May-July 2026

President Holland reflects on the balance of costs and values in the Thistle Class. He discusses affordability concerns for new sailors, comparing the 30% inflation since 2018 and highlighting class initiatives like free junior membership and U26 reimbursement programs. Holland emphasizes the importance of consensus-driven decision-making regarding digital race management technology and its cost implications.

Chief Measurer Hudson outlines the specific measurements planned for the 2026 Nationals in Eugene, including hull weight, mast weight, sail measurements, and centerboard specifications. He notes the importance of accounting for weight changes when traveling west and provides specific measurement tolerances and references to the Class Constitution.

Secretary Duckworth announces a new system for membership renewals and provides information about three donation funds available to members. She reports positive membership growth for 2026 and notes that members can update their account information when renewing. New for 2026 are monthly reminders for members who haven't paid their dues.

An update on the Digital Race Management Committee's recent activities, including analysis of feedback from the Vakaros Race Sense system used at mid-winter regattas. The committee is investigating the effects of digital OCS detection on various race management aspects and plans a zoom town hall to gather additional input from class members.

Vice President Sutton discusses strategies for growing class membership at the local level rather than focusing solely on national events. He highlights successful programs from various fleets including fleet-owned boats, youth-focused regattas, lease-to-own programs, and integration with college sailing programs. Sutton emphasizes that sustainable growth requires intentional effort to attract new sailors to local clubs and create pathways to ownership.

Joy Martin presents an overview of the Thistle Clean Class Initiative using Tuckman's stages of group development. She reports that the class is performing well with clean regattas but is in the forming/storming phases with the clean fleet initiative. Martin calls for fleets to implement and document the "20 Best Practices" throughout the season and provides resources including a webinar and PDF guide.

A collection of classified advertisements and marketplace listings including boat covers, hiking straps, and sailboats for sale. Items include custom Sunbrella boat covers from Rooke Sails, padded hiking straps by Joy Martin/Fabricraft, and Thistle #448 available in Eugene for sale by Dick Brust. Pricing and contact information are provided for each listing.

Coverage of the Midwinters West Championship held in San Diego, January 28 - February 1, 2026. Owen Fretwell reports on the junior team from Mission Bay Yacht Club finishing 7th overall and winning the Larry Klein Memorial Match Race Championship. The report includes individual race accounts, trophy winners, detailed results tables, and commentary on the excellent conditions and high-level race management.

Coverage of the 2026 Midwinters East Championship held in Pensacola, Florida, March 4-8, 2026, where 29 teams competed. The report highlights the introduction of the Vakaros Race Sense system, excellent weather conditions, and coaching clinics led by Greg Fisher and Greg Griffin. Paul Abdullah's team Crime Scene won the championship, with detailed results, photographs, and commentary on individual races and conditions.

A personal account of Ellie McBride's first Midwinters East experience in Pensacola. Written with humor and charm, she describes arriving at a house in a nature preserve, meeting a friendly neighbor, experiencing intense sun exposure, learning new skills like droop hiking, and discovering the Vakaros electronic sailing system. McBride reflects on the memorable moments, new friendships, and chaotic-but-fun atmosphere of the event.

Tom Hubbell shares practical lessons learned from 51 years of trailer mishaps and maintenance. He provides 11 key lessons covering bearing maintenance, securing tie-downs, hitch safety, tire preparation, trailer weight distribution, lights, bearing replacement, and preventive inspection routines. Each lesson is illustrated with real-world failure scenarios and practical solutions to avoid costly roadside disasters.

A tribute to Bill Bruce (1935-2026) and the dissolution of Thistle Fleet 72 based in Memphis, Tennessee. The article includes a letter from the Delta Sailing Association announcing a donation of $7,183.69 to the Thistle Class, along with a personal narrative about fleet history dating to 1955. Bruce reflects on the golden era of Fleet 72 in the 1970s-80s, colorful sailors and memorable moments, and the recent challenges that led to the fleet's closure.

An informative guide to the weather patterns and wind conditions sailors can expect at the 2026 Nationals in Eugene, Oregon at Fern Ridge Reservoir. The article explains summer thermal wind patterns, the role of high pressure systems, and expected chop conditions. It also notes the magnetic declination differences from GPS and advises on what to bring.

A travel guide encouraging Nationals participants to explore Oregon's attractions beyond sailing. The article highlights Portland's cultural attractions, the Willamette Valley wine region, natural landmarks like Crater Lake and the Oregon Coast, and outdoor activities including kayaking, river rafting, mountain biking, and bird watching. It also recommends local cuisine and suggests that families extend their stay to enjoy Oregon's diverse landscapes.

Official minutes from the Thistle Class Association Governing Board meeting held Thursday, March 5, 2026, during Midwinters East in Pensacola. The minutes document membership growth, budget reports, committee updates, planning for the 2026 Nationals in Eugene, discussions of digital race management technology, endowment fund progress, and fleet boat program initiatives.

A practical guide to preparing boats for measurement at the 2026 Nationals in Eugene. Murray provides specific instructions for each measurement category (mast weight, centerboard thickness, J measurement, boat weight, sails, and Vakaros compass) and emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and packing of sails to streamline the process. She also invites sailors to volunteer as measurers.