February-April 2022

President Howell reflects on 2021 as a high-impact year, highlighting the successful 75th Nationals at Cleveland Yachting Club and fall events across regions. He outlines three key decisions about the Bagpipe publication and looks forward to the 76th Nationals in Jacksonville, Florida.

Wayne Pignolet discusses the measurement committee's additions and ongoing work. He introduces Bob White from Columbus as the newest committee member, and reports progress on mast/boom supplier reliability and reorganization of boat plans and specifications with 3D drawings.

Alison Gillum announces the 2022 Junior and Women's Nationals will be held separately from the main event at Crescent Sail Yacht Club in Michigan on June 18-19. She thanks members for survey input and yacht clubs for hosting offers.

Tom Hubbell's Constitution and Bylaws Review Committee outlines their mission to clarify language and remove outdated statements. They plan to present draft documents before end of January for voting at the Mid-Winter meeting.

Lake Erie District announces the marriage of Conor O'Neil Ruppen and Carrie Lynn Patterson at the 2021 Harvest Moon Regatta. The newlyweds incorporated Thistle Class and sailing traditions into their wedding celebration on the water.

The 2019 Thistle National Champion Brad Russell made a surprise appearance at Atwood Yacht Club for the Harvest Moon Regatta. The event was highlighted by a wedding celebration for Conor Ruppen and Carrie Patterson, with Bobby Sessions taking the regatta trophy.

Berlin Yacht Club held its one-day regatta after Lake Erie District hadn't had an August event since 2017. The event featured excellent wind conditions on Berlin Reservoir with 12 teams competing. Jack Finefrock's team won the regatta despite family duties.

The 2022 Lake Erie Districts were held in 2021 in tandem with the Sandusky One Design Regatta, with only Interlakes joining the Thistles. Fred Hunger took the win with excellent race management by PRO Jay Austin over a challenging lake.

After a COVID-induced cancellation in 2020, the Dornin Memorial returned in one-day format with sunshine and dramatic gusts. Steve White carried the day with crew Nora White and Gavin Svenson, with only four points separating the top three finishers.

Thistle Fleet #2 at Crescent Sail Yacht Club hosted the annual Icebreaker and early 2022 Michiana District Championship on Lake St. Clair near Detroit. Ron Sherry won the regatta, with Craig Koschalk close behind. The event honored Luiz Kahl, creator of Yacht Scoring who passed away unexpectedly.

The annual Fall Blow Out at North Cape Yacht Club started with fog and no wind but excellent sailing conditions developed after an hour delay. Lee Sackett and Mike & Maggie Delaney took home the trophy in this favorite regatta.

The Lake Erie Fall Series saw normalcy return with 59 different skippers and 117 crew participating. Craig Koschalk and Lauren O'Hara won the series trophies for the second year in a row, with 15 skippers and 22 crew qualifying for perpetual trophies.

The DAD (Discretionary Appropriate Distancing) Regatta took place at Hoover Yacht Club on October 23rd with 19 Thistles racing 6 races. Lee Sackett led from the first race, posting 4 bullets to win with 13 points. Craig Koschalk and Lauren O'Hara won the Lake Erie Fall Series for the second year in a row.

The Saratoga Kayaderosseras Kup ECFS/Niagara Frontier Districts regatta was held October 16-17, 2021. Saturday featured strong winds that forced a quarter of the fleet to stay ashore, while Sunday brought lighter, steadier conditions. Dan Hesse won the regatta with Andrew Green and Sarah Hesse.

Thistle Class membership dues listings and Rooke Sails advertisement for acrylic Thistle covers made with Sunbrella material. Covers feature 5-10 year warranty and various customization options including multi-color panels.

The Heather Bowl Regatta at Red Dragon Canoe Club took place October 30-31, 2021. Despite Friday night storms with heavy rain and 35-knot gusts, Saturday brought good cross-river breezes. The event featured a Halloween costume contest and was held in a historic 1870s mansion.

Sailors for the Sea's Clean Class Initiative successfully completed its first year, achieving 26 Clean Regattas including all Chevron events. The Thistle Nationals received the Platinum level, one of the highest achievements. Plans for 2022 include expanding clean regattas and formalizing the program.