December 2020 - February 2021

The 2nd VP reflects on 2020 as an extremely difficult year for both the sailing community and the nation due to COVID-19. Despite pandemic challenges, he urges members to continue sailing for simple pleasures and suggests virtual Zoom events coordinated by the Executive Committee to prepare for the 2021 Nationals.

The 1st VP announces two major communication initiatives: the Thistle Yahoo Listserv is being replaced with a new Thistle Forum on the website with organized topic categories, and the class will publish five issues of the Bagpipe in 2021 instead of six due to budget constraints from lost advertisers and memberships.

President Tom Hubbell pays tribute to Doug Laber, legendary Thistle boat builder at Great Midwest Yachts. Hubbell recounts their 45-year relationship, from buying his first rudder in 1976 through multiple boat orders, and describes Laber's exceptional craftsmanship and dedication. Laber received the Minton Award for the third time for his uncompromising service to the Thistle Class.

The Class Secretary announces the launch of a new website at Thistleclass.com and a new Clubspot membership platform that automates invoice generation, dues collection, and membership record keeping. Members are encouraged to use the new online membership portal to renew or join for the 2021 season.

The regatta chairman invites Thistle sailors to the 75th Anniversary Thistle Nationals at Cleveland Yachting Club in Rocky River, Ohio, July 31-August 6, 2021. The event will feature racing on Lake Erie, expert round-tables, social events, and family activities. Limited to 125 boats with housing and hotel options available.

In memoriam tribute to Elmer Richards, legendary Thistle sailor and class leader who passed away in 2020. Richards was a distinguished engineer, class president, and chairman of numerous committees. He raced in over 50 Nationals and 50 consecutive Midwinters East, winning multiple regattas across seven decades. His contributions shaped East Coast racing traditions and the Thistle competitive spirit.

Personal reflections from Peter Richards (son), Mike Gillum, Tom Hubbell, Charlie and Cairn Krafft, and Don Dexter sharing memories of Elmer Richards' mentorship, wisdom, and friendship in the Thistle sailing community.

Detailed examination of the new Beacon Composites Thistle #4052, built using infusion and vacuum bag methods from molds acquired from Doug Laber. The article highlights innovative construction techniques including refined beam structure, integrated stern lift points, and nearly invisible tank seams. Alex Venegas is pursuing Thistle builder certification with this boat.

A personal account by a young sailor diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2020. Despite fighting cancer and the pandemic, Sexton purchased his first Thistle and documented his restoration project as a therapeutic outlet between chemotherapy treatments. He names the boat "Goat Rodeo" after a maritime term for complete disaster, reflecting the year's tumultuous events.

Race report from the Severn Sailing Association's Oyster Roast held October 10, 2020, with only six boats competing due to COVID-19 restrictions. Fahrmeier's crew on Wasabi finished third after initially struggling in light air but rebounding in subsequent races. The article describes the competitive battle and social distancing measures during the event.

The Thistle Class has partnered with Sailors for the Sea to develop a Clean Class Initiative promoting environmental sustainability. Plans include registering major regattas as Clean Regattas, encouraging Green Boating pledges, and surveying class practices. The Thistle Class will be the prototype for this program, which other classes will adopt in 2022.

During the canceled 2020 racing season, John Yingling created garage hangings depicting past Thistle boats his family has owned, starting with #1447 from the late 1960s and growing in size to his current #1619. The project uses triangle plywood sheets from his wife Betsy's geodesic dome construction.

The Cowan Lake Sailing Association's Blowhard Regatta was held September 12, 2020, with six races in light to moderate southerly winds. Despite challenging and shifty conditions, sailors found the socially-distanced event a welcome return to racing and a reminder of the Thistle Class community.

Lake Washington Sailing Club's Socially Appropriate Distancing regatta was held October 17, 2020, with seven boats racing in light fall air conditions typical of Sacramento. The regatta saw unusual rule technicalities and light winds that tested sailor skills across three races.

Lake Lanier Sailing Club hosted the 57th Old Goat Regatta September 12-13, 2020, the first Southeast regatta of the season. The event drew 26 teams from multiple southeastern states and featured strong competitive racing with emphasis on youth participation and boat/gear lending. Greg Griffin won, and exceptional support for junior sailors and new competitors was highlighted.

Atwood Yacht Club's 70th running of the Harvest Moon Regatta on September 12-13, 2020, featured warm weather and typical shifty lake breezes. Fifteen Thistles competed across five races. Jack Finefrock and crew won, with Conor Ruppen second and Mike Delaney third, in the first regatta of the Lake Erie Fall Series.

The second Lake Erie Fall Series regatta on September 26, 2020, at Sandusky Sailing Club featured challenging conditions with big breeze and long windward legs. Fourteen Thistles competed. Lee Sackett won with consistent racing. The article captures memorable moments from tough sailing conditions and the crew's focus on maintaining boat speed.

The North Cape Yacht Club Fall Blow-out on October 3, 2020, featured a chilly morning, light air, and twelve boats racing three races. Despite cold temperatures and variable winds, the fleet experienced competitive and well-run racing. Each race was won by a different skipper, with tight finishes.

Crescent Sail Yacht Club held an abbreviated Icebreaker regatta on October 10, 2020, as a one-day event with no social events due to COVID-19. Warm fall weather and Southwest winds provided sporty conditions. Craig Koschalk won for the second consecutive year with consistent racing.

Hoover Sailing Club's October 17, 2020 PLAID (Please Leave Appropriate Individual Distance) regatta was the finale of the Lake Erie Fall Series with 22 boats competing across six races. Stu Fisher and team won, with dominant consistency, while Conor Ruppen's team finished third. The regatta results wrapped up the series standings for both skippers and crews.

Comprehensive wrap-up of the 2020 Lake Erie Fall Series, which featured five regattas across the season despite pandemic challenges. Craig Koschalk #4028 won the skipper trophy and top crew award was split between Ryan Kyle and Lauren O'Hara. The article celebrates the successful series completion and thanks regatta hosts for their COVID-19 safety protocols.

Detailed account of the discovery and restoration of a one-of-a-kind wooden sailboat designed and built by Sandy Douglas in 1934. The boat is a hybrid between International Canoes and International 14s, predating the Thistle design by a decade. Bob France and Bob White chronicle the historical significance and ongoing restoration of this classic vessel.

Fundraising announcement for the Thistle Class Growth & Promotion Fund, which has raised $11,132 toward a $20,000 matching challenge from an anonymous donor by December 31, 2021. Funds support young skipper sponsorships, coaching sessions, and marketing initiatives. Sustaining and Contributing Memberships are encouraged.