmy Gindling, Bill Wilson, and the Baker/Martin family) shaped his development as a competitor and his deep involvement in the Class. The article emphasizes the importance of family culture, affordable venues, and integrating with junior sailing programs for Class growth.

Dr. Peter Bream of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on October 24, 2016 after a battle with cancer. A accomplished sailor who competed in multiple classes including Thistles, J/24s, and others, he achieved Top 10 finishes at National, North American, and World Championships. His legacy includes a 4th place finish at the 1991 Thistle Nationals and a 1st place finish at the 2003 Thistle Midwinters East.

This comprehensive preview of the 2017 Nationals at Chautauqua Lake describes the venue's history and strategic importance, lodging and camping options, local attractions including Chautauqua Institution, outdoor activities, and the full schedule of events from July 22-28. Registration opens March 1 with an early-bird discount deadline of June 1 and a final deadline of June 15.

A comprehensive guide to sailing gear for women, featuring practical advice from seasoned female Thistle sailors. The article covers essential categories including wicking tights, water sneakers, spray tops, quick-dry shorts, sun protection (hoodies, zinc sunscreen), and cold-weather gear (spray tops, bibs, gloves). Contributions from multiple women sailors offer brand recommendations and tips.

The 18th annual Lumberjack Regatta at Tupper Lake, New York on August 28-29, 2016 brought 18 boats from across the Northeast. Saturday's races were canceled due to lack of wind, allowing competitors to enjoy various outdoor activities. Sunday provided ideal racing conditions with moderate southwest winds for four races. Dan Hesse won overall, followed by Dave Hansen in second and Aaron Holland in third.

An overview of the eight regattas comprising the 2016 Lake Erie Fall Series held from August through October across various Ohio venues. With 52 skippers and 132 crew participating across 40 races, Jesse Shedden was crowned Champion Skipper with 11 points, Nicole Shedden as Champion Crew with 17 points, and Ian Moran as Champion Junior Skipper with 26 points. The series concluded with the highly competitive Cleveland Yachting Club Fall Series.

Hosted by Vermilion Boat Club and Thistle Fleet #165 on August 27, 2016, this regatta featured 15 boats racing in tricky variable southeast winds. Craig Koschalk, Carl Felger, and Lauren O'Hara (#4028) won with five quality races completed. The event was notable for its family-friendly atmosphere and its provision of a massive Pizza Hut buffet that delighted the fatigued sailors between races.

At Atwood Yacht Club on September 10-11, 2016, 14 boats competed in the Harvest Moon Regatta with challenging, shifty, and strong winds. Saturday's winner Kyle Finefrock with Jackie Finefrock and Kathy Buckenmeyer won overall. The regatta featured six races and concluded with a powerful thunderstorm that created dramatic evening conditions.

Held at Pymatuning Yacht Club on September 17-18, 2016, the Dornin Memorial Regatta saw 11 boats compete across five races despite a dicey weather forecast. Jack Finefrock with Mark Udell and Jamison Burt won overall. The regatta introduced two new family-friendly awards: the Oldster Trophy and the Youngster Trophy, celebrating the unique family nature of Thistle sailing.

The Cleveland Yachting Club Fall Series Regatta on September 24, 2016 brought 15 boats to Lake Erie for demanding racing conditions with 4-6 foot waves and 15+ knot winds. Only 7 boats remained for the final race, testament to the challenging conditions. Craig Koschalk with crew Karl Felger and Lauren O'Hara won overall, with Ian Moran winning the junior skipper category.

Held at Crescent Sail Yacht Club on Lake St. Clair on October 1-2, 2016, the Icebreaker Regatta featured cooperative winds and five races across the two days. Ken and Brendon Swetka with Katie Potter won overall. CSYC members provided exceptional hospitality including breakfast buffets and pulled pork dinner for all participants.

The 50th annual Fall Blowout at North Cape Yacht Club in LaSalle, Michigan on October 8, 2016 tested 15 Thistle teams with seven races in challenging conditions: temperatures in the low 50s, northwest winds of 15-20 knots, and volatile wind shifts. Jack Finefrock with John Riddle and Dustin Buckenmeyer won, with special recognition given to John Greiner for attending and running all 50 Fall Blowout regattas.

The annual Johnson Memorial Regatta on Chautauqua Lake on October 15, 2016 featured near-perfect weather with clear skies and 10-12 mph breezes. Steve and Rachael Lavender with Sue Hamilton won overall. The event showcased the hospitality of Tom Hubbell's backyard venue and the strong community support characteristic of Thistle racing.

The Last Splash Regatta at Hoover Sailing Club on October 22, 2016 challenged 16 intrepid Thistle teams with seven races in harsh conditions: 53-degree temperatures, 14-knot winds with gusts to 28, and wind shifts exceeding 90 degrees. Ben France with Jeff Eiber and Kevin Tschanz won overall, with several teams experiencing swimming events. The demanding conditions tested even the most skilled sailors.

The 2016 Atlantic Coast Championships were held at Sail Newport and Ida Lewis Yacht Club on July 9-10, with a large turnout of 45 boats representing the East Coast fleet. Steve Gruver with Jay Lurie and Kristen Barnard won decisively on Rocketship. The Newport venue provided excellent racing conditions and included numerous activities on Friday evening with local pubs and restaurants.

Lake Lanier's annual Old Goat Regatta on September 11-12, 2016 was notable for warmer temperatures than usual and fewer three-person crews than typical. Scott Griffin of Western Carolina Sailing Club won overall with four steady races. The regatta introduced two family-friendly trophies celebrating Thistle sailing's unique family culture, and Lake Lanier Sailing Club members dominated the top ten.