October/November 2020

The president's message reflects on the Executive Committee's remote annual meeting and the class's response to the pandemic. Despite challenging times, the Thistle Class has capitalized on opportunities including completing a major marketing initiative and beginning work with a new boat builder. He urges members to embrace opportunities for growth and learning.

The 1st VP discusses how the class is responding to disruption caused by COVID-19. While most businesses retreat during challenging times, the Thistle Class has taken licks but also capitalized on opportunities. He emphasizes that the class is updating its 2018 strategic plan to address current situations and urges members to contribute to future initiatives and consider donating to the matching challenge.

The 2nd VP announces the launch of the new Thistle Class website and describes its key features. The website includes an accessible calendar for events, a revamped classifieds section where users can add and edit their own listings, and social media links. He encourages members to explore the site, add fleet information, and promote Thistle sailing through social media.

The 3rd VP announces a matching grant program with an anonymous donor to raise $20,000 for the Growth & Promotion Fund by December 31, 2021. Two days after the annual meeting, members had already donated almost $400 (matched to $800). The fund is used to sponsor junior skippers, offset coaching costs, support marketing, and aid fleets. She urges all members to contribute.

Despite COVID restrictions and Hurricane Laura predictions that forced a schedule change, the Newport Dinghy Regatta took place over two days with five to six races in shifting, gusty conditions. Ed Adams #3762 won with his wife Merideth and daughter Micaela. The event featured tight racing with several boats winning races, and all racers were grateful for the opportunity to get on the water.

Two fleet updates during the COVID pandemic. Fleet #61 in Seattle was allowed back on the water in mid-July for two-handed races and has enjoyed practicing light-air spinnaker handling with family members. Fleet #120 at Berlin Yacht Club in Ohio was able to enjoy regular Wednesday and Sunday races and added new member Allen Roth with Thistle #1330. Eight Thistlers participated in single-handed races with other boat types.

A retired Thistle sailor describes how Rochester Canoe Club started a remote-control Laser racing fleet during the COVID pandemic using equipment already available at the club. The fleet has attracted 6-8 boats each week with strong competition, and several additional boats are on backorder. Remote-control sailboat racing provides simulation training for those learning to race and those unable to participate in conventional racing.

The Cleveland Thistle Class held a single-day event on August 1, 2020 to commemorate what would have been the first day of Nationals. Eight boats competed in six races with shifting winds. Charlie Yingling won sailing his family boat Windlassie #1619, which was sailed by his grandfather at the 1972 Nationals. The event showcased young sailors, including several all-female crew boats, and family participation.

Fourteen Thistle teams competed at the MAD Regatta at Hoover Sailing Club on July 25, 2020 in challenging conditions featuring light winds, 180-degree shifts, and variable gusts. COVID-19 safety measures were strictly enforced including masks and social distancing. Adam Gilbertson and Tim Vining won first place, with five different boats winning races during the event. Family boats featured prominently, highlighting the social bonds in the class.

A comprehensive article about Sea Scout Ship 300 in Knoxville, Tennessee and the Thistle Class's role in youth sailing education. The author, a retired Thistle sailor, helped establish the program in 2002, recognizing Thistles as ideal for teaching three-person crew management. The article details the history of donated Thistles, youth achievements including international sea scout regattas, and the program's outreach impact.

In August 2020, Alex Venegas of Beacon Composites in Creedmoor, North Carolina, produced his first new Thistle hull using vacuum infusion technology. The white hull with teak trim is on track to come in at minimum weight. This represents the class's successful effort to establish a new boat builder after many years.

A racing rules quiz from Dave Perry's collection, presented at the 2018 Thistle Nationals. Quiz 8 involves mark-room situations and the proper application of racing rules when two boats interact at a mark under different tacks. The quiz teaches understanding of rules 10, 14, 16, 18, and 21.

A detailed how-to article on building Thistle grates, the structural components that support crew positions. Rziha covers design choices (skirt thickness and shape), materials, preparation, assembly steps, and installation. The article includes parts lists and photos showing the step-by-step construction process.

Minutes from the Thistle Class Association Governing Board meeting held virtually via Zoom on August 17, 2020. The meeting included call to order, approval of prior minutes, officer reports, discussion of unfinished business, measurement committee instructions, new business on COVID precautions and amendments, and adjournment.

Minutes from the Thistle Class Association Annual Meeting held virtually via Zoom on August 18, 2020. The meeting covered fleet roll call (38 of 44 present), officer reports, ratification of executive committee COVID-related rulings, amendment votes (jib halyard, grand family membership, appeal limitations), presentation of the Minton Trophy to Doug Laber, election of officers for 2020-2021, and financial information.

Practical advice from a young sailor for parents introducing children to Thistle racing. Topics include using step stools for shorter crew, giving kids meaningful jobs in boat preparation, letting them steer sometimes, ensuring proper safety gear (water shoes, gloves, life jackets), and helping overcome fear of capsizing.

Guidance from a young sailor for kids new to Thistle racing. Arden covers overcoming fear of capsizing and high-wind situations, what to bring (life jacket, watch, water shoes, gloves), understanding crew jobs, rigging procedures, and identifying key boat parts. She encourages kids to embrace sailing and learn the boat.