December/January 2024

President Nicole Shedden announces updates on three major initiatives: a TCA Event Management Plan to standardize regatta planning, improved childcare support at Nationals, and expanded participation by opening Executive Committee meetings to all Governing Board members. She also welcomes new Pacific Coast Regional Vice President Phil Gordon.

Vice President Duckworth reviews the busy 2024 racing calendar and encourages sailors to prepare their boats and skills. He highlights key events including Mid Winters West, Mid Winters East, the Orange Peel, District Championships, and Nationals at Tom's River.

Aaron Holland announces that TCA membership is now free for sailors under 26 years old, coupled with a reimbursement program for key regattas. He provides nine specific ways existing members can support youth participation and mentions efforts to develop a boat loan program.

Secretary Dianne Duckworth provides detailed instructions for renewing 2024 TCA membership through the ClubSpot management system, emphasizing electronic delivery options to reduce costs and environmental impact. She notes that Thistle Plans are now $50.

Feature article promoting the 2024 Nationals at Tom's River Yacht Club in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey. Highlights include excellent race management, reliable breeze conditions, flat water, on-shore activities including pool and beach access, and planned special events like an oyster night with Barnegat Oyster Collective.

Regatta preview for Mid Winters West at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, held January 31 - February 4, 2024. The article describes the event as family-friendly and all-inclusive, with boat charters, practice day, and match racing on Sunday.

Brief announcement of the 48th Annual Orange Peel Regatta on March 14-16, 2024 at The Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville. Racing will be Friday and Saturday to accommodate long-distance travelers.

Rules quiz scenario involving two boats at the start line where one boat luffs and crosses head to wind. Sailors are asked to decide the outcome based on Racing Rules of Sailing. The answer is provided on page 21.

Announcement of Mid-Winters East March 9-13, 2024 at Fort Walton Yacht Club with details about pre-event activities, lodging options, and special hotel rate at Island Resort.

Report of the 2023 Fleet #66 Painkiller Regatta held September 23-24 at Clinton Lake Sailing Association in Central Illinois. Excellent fall weather with 7-9 mph winds, steak and vegetable dinner, and 6 races completed. Tim Elfenbein finished 1st with Kevin Arrow 2nd.

Entertaining race report from Berlin Kick-off Regatta August 26, 2023 at Cortland Conservation Club. McBride humorously describes an encounter with a walrus named Casper while sailing, learning that the regatta name "Mosquito Lake" is misleading. Boats finished with Jack Finefrock winning the event.

Report of Atwood Yacht Club's Harvest Moon Regatta held September 9-10, 2023. The historic event dating back to 1951 featured excellent fall weather, competitive racing with ¾ mile windward/leeward courses, and entertaining evening entertainment. Ken and Brendon Swetka from Detroit won the regatta.

Short report of Sandusky One Design Regatta held September 16-17, 2023. Light wind and powerboat chop on Saturday challenged competitors, while Sunday lacked wind. Mark Hess and Matt Pittsenbarger won the event.

Race report of Cleveland Fall Regatta on September 23, 2023 at Cleveland Yachting Club on Lake Erie. Featuring 10-12 mph breeze and three-foot waves, Noah Craciun won the single race event, with Steve Lavender and Tom Hubbell following closely.

Brief report of Ice Breaker Regatta held September 30 - October 1, 2023 at Crescent Sail Yacht Club. Unfortunately, no racing occurred due to light air both Saturday and Sunday.

Report of the 57th Annual Fall Blowout on October 7, 2023 at North Cape Yacht Club. Strong winds of 20-30 knots enabled three exciting races with triangle-windward-leeward courses. Bobby Sessions won with consistent 2-2-2 finishes, and John Greiner received the Minton Trophy.

Feature report of Last Splash Regatta held October 21, 2023 at Hoover Sailing Club. Nineteen boats competed in seven races with shifty westerly breeze. Bobby Sessions dominated the event. Includes lyrics to a sailing song about keeping composure in changing wind conditions.

Summary of the Lake Erie Fall Series 2023 season with standings for top skippers and crew. Includes information about Rooke Sails cover pricing and pricing for sail numbering or custom options.

Report of the 61st annual Thistle Old Goat Regatta held September 9-10, 2023 at Lake Lanier Yacht Club. Light winds created challenging conditions with large wind shifts throughout the weekend. Greg Griffin, Mark Reddaway, and Gunnison Griffin won with tight competition.

Historical account of the Old Goat Regatta's origins, named after Norris Sinclair ("Sinny"), a legendary Lake Lanier Thistler who was recruited to help start the fleet. The regatta was created to honor his long devotion to southern Thistle sailing.

Feature report of 2023 Pacific Coast Championship held September 22-24 at Ventura Yacht Club in California. Team Rush Job with Oliver Kunz and Emily Tan dominated with fast downwind sailing conditions. The event featured excellent camaraderie among competitors from multiple western states.

Report of the 2023 Bloody Mary Regatta held October 28-29 at Western Carolina Sailing Club. Greg Griffin, Gunnison Griffin, and Brad Russell won with consistent top-5 finishes across all three races in challenging and competitive conditions.

Article introducing Sailors for the Sea partnership with the Thistle Class Association. Covers SftS history, programs (Green Boating, Clean Regattas, KELP), global impact, and explains why the TCA partnered with them. Highlights Emily Conklin, the Program Manager for SftS.

Art section featuring a reader-submitted watercolor painting of Klinger Lake in Michigan, created from a photograph using water colors and tissue paper.