March, 1948

Gordon Douglass reports positive reception for Thistle sailboats at the New York Boat Show, with visitors impressed by the design and seaworthiness. The Fox River Boat Works likewise had success at the Chicago Boat Show and plans a regional touring campaign to increase interest in racing and fleet organization.

Tony Herrmann is organizing a Thistle turnout for the July 3rd-4th L.M.Y.A. Regatta at Macatawa, Michigan, aiming to attract 20-30 boats from the Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio areas.

Larry Waldrin, as chairman of the Development Committee, is organizing Thistle Class members nationwide. He has created detailed records with pins on a U.S. map and is implementing a district system to organize the Class into regional divisions for both coasts and the Midwest.

A collection of miscellaneous notes about Thistle fleet activities and individuals, including a Christmas Regatta in Miami, new Thistles in Southport Connecticut, a boat delivered to Brazil, and observations about missing official fleets in various cities.

Herb Sinnhoffer moves his sailmaking business and three Thistle boats from Rochester, New York to San Diego, California, where he establishes the Southwestern Yacht Club. His boats perform well at the Washington's Birthday Regatta.

E.S. Kelley's Smallcraft Inc loaned a Thistle to the Savin Hill Yacht Club for a Boston race, which resulted in strong promotional value when seven Thistles in kit form were subsequently purchased by club members.

The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club is inviting Thistle Class boats to their Annual Invitation Regatta on July 3-4 in Hamilton, Ontario, with a three race series scheduled and social events planned.

Four Thistles have recently been sold in Buffalo, though no formal fleet announcement has been received yet.