November 1948

The Thistlers in Florida are organizing participation in the Orange Bowl Regatta to be held on December 28-29-30, 1948 at Dinner Key in Miami. The event is sanctioned by the Thistle Association and expected to be one of the outstanding winter sailing events. Interested sailors should contact Neil D. Coates, Chairman of the Orange Bowl Regatta Committee.

The Edgewater Yacht Club in Cleveland, Ohio hosted the Frostbite Series races on October 23-24, 1948. Originally scheduled for October 9 & 10 but postponed due to high winds, the races were held on Saturday October 23 and Sunday October 24. Three races were sailed on a triangular course. Harvey Busch won the series, with Busch and Webb Brumbaugh battling for top spots throughout the races.

The Thistle Association directory will be revised and updated in early 1949. Fleet Secretaries are asked to report information about fleets to Edwin McCuire at 54 Roosevelt Road, Rochester 10, NY by December 15th for inclusion in the new directory.

A comprehensive article on sailing techniques specific to Thistle Class boats. Douglas discusses maintaining proper speed, optimum sailing angles, luffing control, tiller management, and the importance of constant boat control and attention. He emphasizes that successful racing requires keeping the boat at its best speed at all times and understanding how the Thistle responds to various sailing conditions.

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.

News from Thistle Fleet #3 at the Sandusky Sailing Club. The fleet had a good sailing season with regular Wednesday evening and Sunday races. Several boats competed, including Jim Hendrickson's Black Jack No.21, George Britts's Messmuk IV No.31, and others. The club expects additions to the fleet before the next sailing season begins.

A brief note wishing Don Whitney, Commodore at Onondaga Yacht Club, good health during his recovery from serious illness.

Hans V. Hjermstad, skipper of No.70, has started the financial ball rolling for the new year by being the first to answer the plea for early payment of dues.

Two new fleet charters have been issued by the secretary's office: Charter No. 16 for South Shore Yacht Club at Turkey Foot Lake in Akron, Ohio, and Charter No. 17 for Western Chesapeake Bay.

A correction to a September report regarding boat ownership. A.R. Waugaman was incorrectly listed as skipper of Jobima No. 101; the credit for sailing victories should go to his sons Bill and John.