October/November 2024

Nicole Shedden reflects on her year as president, highlighting the 32 kids who attended the Kids Camp at Nationals, a women's roundtable discussion on boat hygiene practices, competitive spirit and generosity among sailors, and future strategic planning. She announces Nationals sites for 2025 (Sandusky, Ohio) and 2026 (Eugene, Oregon) and discusses the upcoming Coach TCA project.

Chief Measurer Bob White reports on the measurement procedures at Nationals, noting that most boats passed safety inspections with minor adjustments. He discusses six fat rudders found, positive flotation issues in two fiberglass boats, and equipment failures including six broken diamond wires and a few collisions. He also describes experimental successes with increased underseat positive flotation for wooden boats and a reefing mainsail test.

Outgoing Past President John Howell reports progress on the Thistle Next Generation boat grant program and Thistle Growth Partners endowment fund. Riley Reid, the first boat grant recipient, finished third at Nationals. The endowment has received $85,000 in donations with potential matching grants to reach $400,000 to support future growth initiatives.

Tom Hubbell announces the return of the Coach-in-the-Boat program at the 28th Edition of Coach TCA, the Thistle Class's unique shared learning experience. Top skippers will sail with participants for half-hour coaching sessions to answer practical sailing questions and demystify techniques through hands-on instruction.

Plans for the 28th Edition of Mid-Winters East regatta in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on March 8-12, 2025 are announced, with coaching on Saturday March 8. The Thistle Southern Circuit continues with the Orange Peel Regatta in Jacksonville on March 14-15. Various lodging options are available through camping, VRBO, and AirBnB.

Dan Hesse reports on the Atlantic Coast Championship at Sail Newport, July 12-14, 2024. Evan Hoffman's Mr. Meeseeks won the regatta in light to moderate winds. The fleet was deep and competitive with tight point spreads throughout. Mike Ingham won the tiebreaker for second place by dominating the last two races.

Amina Brown reports on the Newport Women's Thistle Regatta hosted by Fleet #169, which continues to be a highlight of the summer sailing schedule. The regatta featured five races on Saturday and a coastal race on Sunday, with strong hospitality including Friday night check-in, daily breakfasts, and a cookout. Meg Myles' Ghost won the regatta.

Terry Lettenmaier and Wayne Balsiger report on Portland Fleet's inaugural Tom Beckham Memorial Regatta at Cathlamet, Washington on July 13-14, 2024. Seven competitive Thistles raced in excellent winds with tight racing throughout. Darrel Peck with Lori Daily won after 11 races, followed by Grant Gridley's team in second.

Scott Vogel reports that the New England District Championship was scored in conjunction with the Atlantic Coast Championship at Sail Newport on July 13-14, 2024. With 36 boats on the starting line, it served as an excellent warm-up for Nationals. Meredith Adams' team in #3762 won the districts and finished 5th in the ACC.

The 78th annual Thistle National Championship at Toms River, New Jersey, August 3-9, 2024, attracted 65 boats. Paul and Marie Abdullah with Jesse Shedden won the regatta in challenging conditions with upper teens and low twenties winds. Jon Duffett's team finished second, and first-time Nationals competitor Riley Read finished third. Detailed race reports cover all seven races with strategic insights and colorful narratives. Women's and Junior Nationals were also held with separate champions.

More than 25 women gathered at Nationals to discuss practical techniques and tips for managing bodily functions while racing on a Thistle. The article covers communication strategies with crew, clothing choices, techniques using various boat features, and practical hygiene considerations for multi-hour racing in hot, strenuous conditions.

The Women's and Junior Nationals were held at Toms River in challenging, shifty conditions with big breeze throughout. Eileen Gladd, Cairn Kraft, and Meg Farrugia won the Women's Nationals, while Benjamin Usher, Darby Dryden, and Shea Hoffacker won the Junior Nationals. The event was supported by boat owners lending their Thistles to participants.

Carol Kitchin describes the environmental sustainability practices implemented at the 2024 Nationals. Initiatives included reef-safe sunscreen, non-toxic boat soap, cotton giveaway bags, water refill stations, compostable servingware, used sail collection, local food sourcing, and waste management education for Kids Camp participants.

Carol Kitchin describes the 2024 Kids Camp program at Nationals, which served 31 children ages 2-12. The camp was held at Tom's River YC's air-conditioned Junior Sailing room and featured daily themes (Lego, Nautical, Craft, Game, and Magical days), pool swimming, educational programs on recycling, and friendship-building. The program was staffed by Cathleen Murphy and David Sullivan.