October/November 2021

President Hubbell reflects on the 75th National Championship at Cleveland Yachting Club, celebrating the event's success and the volunteer efforts of 100 people. He describes the national officers as a remarkable group and discusses lessons from his previous terms as President.

First Vice President Howell discusses the new leadership team, the importance of member engagement, and strategic initiatives including the Constitutional Convention Project and the move of the class forum to Google Groups. He emphasizes preserving the Thistle Class institution, recognizing opportunities to strengthen growth, meeting member needs, and developing future leaders.

Second Vice President Duckworth explains the transition of the Thistle Class forum from the class website to Google Groups for better functionality and subscription options. He also provides instructions on how to post events to the TCA Regatta Calendar and discusses efforts to revitalize social media presence on Facebook and Instagram.

The incoming Chief Measurer reflects on his personal history with Thistles, starting at age eight. He acknowledges Chris Pollak's 14 years of service and outlines his plans to find a new mast and boom supplier and establish a regional measurement committee.

Listing of Thistle sailing events from October 2021 through May 2022, including fall series, mid-winter events, regional championships, and the 76th Nationals in Jacksonville.

Third Vice President Gillum reflects on her experience as 3rd VP during the Nationals and the pandemic, celebrating the class's resilience and the positive response of new sailors to the Thistle. She expresses her commitment to promoting the class and her appreciation for the support of the broader Thistle community.

Report on the Lake Erie Districts regatta held at Edgewater Yacht Club in Cleveland with 34 teams competing. The event featured challenging Saturday winds with 2-22 knot shifts, followed by lighter Sunday conditions. Ben France's team won with consistent finishes, while the event provided a chance for the Thistle community to reunite after the quiet 2020 season.

Report on the Women's Nationals held at the 75th Nationals in Cleveland. With 12 women's boats and 7 juniors participating, the race committee pushed to hold racing despite light and shifty conditions. Erica Beck Spencer won the event in her first-ever Thistle regatta, with Emma Vogel finishing second.

Report on the Junior Nationals at the 75th Nationals in Cleveland. Tony Sgrazzutti describes racing as a junior skipper for the first time at Nationals, with the help of Adam Gesner and Aiden Fahy as crew. Andrew Gallagher won the event with strong starts and boat speed.

Series of race reports from preliminary races at the 75th Nationals held at Cleveland Yachting Club in August 2021. Coverage includes Race 1 Division 1 (by Greg Griffin), Race 1 Division 2 (by Deirdre Santos-Kaukeinen), Race 2 Division 1 and 2 (by Jerry Pignolet and Lloyd Kitchin), and Race 3 reports, highlighting tactical considerations and boat performance in varying wind conditions.

Race reports from the championship races of the 75th Nationals featuring Sam Ingham's winning performance. Coverage includes Race 4 (Ed Adams), Race 5 (Stu Fisher), Race 6 (Sam Ingham), and Race 7 (Brian Kitchin), with detailed tactical analysis of shifting winds and competitive racing on Lake Erie.

Coverage of President's Division races at 75th Nationals, featuring reports from Race 1 (Tyler Andrews), Race 3 (Michael Reddaway), and Race 4 (Ollie Kunz), showcasing diverse competition with 56 boats competing in lighter conditions and tactical challenges.

Interview between Mike Ingham and 2021 National Champion Sam Ingham discussing Sam's winning techniques, boat setup philosophy, handling of chop and overpowered conditions, and his approach to sailing fast through feel and neutral helm. The interview covers Sam's background as a pilot, his approach to boat tuning, and his perspectives on the competitive Thistle fleet.

Marilyn Hunger describes how the Thistle Class achieved a Platinum Level Green Regatta status by implementing sustainable practices during the 75th Nationals. The article details efforts to eliminate single-use items, involve local organizations, manage waste responsibly, practice environmental stewardship, and promote green boating practices aligned with Sailors for the Sea's 20 High-Impact Goals.

Trudy Hudson describes the practical challenges of managing waste during the 75th Nationals as part of Sailors for the Sea's Clean Regatta initiative. She details the three-bin system (recyclable, compostable, and landfill), educates readers on proper waste sorting, and encourages future regatta organizers to register as Clean Regattas to make sustainability a standard practice.

Report on the May 29-30, 2021 Dixie Regatta held at Atlanta Yacht Club on Lake Allatoona. With 54 boats competing, including 24 from out of town and 13 first-time Dixie attendees, the fleet enjoyed gorgeous weather and competitive racing across three races with different boat groupings. Brad Russell won the regatta with 5 points, and the event featured a 1920s-themed party with a speakeasy stock market trading game.

Comprehensive interview with Alex Venegas, the new Beacon Composites Thistle builder, detailing his boat-building process, background in custom yacht construction, and entry into the Thistle Class. The article explains Beacon's vacuum-infusion construction method, CNC-cut rudder production, hardware options, pricing, and Alex's passion for building quality sailboats while racing competitively.

Official minutes from the TCA Annual Meeting held August 3, 2021 at Cleveland Yachting Club. Key items include the election of Aaron Holland as 3rd VP and Wayne Pignolet as Chief Measurer, approval of the new Beacon Composites builder, discussion of future Nationals locations, and recognition of retiring officers Dave Hudson and Chris Pollak.

Official minutes from the TCA Governing Board Meeting held August 2, 2021 at Cleveland Yachting Club. Detailed discussion of amendment proposals, National Championship site rotation through 2025, women's and junior nationals planning, supply chain issues with masts and booms, social media strategy updates, and measurement-related items including hull measurement tolerances and sail measurement procedures.