Volume LXXVII, Number 2 — February - April 2024

The incoming class president greets the Thistle community and updates members on strategy projects, including Thistle Next Generation initiatives for growing membership and the Thistle Growth Partnership endowment. She also mentions the Nationals Duration Committee's work on modifying the Nationals format and congratulates Gerry Christman on receiving the John Gardiner Award.

The Chief Measurer reflects on a tragic 1969 incident at Northern California Districts that killed three sailors and led to major flotation safety improvements. He relates this to recent capsizes at the 2023 Nationals and calls for renewed vigilance about boat flotation and safety inspections to prevent similar tragedies.

Comprehensive listing of Thistle Class regattas scheduled throughout 2024, from Mid-Winters West in January through Jubilee Regatta in November, organized chronologically with event locations, contact information, and previous winners.

The Thistle Class and Sailors for the Sea have developed resources to help fleets run clean regattas. They've created a Clean Class Communications Timeline tool to help event organizers share their sustainability efforts with participants through coordinated messaging before, during, and after regattas.

The Thistle Class launches four strategic programs identified in the 2023 strategy: three Thistle Next Generation initiatives (Fleet Boat, Boat Grant, and Thistle Charter) designed to attract new members with minimal investment, and the Thistle Growth Partnership endowment to fund these programs and future projects.

The 1st VP previews the 2024 racing season, noting the early major regattas including Mid-Winters West and East, and highlights the excitement around the 2024 Nationals in Toms River. He also shares a historical tip from Sandy Douglass dating back to the 1948 Bagpipe.

Newport Fleet #169 announces its 2024 sailing schedule featuring three major events: the New England Districts in June, the 40th Anniversary Sail Newport Regatta and Thistle Atlantic Coast Championships in July, and the 3rd Newport Fleet #169 Women's Regatta, with supporting clinics and social events.

Report on the September 16-17, 2023 Glimmerglass Regatta held at Otsego Sailing Club with 8 races featuring variable wind conditions. Bryn Clark and Chris Wilson won with 13 points, followed by Jim Gindling and team in second, and Juan Delgado in third.

Advertisements for Thistle-related products and services including Rooke Sails boat covers with detailed pricing and options, and Beacon Composites offering custom Thistle design and construction services.

Report on the September 9-10, 2023 Fall Frontier Regatta at Rochester Canoe Club featuring variable conditions and 8 races. Jon Duffett won first place, Chris Wilson second, and Eric Gesner third. The regatta featured clean practices and traditional roasted turkey dinner.

Report on the September 23-24, 2023 60th Goetz Memorial Regatta at Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club. Chris Murphy won the event, Doug Kitchin placed second, and Lloyd Kitchin third. The report describes exciting sailing conditions and highlights the custom trophies made from old hardware donated by legendary Thistle sailors.

Report on the October 7-8, 2023 Oyster Roast Regatta hosted by Annapolis Thistle Fleet #34 and Severn Sailing Association. Pat Flinn won the event, followed by Chris Murphy in second. The regatta featured challenging weather and was registered as a Platinum Level Clean Regatta with Sailors for the Sea.

Summary of the 2023 East Coast Fall Series with 167 sailors attending at least one event for 232 total attendances. Charlie Krafft won top skipper honors and Jon Duffett topped the crew rankings. The article notes concerns about participation levels and discusses potential schedule and scoring adjustments.

Report on the October 28-29 Heather Bowl Regatta at Red Dragon Canoe Club where Luke Miller won, followed by Tom Lawton. Also includes results from Fontelieu, Kayaderosseras Kup regattas and top skipper/crew rankings for the East Coast Fall Series.

Classic article originally published in November 1948 by legendary sailor Sandy Douglass emphasizing the importance of maintaining boat speed, sailing on an even keel, and using precise boat handling to win races. Includes notes by Mike Ingham reflecting on how modern Thistle sailing has evolved.

Report on the October 21-22, 2023 Paul LoGerfo Memorial Regatta at Nyack Boat Club with 12 teams competing in variable conditions on the Hudson River. Aaron Holland won the event with 14 points, Tom Lawton placed second, and Jared Ridder third, with the fleet enjoying social activities in downtown Nyack.

Feature article celebrating Gerry Christman of Clinton Lake Sailing Association, winner of the US Sailing John Gardiner One Design Service & Leadership Award. The article details his 40 years of contributions building Thistle Fleet #66, his learn-to-sail programs, fleet boat program, and his role as a mentor and fleet captain who has grown one-design sailing at CLSA.