Constitutional Amendments & Class Rules

Official notice of constitutional and by-law amendments approved at the January 25, 1947 winter meeting. Changes include specifications for building plans purchase, protection of name and emblem, deck construction, spar dimensions, and registration procedures for new Thistles.

A detailed letter to the editor from A.M. Hermann discussing proposed revisions to Articles XI and XXVII of the Thistle Class by-laws regarding racing restrictions and sail specifications. Hermann presents arguments for and against limiting sail purchases and discusses concerns about standardization versus flexibility in sail dimensions. The letter seeks constructive discussion on these important constitutional matters.

Report on a constitutional review meeting held April 9 in Cleveland at the home of John Lovett with several association members present. Recommendations for constitutional revisions were discussed and recommendations were being formulated.

Several amendments to the Thistle Class Association Constitution and By-Laws will be voted on at the Annual Meeting on August 25. Changes include new membership categories, dues structure, voting rules, racing restrictions, and sail purchase limitations.

Proposes amendment to the Constitution recognizing Gordon K. Douglass as Honorary Rear Commodore with permanent advisory membership on the Executive Committee and permanent eligibility for National competition.

An editorial advocating for amendment of the TCA Constitution to make all official languages English, protesting the current use of other languages for legal documents and questioning why foreign language usage should be tolerated.

Bill Heintz has appointed Jack Stevens and Jack O'Shea to a committee tasked with rewriting the Thistle Class Association's Constitution and By-Laws. The revised document will be submitted to the Governing Board for review and then published for member consideration before the Annual Meeting.

A proposed amendment to Article XXXI, Paragraph 1 of the Association's By-Laws that would change hull numbering from prior to construction to final delivery was defeated at the Annual Meeting in August.

Announcement of a proposed amendment to the Association's Constitution and By-Laws regarding the governing board structure, to be voted on at the 1955 Annual Meeting.

Four proposed constitutional amendments will be voted on at the annual meeting in Detroit: revising the Governing Board composition, removing a section of the by-laws, permitting hiking straps while disallowing hiking posts and trapeses, and establishing specifications for hiking strap dimensions.

Fleet 21 proposes amendments to the by-laws regarding hiking straps and trapeze equipment. Amendment 1 would delete the ruling under Section 5 of Article XXVII of the by-laws. Amendment 2 would add entitled Winches and Fittings, stating that hiking straps are permitted but hiking posts and trapeze are not allowed.

The amended by-laws of the Thistle Class Association are reprinted in this issue as they take effect. The amendments cover new measurement and registration procedures, provisions for national championships, and updates to the constitution and class rules.

Complete text of the amended by-laws covering all articles of the Thistle Class Association, including fleet management, dues, charter procedures, reports and returns, sloop naming, measurements and certificates, racing rules and restrictions, and national championship procedures.

Proposed amendments to the TCA Constitution and Bylaws for presentation at the annual meeting in St. Petersburg in August 1959, covering hull construction, spar specifications, weight requirements, and buoyancy tank regulations.

Doug Westin, TCA President, addresses class concerns about unauthorized experimentation with adjustable jibs and other equipment modifications, warning that such changes violate class rules and should not be used in sanctioned events.

The Thistle Class Association proposes significant amendments to permit aluminum masts and updated weight specifications, addressing concerns raised by the Chief Measurer about boat class uniformity and allowing flexibility for equipment improvements.

The Thistle Class Association proposes several amendments to its Constitution and Bylaws to be voted on at the August 1961 Annual Meeting, primarily concerning the use of aluminum masts and weights of racing boats.

Six rulings published in March-April 1961 are declared unconstitutional and withdrawn because they were prematurely printed without Governing Board approval. The rules covered issues like extra buoyancy, rudder fittings, spinnaker pole placement, boom length, clew out-haul, and tiller extension.

Six rulings published in Bagpipe March-April 1961 have been ruled unconstitutional by the Governing Board. The article lists these illegal rulings and explains that TCA Constitution requires prior approval before rulings are published.

At the annual meeting, fleet representatives override the Governing Board's acceptance of adjustable spinnaker pole fittings. The vote in the open meeting promptly reverses the Board's decision and restores the old ruling 28 on spinnaker fittings on the mast.

Report on proposed amendments to TCA Constitution addressing bylaw updates and clarifications for consistency with current practices, with specific article changes listed for membership approval.

Douglas Westin, Chairman of the Amendments Committee, reports on proposed changes to the TCA Constitution to address inconsistencies and modernize class rules. The report details specific article amendments and clarifications requested by the President's office.

Formal notice of proposed amendments to the Official Plans and Specifications for Thistle class boats, including technical modifications to centerboard specifications and spinaker measurements, to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.

Three proposed amendments to the Official Plans and Specifications of the Thistle Class, to be voted on at the 1965 Annual Meeting during the National Championships.

Report on Executive Committee actions regarding the Yearbook size and Constitution clarifications. The Committee approved revised dimensions to make the Yearbook more manageable and clarified the Constitution's Plans and Specifications document to avoid confusion.

Official notice of a proposed amendment to the Thistle Class Constitution regarding weight specifications, to be voted on at the Annual Meeting during the National Championships.

Official notice of three proposed amendments to the Thistle Class Constitution and bylaws to be voted on at the 1967 Nationals. Covers modifications to sail grommet specifications, transom trap deck regulations, and jib luff modifications.

Notice of three proposed amendments to the Thistle Class Official Plans and Specifications that will be voted on at the Annual Meeting in Mentor, Ohio.

Continuation of annual meeting covering class votes on proposed constitutional amendments regarding Cunningham Ring holes, trap doors, and jib furling gear, plus unanimous re-election of all officers and selection of honorary officers.

Official notice of constitutional and specification amendments to be voted on at the 1968 Annual Meeting in Sayville, including Fleet #101's proposal for Cunningham holes and technical specifications for the class.

Official notice of proposed amendments to Thistle Class Official Plans and Specifications to be voted on at the August 1968 Annual Meeting, including detailed commentary on Cunningham holes and jib furling device proposals.

A rules article discussing class regulations governing the purchase of new sails by Thistle owners. Limits purchase to one suit per year with exceptions for accidents or damaged sails, and establishes procedures for approving additional sail purchases.

Discusses the bylaws limiting the purchase of new sails and the rules governing when owners may purchase additional sails for competitive use, including limitations on sail replacements and conditions under which new sails may be acquired.

Detailed discussion of proposed amendments to class specifications regarding flotation and all-up weight requirements. Includes technical specifications for buoyancy, fiberglass considerations, and racing performance equalization with focus on keeping boats competitively balanced.

Technical class rule amendments concerning buoyancy and all-up weight specifications for Thistle boats, proposed for consideration at the annual meeting.

Details of proposed class rule amendments from Fleet 65 and Fleet 39 regarding flotation requirements and specifications for fiberglass boat construction.

Full text of the by-laws amendments proposed and approved by the Governing Board regarding district administrative changes, regional vice-president duties, and organizational structure modifications to the Thistle Class Association.

Technical proposals for modifications to the Thistle class specifications, including amendments regarding the Cunningham hole, aluminum boom options, limber hole, and changes to district governance positions, with detailed commentary from various fleets.

Report on proposed amendments to TCA by-laws and rules to be voted on at the annual meeting.

Minutes of the 27th Annual TCA Meeting held August 14, 1972 at the Kenosha Holiday Inn, covering President's report, objectives, problems with communications, fleet growth, mast disputes with D&M, and various amendment proposals adopted by the membership.

Amendment proposals for the Thistle Class Association covering nominating procedures, permanent rear commodores recognition, and regional vice-president elections, requiring fleet votes at the upcoming Annual Meeting.

Proposed amendments to the TCA Constitution regarding Regional Vice Presidents and Quick Reefing specifications for Thistles, submitted for consideration and vote at the 1974 Annual Meeting.

The Amendment Committee reports on two proposed constitutional amendments to be voted on at the August 1974 Annual Meeting in San Diego. The amendments address regional officer elections and technical modifications to sail rigging specifications for Thistle class boats.

Account of the Thistle Class Association annual meeting held August 11, 1974 at Coronado Yacht Club, including discussion of the reefing amendment which was withdrawn, election results, and business matters.

Technical specifications and rule revisions for Thistle class boats, including construction requirements for centerboards, hull materials, and detailed measurements for class compliance.

Official revisions to TCA Constitution and By-Laws addressing officer elections, regulations, and class standards.

Technical and constitutional revisions and specifications for the Thistle class boat and procedures.

President Gaenzle discusses the proposed constitutional amendments regarding tax-exempt status and nonprofit organization requirements. He emphasizes the importance of bringing all views forward on controversial issues, particularly regarding a divisive emblem dispute with D&M (Douglas & McCloud) over trademark rights.

President's message discussing constitutional amendments proposed at the Annual Meeting, the business of the Thistle Class Association, and recent developments including the tax-exempt status granted by the IRS and trademark disputes with D&M.

Three major proposed constitutional amendments for the 1978 Annual Meeting: modifications to centerboard specifications, and two competing proposals regarding bow-eye regulations, with detailed comments and rebuttals from various fleets and committees.

Discussion and detailed presentation of proposed constitutional and specification amendments to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, covering centerboard specifications and bow-eye regulations.

Introduction to five amendment proposals for the Thistle Class Constitution to be voted on at the Annual Meeting in Marion, August 1979, covering junior membership, bow-eye design, third vice president position, and other constitutional changes.

Continued discussion of proposed amendments including third vice president for growth and promotion, twinlines proposal, and implications for Class governance and administration.

Detailed explanations of proposed revisions to the Thistle Class Constitution, including modifications to official plans, by-laws, and specifications that are scheduled to be voted on.

Details of amendment proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting in Marion, Massachusetts in August 1979, including amendments for Junior Membership, Bow-Eye specifications, Third Vice President position, Twinlines, and Growth & Development committee.

Continuation of amendment proposals, including discussion of fleet comments and advertising notice for Thomas Sailmakers.

Detailed constitutional and specification revisions approved for the Thistle Class, including General Notes about specifications, Chief Measurer's Rulings, and various adjustments to boat specifications.

President Keinath discusses the new TCA officers and structure, upcoming constitutional amendments, and the establishment of a Past Presidents Council for guidance. He calls for input on proposed amendments by February 1, 1979.

Detailed discussion of a proposed amendment to the Thistle Class Plans regarding the use of mahogany and teak in boat construction. The amendment suggests expanding the materials allowed for wooden parts to include sustainable hardwoods beyond just mahogany and teak, addressing supply and cost concerns.

Proposed amendments to official plans and specifications for the Thistle Class, including changes to centerboard tolerance, parts and materials, boom material, and winch crank specifications. These amendments will be presented to the Annual Meeting.

Official constitutional amendments proposed by the Governing Board regarding the National Race Committee structure, appeals procedures, Governing Board meeting timing, officer nomination procedures, and Junior member status definitions. These amendments were scheduled for voting consideration.

Announcements regarding class amendments and 1988 Nationals bidding information for fleets interested in hosting.

Detailed proposals for amendments to Thistle Class bylaws and rules, including clarification of membership classifications (Active, Associate, Builder), changes to executive officer duties, Parts and Materials specifications, and modifications to the tiller and jib.

Details of proposed rule amendments to the Class including changes to mainsail upper girth dimensions, propulsion rules, positive flotation requirements, and specification material changes.

Details of approved changes to Class by-laws regarding National Championship courses, chartering provisions for district events, and eligibility requirements for Nationals.

The Chief Measurer and Executive Committee recommend two amendments to the official Thistle Class plans regarding anti-flutter tabs on the mainsail and jib, which would allow better control of leech flutter and improve sail longevity.

Tom Hubbell provides a detailed guide to the process for proposing amendments and changes to TCA rules and specifications. He outlines the difference between membership votes and Governing Board votes, and explains the critical steps of proposal development and promotion.

Four proposed class rule amendments submitted for approval at the 2000 National Annual Meeting: transom height tolerance adjustment, electronic compasses allowance, spinnaker sheet twings, and aluminum tillers. Each proposal includes technical specifications and rationale for the change.

The Thistle Class proposes four bylaw amendments for vote at the 2001 Nationals: guidelines for new wood hull construction, executive committee composition changes, addition of whistle requirements, and increased buoyancy flotation minimums for both wooden and fiberglass boats for enhanced safety.

Lettenmaier urges readers to review the amendment proposals and encourage their fleet members to vote, noting the importance of proxy votes from fleets unable to attend the Nationals meeting, particularly West Coast fleets.

Two formal proposed amendments for class vote at the 2002 Nationals: Proposal #1 increases minimum buoyancy from 700-750 to 1000 pounds for both wood and fiberglass boats; Proposal #2 allows two spinnakers instead of one at championship events.

Proposed amendment to TCA Specifications allowing marine VHF radios aboard for safety communication, weather retrieval, and race committee notifications during racing. Includes detailed reasoning and response to potential concerns.

A proposed amendment to allow VHF radios for safety communication, weather retrieval, and race committee messages during Thistle racing. The amendment includes rationale for the proposal and addresses potential concerns.

Proposal from Fleet 34 to amend Chief Measurer's Ruling 65 to allow digital compasses, specifically the Tacktick Micro Compass model T061, in Thistle class racing. The proposal outlines advantages (lighter weight, space-saving, superior damping, easy to read when heeled) and disadvantages (cost, fragility, theft risk) with voting instructions for fleet members.

Proposal to amend Article VIII regarding spinnaker pole use, clarifying that pole use is optional when the spinnaker is set, resolving a conflict between existing rule language.

Proposal to amend TCA Specifications to permit VHF radios for safety communication, weather information, and race committee communication. Includes arguments for and against by Tom Hubbell, Jack Finefrock, and Kyle Finefrock, to be voted on at the 2008 Annual Meeting.

Bruce Mccutcheon outlines the new amendment procedure approved by the Governing Board in 2010. The procedure establishes a timeline requiring amendments to be submitted by October 1st and published in the December/January Bagpipe, with fleet comments due by February 1st, ensuring proper member review before voting at the Annual Meeting.

Two constitutional amendment proposals from the TCA Executive Committee: one to standardize terminology for references to the Thistle Class Association, and another to allow flexibility in appointing separate Secretary and Treasurer roles.

The Past-President offers observations on the Fleet 53 constitutional amendment debate, noting that there is significant disagreement about the amendment's scope and impact. He advocates for proceeding cautiously with changes that have unclear effects, citing the class's successful 76-year history of deliberate decision-making.

President Hubbell urges rejection of a Fleet 53 amendment proposal that would restrict the Thistle Class Association's jurisdiction to only chevron events. He argues that the current broad jurisdiction is necessary for the Class to publish the Bagpipe, promote youth sailing, maintain internet presence, and conduct non-chevron activities safely under liability insurance.

Fleet 53's proposal to amend the Thistle Class Association Constitution and Bylaws to clarify and revise jurisdiction and sanctioned event definitions. The amendment distinguishes between chevron (sanctioned) and non-chevron (independent/autonomous) events, with detailed rationale and pro/con arguments from the membership.

Tom Hubbell's Constitution and Bylaws Review Committee outlines their mission to clarify language and remove outdated statements. They plan to present draft documents before end of January for voting at the Mid-Winter meeting.

Information about two voting items for the TCA Annual Meeting in Jacksonville: a revised constitution and updated specifications and CMR's. Details voting procedures, required majorities, and amendment availability online.

The Chief Measurer discusses six boat-related amendments passed at the annual meeting and provides three Chief Measurer's Rulings for clarification. These address hiking line attachment points, electronics use during racing, and centerboard shims to ensure proper fit in the centerboard trunk.

Pignolet outlines five proposed amendments to Thistle class rules designed to make boats easier to sail, more durable, or lower costs. Three amendments allow equipment changes (eliminating jib luff wire and restrictions, adding hiking line), while two clarify existing rules on electronics and sail acquisition to ensure consistent enforcement.

Fleet #21 proposes to amend the Official Plans and Specifications to allow larger reinforcing patches for clew and tack grommets used in slab reefing, and to permit up to three gathering grommets per reef instead of two. The changes align with current sailmaker standards to ensure durability with modern sail materials and provide no speed advantage.

Fleet #21 proposes modifying Official Plans and Specifications Sheet 6, Main Sail Notes #10 to increase the maximum sizes of reinforcing patches for reefing sails. The proposed changes would allow clew grommet patches up to 900 square inches (vs. current 50 square inches), tack grommet patches up to 100 square inches, and up to three sail-gathering grommets per reef with patches up to 30 square inches. The proposal aligns patch sizes with current sailmaker standards and improves durability without providing speed advantages.