April/May 2017

Profile of Graham Vaughan, a sailor who got into the Thistle class as a second-generation sailor with his father Loy Vaughan in Birmingham, then returned to sailing after time away, eventually joining the Seattle fleet. The article explores what keeps sailors in the class and discusses Graham's ideas for growing the Thistle fleet through junior programs and technology.

Article announcing that Mike Ingham from Rochester, New York has been named US Sailing's 2016 National Coach of the Year. The piece describes his remarkable achievement coaching the US Sailing Paralympic Sonar team to a silver medal at the Rio 2016 Games, and includes his coaching philosophy centered on listening, forgiveness, organization, and enjoying the journey.

Article about the restoration of historic Thistle #668 ("Sea Sarah"), originally owned by Charles Wardwell who served as Thistle Class President in 1974. The piece traces the boat's racing history back to 1967, chronicles Wardwell's distinguished military service as a B-17 pilot in WWII, and describes the loving restoration efforts by Paul Nelson before the boat's return to racing.

Comprehensive coverage of the Mid-Winters West regatta held February 1-5, 2017 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. The event featured eight races in the preliminary series, a double elimination Larry Klein Memorial Match Race, and a split format into Championship and Presidents divisions. Includes individual race reports with tactical analysis from multiple skippers, match racing results, and final standings showing Mike Ingham winning the Championship Division.

Advertisement for Jibmaster III sailing equipment - ratchet block cleats for jib sheets manufactured by a company in Sunbury, Ohio. Lists pricing for different models and optional T-track.