October/November 2023

Incoming president Nicole Shedden introduces herself as a third-generation Thistler and reflects on the 2023 Nationals at Flathead Lake, which featured exceptional participation with 87 teams. She outlines exciting initiatives for the class including expanding the Coach TCA program, creating an event management plan, and offering more on-site childcare at regattas.

The Chief Measurer discusses six boat-related amendments passed at the annual meeting and provides three Chief Measurer's Rulings for clarification. These address hiking line attachment points, electronics use during racing, and centerboard shims to ensure proper fit in the centerboard trunk.

Listing of upcoming Thistle Class regattas from October 2023 through March 2024, including fall series events, winter championships, and spring regattas across multiple regions.

Chris Klotz describes a team racing event at Mid Winters East where 5 teams of 3 boats each competed, providing a social and strategic experience. He suggests that other fleets throughout the country could organize similar team racing events to rejuvenate their clubs and challenge nearby fleets.

Promotional information about the 2024 Mid Winters West regatta scheduled for January 31 - February 4 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, highlighting the all-inclusive pricing, family-friendly environment, and excellent racing conditions.

The Florida Yacht Club announces the 48th Annual Orange Peel Regatta for March 14-16, 2024, in Jacksonville, featuring a series with Mid Winters East and moving races to Friday-Saturday to accommodate long-distance travelers.

The Atlantic Coast Championship at Malletts Bay Boat Club in Vermont featured 26 teams competing in challenging conditions including smoke from Quebec fires and light-variable winds. Mike Ingham's team won overall with 19 points, while Charlie Bailey provides detailed race-by-race analysis of the five races sailed.

The Central Atlantic District Championship was held at Greater Richmond Sailing Association on June 10-11, 2023. Vince Yannelli and Lilla Salvesen dominated with all bullets (first place finishes) Saturday and won overall, followed by Charlie Krafft's team in second and Bill Kitchens' team in third.

Fleet #169 hosted its second annual Women's Regatta on August 12-13 in Narragansett Bay with six boats competing in 6 buoy races and one coastal race. Nicole Shedden's team won with 15 points, followed by Christine Shope's team, with excellent racing and strong socialization throughout the weekend.

The Lake Michigan Districts were held May 6-7 at Island Bay Yacht Club in Springfield, Illinois, featuring extremely contrasting wind conditions. Saturday brought survival-level winds with gusts to 38 mph, while Sunday featured unpredictable light and variable winds, providing a challenging introduction to the boat's capabilities.

Comprehensive coverage of the 77th Thistle Nationals at North Flathead Yacht Club in Somers, Montana (July 14-21, 2023), featuring detailed race reports from multiple divisions and races. The regatta included championship, president's, women's, and junior divisions with racing in extremely varied conditions ranging from 20+ knot survival winds to light thermal breezes.

The Thistle Nationals is returning to the Northeast in 2024 with the event hosted at Tom's River Yacht Club in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey. The venue features excellent sailing conditions with reliable sea breezes and flat water, experienced race management, and shore activities including beach access and an oyster night.

John Greiner, a Toledo, Ohio Thistler with 60+ years of service to the class, receives the 2023 Minton Trophy. He founded Greiner Sails in the 1960s, served as senior race officer at the 1985 Nationals, and has continuously organized the Fall Blowout since 1969, missing only 3 events in over 54 years.

Historical article reprinted from a 1970 Bagpipe describing the genesis and first year of the Lakes Fall Series, which grew from Lake Erie sailors' desire to extend their racing season. The series included nine regattas with 19 boats qualifying, offering unique trophies and fostering strong competition and social events.

The Green Team at North Flathead Yacht Club successfully achieved Sailors for the Sea's Gold Level Certification for the 2023 Nationals through implementing 17 of 20 best practices including water refill stations, reusable materials, invasive species checks, and food waste composting.

JD Reddaway describes his experience reefing the mainsail of his Thistle during the windy first day of the 2023 Nationals, demonstrating that reefing provides safety, more sailing opportunities, and faster boat speed. He explains the advantages of reefing and outlines his setup with Evolution Sails.

A humorous parody song set to Madonna's "Like a Prayer," written by Pat and John Hubbell, about an older sailor competing in a Thistle regatta and hoping the marriage can survive a last-place finish.