June/July 2018

Third VP John Howell encourages Thistle sailors to expand their social networks by attending new regattas and breaking out of familiar comfort zones. He argues that changing regatta attendance routines will improve both sailing performance and enjoyment of the Thistle community.

President Dave Hudson announces that the 2019 MidWinters East will be held at a single venue (St. Petersburg Yacht Club) with five days of racing, moving away from the split-venue format. This decision was based on data analysis and input from the class membership.

A comprehensive calendar of Thistle Class regattas scheduled throughout 2018, listing dates, locations, contact information, and 2017 winners for each event.

Chief Measurer Chris Pollak outlines what equipment and measurements will be checked during the Nationals registration process in Westport. Details include required safety equipment, weight requirements, flotation specifications, and sail measurement protocols.

Membership information and dues structure for the Thistle Class Association, including active memberships, family plans, junior memberships, and special categories for non-owners and supporters.

Second VP Scott Buehler invites regatta participants to provide daily updates and photos from events for posting on social media and the website. He emphasizes that quick updates don't need to be full articles—just snapshots of what's happening.

Obituary of Ray McLeod, age 86, a lifelong Lake County, Ohio resident and founding member of Middle Bass Island Yacht Club. McLeod owned and operated Douglass & McLeod Inc., which manufactured renowned sailboats including the Thistle.

Obituary of Harold "Hatch" Brown Jr., age 86, of Winthrop, a devoted sailor, coach, and mentor to thousands of beginning and elite sailors. Brown had a distinguished career as a sailing instructor and administrator at MIT and other institutions.

Race organizers Brian Joyce and Brad Thompson provide an update on Nationals preparations in Westport, Connecticut, covering registration, lodging, jury qualifications, and a detailed schedule of events from July 27 through August 3. They emphasize the importance of registering early to avoid late fees.

President Dave Hudson discusses the legal concept of "in loco parentis" (temporary guardianship) for adults traveling with unrelated minors to regattas. He shares personal experience of his young crew needing hospital treatment while traveling and emphasizes the importance of formal guardianship documentation.

Comprehensive coverage of the Tampa Tune-up regatta held February 24-26, 2018 at Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa, Florida. Six race reports cover various teams' experiences and strategies, with final standings showing Jack Finefrock's Bananawind in first place.

A collection of classified advertisements and product listings from Thistle-related vendors, including boat covers, jibing hardware, sails, and a boat for sale. Products advertised include Rooke Sails Thistle covers, Jibmaster cleats, and sail rigging equipment.

Eight race reports from the Midwinters East regatta held February 27 - March 2, 2018 at St. Petersburg Yacht Club in Tampa Bay. Complete standings table provided with Greg Griffin's team winning with 26 total points.

A brief informational article explaining funding sources for the Thistle Class Association, including membership dues and the Growth and Promotion Fund for sponsoring young skippers.

Report from the 44th Annual Orange Peel Regatta held March 16-18, 2018 at The Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville, Florida. Thirty-one teams competed, with Greg Griffin taking first place. The event featured Friday tuning clinic, Saturday racing with current challenges, and Sunday racing under favorable conditions.

Report of the 2018 South Atlantic Districts hosted by Savannah Yacht Club on April 21-22. Saturday featured challenging conditions with 18+ mph winds and current, while Sunday brought more favorable 12-15 mph conditions. David Reddaway's team won with five races total.

Report of the 46th Annual Thistle 8-Ball Regatta held April 14-15, 2018 at Indianapolis Sailing Club on Geist Reservoir. Five boats competed on Saturday in 10-15 mph southerly winds with six races, while Sunday was canceled due to zero wind. Brian McDonald won with crew Andy McDonald.

A practical tip article by Jason Rziha describing an ingenious jig (a piece of cherry wood with holes) used to hold washers and nylock nuts while installing rear grates on a Thistle boat. The simple tool made an otherwise frustrating installation task much easier.

A humorous first-person narrative about the author's experiences with a family of mice living in a Thistle sailboat and related cover. The story follows the mice from their initial discovery in a cleaning towel to their eventual departure and relocation.