August/September 2025

Classified advertisements and marketplace listings featuring sailing services and products including The Sailing Inc. (boat sales, coaching, and equipment services) with multiple championship wins listed.

Duckworth thanks Jay Austin, the Sandusky Sailing Center, and area fleet volunteers for their dedication in organizing the 2025 Nationals. He notes that the Nationals featured evaluation of RaceSense technology for monitoring OCS starts and requests participant feedback via a survey.

Kitchin describes how to help less experienced sailors improve through coaching and targeted lessons in basic sailing skills and racing strategy. He explains how post-race discussions help create better competition and more engaged sailors within a fleet.

Kitchin reflects on how a last-minute invitation to crew for a regatta at North Cape Yacht Club lifted his spirits and reminded him of his childhood excitement about sailing. He encourages others to share their sailing enthusiasm with others.

Kitchin describes implementing crew races where crew members skipper the boats while regular skippers crew. He explains how this changes the routine, creates fun, and provides valuable learning experiences for all participants.

The Executive Committee explains the decision-making process behind changing the Nationals qualification language from requiring sailors to race in their own district to allowing them to race in any district. The change aims to reduce barriers to entry and increase Nationals participation.

Announcement that the 2026 Mid-Winters East Regatta will be held at Pensacola Yacht Club from March 4-8, 2026, with coaching and tuning sessions available. The Southern Circuit schedule is being maintained with the Orange Peel returning to its traditional third weekend in March slot.

Comprehensive calendar of Thistle sailing events from August 2025 through November 2025, including regattas, championships, and invitational events across multiple regions with contact information and previous year winners.

Report on the 2025 8 Ball Regatta held at Indianapolis Sailing Club on April 12-13 with 12 boats. Wind conditions were challenging, with only 2 races on Saturday and 2 races on Sunday. Noah Craciun won with scores of 6, 1, 1, 1 for 9 points total.

Report on the Pacific Northwest Districts held May 24-25 at Eugene Yacht Club. Early season conditions were challenging with light, patchy winds on Saturday and better conditions on Sunday. Darrell Peck won with consistent light wind performance. The venue offered excellent hospitality and camping.

Report on the 2025 Bottoms Up Regatta and Carolinas Districts simultaneously held on Jordan Lake, North Carolina on April 26-27. 19 boats competed in sporty conditions both days. Brad Russell and Joe Hart won the Bottoms Up, and also took first in the Carolinas Districts scoring.

Report on the Central Atlantic Districts held June 21-22 at Glenmar and Newcastle Sailing Clubs. The Bowley's Marina facility provided excellent launching and racing conditions. Sam Ingham won convincingly with Ben McElroy and Tanya Cuprak as crew.

Explanation of the new Clean Fleet Initiative that sets environmental standards for clubs' full season of local Thistle sailing series. Ingham provides step-by-step instructions on how clubs can register their fleets and achieve certification through Sailors for the Sea.

Report on the 9th Annual Singing River Regatta held May 3-4 at Muscle Shoals Sailing Club on Wilson Lake in Alabama. Variable wind conditions challenged the race committee, but Greg Griffin won decisively with good competition throughout the fleet.

Comprehensive report on Lake Erie Districts held June 29-30 at Edgewater Yacht Club. Craig Koschalk won with seven competitive races, with Nicole Shedden and Jack Finefrock rounding out the top three. The report highlights close racing and the transition of Bobby Sessions as new District Governor.

Report on the Thistle Adirondack Invitational at Saratoga Lake Sailing Club, June 21-22. The regatta was noted more for the food and camaraderie than optimal racing conditions. 17 boats participated with Dan Hesse winning the regatta.

Extensive report on the 73rd Annual Dixie Regatta held May 24-25 at Atlanta Yacht Club, themed as "Masters Green Jacket Dixie." The report covers Friday night spaghetti dinner, Saturday morning junior races, and competitive Masters racing over two days. Steve Burke won the main event with comprehensive coverage of competition, social events, and volunteer efforts.

Report on the Hoover Sailing Club's Spring "Wet Your Thistle" regatta held May 10, 2025. Variable light wind conditions challenged the race committee, with the Shedden and McNitt teams demonstrating superior wind reading to finish 1st and 2nd. The regatta emphasized the social aspects of sailing.