Volume LXXVI, Number 3 - May-July 2023

President Howell discusses the Thistle Class's recognition as one of only seven 'healthy' one-design classes out of 50 surveyed by US Sailing. He announces the adoption of the Thistle Class 2030 Strategic Plan and outlines the vision for the class to become the strongest one-design centerboard class in the USA by 2030, appealing to juniors, young adults, young families, and mature sailors.

Secretary Duckworth reports significant membership growth in early 2023, with TCA membership increasing from 300 in January to 420 in February, an increase of 120 members. She invites those who haven't yet registered for the 2023 sailing season to contact her for an invoice.

Shedden outlines the four pathways to qualify for the 2023 Thistle Nationals in Flathead, Montana in July. With over 100 boats registered and no quota system, skippers can qualify by racing at districts, meeting alternative qualification requirements, winning Junior Nationals, or receiving a special exception for extraordinary circumstances.

Comprehensive listing of Thistle Class regattas and events scheduled for 2023, including spring, summer, and fall events across multiple regions of the United States. The listing includes event dates, locations, and contact information for organizers.

Gridley recounts his unexpected championship victory at the 2023 Mid Winters West regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. He describes the preparation process, practice sessions, racing conditions, and the final day's dramatic races that culminated in his first-place finish with crew Casey Pruitt and Emily Tan. The report includes championship division race results.

Howell describes the Thistle Class's first use of autonomous drone mark-setting technology (MARKSETBOTS) at the 2023 Mid Winters West regatta. He explains how the Bots work, the training process, the challenges encountered including shipping damage and technical issues, and how the technology ultimately proved valuable for race management by reducing workload on the committee boat.

Smith describes Race 2 of the Mid Winters West regatta where he and his crew sailed boat #3852, finishing in third place. He recounts the light breeze conditions, a clean start above the fleet on starboard, and how crew member Wayne Pignolet's music in the parking lot led them to duck boat #376 on port.

Holland describes the 2023 Larry Klein Memorial Match Race at Mid Winters West, where 13 teams competed in match racing on Mission Bay. He recounts his own final match against Ollie Kunz in dramatic fashion, with a chaotic ending involving rafted boats at the committee boat and ultimately Holland's team crossing the finish line first. The article includes detailed match descriptions and qualifier results.

Notice about the Thistle Nationals 2023 gear store storefront, which will be open for pre-event customized orders from May 1 to June 20, with items shipped to the regatta for registration. A second shopping window opens June 23 for orders shipping to home addresses.

Collection of advertisements and commercial offerings from vendors serving the Thistle Class, including sailmakers, boat builders, cover manufacturers, and retailers offering products and services for Thistle sailors and boat owners.

Comprehensive guide for participants in the 2023 Thistle Nationals in Montana, covering packing recommendations for highly variable weather, travel tips for driving through western states with limited services, camping information for Somers Middle School, details on getting around during the regatta, and nearby grocery shopping options.

Educational sailing rules content featuring Quiz 33, a scenario about mark rounding and right-of-way rules. Perry conducts hour-long seminars on the rules of sailing, combining interesting content with common sense explanations. The quiz presents a specific racing situation and asks how it should be decided by a protest committee.

Hudson reports on the 2023 Mid Winters East regatta held at Fort Walton Yacht Club in Florida, March 1-5, 2023. He describes the change in venue from traditional St. Petersburg, the team racing event, daily racing conditions from strong winds to light air, and the early banquet. The report includes full race results with all 39 entries.

Hubbell describes the coaching program at Mid Winters East where Greg Fisher, a J/22 World Champion, provided individualized on-water coaching to over 26 boats during practice and between races. Coaching sessions covered starting techniques, upwind planning, and detailed rules seminars by Chief Judge Jerry Thompson, emphasizing how shared teaching helps the class grow.

Slawter presents the history of Somers, Montana and the iconic water tower that will welcome Thistle sailors returning to North Flathead Yacht Club for Nationals in 2023. She recounts the tower's construction around 1901, the legendary painting of a giant Thistle on it in 1983, and how it symbolizes the return of Nationals after 35 years.

Hunger promotes the Thistle Clean Class Initiative in partnership with Sailors for the Sea, providing five easy steps for organizing environmentally sustainable regattas. Drawing from her experience at the 2021 Nationals, she outlines practical strategies including water bottle refill stations, elimination of single-use plastics, paperless management, and beach cleanups.

Pignolet outlines five proposed amendments to Thistle class rules designed to make boats easier to sail, more durable, or lower costs. Three amendments allow equipment changes (eliminating jib luff wire and restrictions, adding hiking line), while two clarify existing rules on electronics and sail acquisition to ensure consistent enforcement.

Official minutes from the Thistle Class Governing Board meeting held March 2, 2023 at Fort Walton Beach during Mid Winters East. Includes roll call, officer reports, strategic plan approval, bylaws amendments, and various committee assignments. Membership had grown from 300 in January to 420 in February 2023.

Holland challenges Thistle Class members to commit to bringing new and young people into the class. He notes that the class has under $40K for growth and promotion programs, citing Grant Gridley's MWW championship as evidence that young sailors are emerging. Holland emphasizes that personal mentorship—offering boats, providing storage, or simply inviting people to sail—is the most valuable factor in recruitment.