October, 1950

The editor explains that coverage of the Nationals made it impossible to include regional elimination results and other news from July and August in the previous issue, but that material will appear in this issue. The editor requests that clubs submit results through proper channels to ensure comprehensive coverage.

A correction regarding the naming of the 1950 National Championship, which was incorrectly referred to as the 'Fourth' instead of the 'Fifth' National Championship. The 1951 Nationals will be called the 'Sixth National Championship Regatta'.

Results of the Consolation Series races that were held in conjunction with the Fifth National Championship Regatta. Wally Lineburgh tracked down the results through various regional winners. The series included prominent Thistle boats with established competitors.

At the Annual Meeting, Frank LeBouttillier and his Measurement Committee submitted 11 rulings for ratification. All but one were approved by the Association. The 10 approved rulings cover technical specifications for Thistle boats including tilting rudders, boom size, sliding goose necks, toe straps, boom preventers, main sheet leads, jib fairleaders, outrigged mechanical devices, and goose neck fittings.

The Executive Committee met in Cleveland on September 23rd to discuss business matters. They appointed Frank LeBouttillier to continue as Chief Measurer, directed the President to study measurement inconsistencies, and created a committee to select sites for the 1951 National Championship and formulate future plans.

A letter from David P. Shay, Secretary of the Lightning Class Central Atlantic District, issued a challenge to the Thistle Class on behalf of Lightning Fleet #34. The Lightnings claim superiority over Thistles and propose racing to prove it, offering to race from trailer starts to demonstrate the Thistle's purported advantage.

Gordon K. Douglas, responding to the Lightning Fleet #34 challenge, accepts the match and proposes races on Barnegat Bay. He emphasizes the Thistle's versatility and superiority under all wind conditions, and suggests a three-race series to allow for varied weather conditions and fair testing of both classes.

Report of the match races between Lightning Fleet #34 and Thistle Class held on September 30th at Lavalette Yacht Club. Thistles won decisively in a clean sweep over seven-boat teams of each class. The races were referred to the official Yachting publications and motor boating magazines.

Report on the Central Atlantic Championships conducted by the Annapolis Yacht Club on July 9th and 10th. Frank Greenman (457) finished first overall. Results show top finishers from various fleets, including boats from Chesapeake Bay area and beyond, with notable Thistle skippers competing.

Continuation of Central Atlantic Championships results listing placements for ALSUMAR, JR., Charles Cairnes in SECOND CHANCE, Charles Wiley in LUCGIE, and others.

Report of the Niagara Frontier District Eliminations held at Fair Haven Yacht Club on August 5th and 6th. Frank Le Bouttillier won the series sailing NYMPH and was presented with the Enderlee Perpetual Trophy. A Thistle-engraved copper serving tray, donated by George and Babe Lewis, was won by Harry Essley in NIMBLE. Complete results table shows 23 competing boats.

Report on the 37th Annual South Shore Regatta at Vermilion, Ohio, held on August 19th and 20th. Only five Thistles participated this year, partly due to the concurrent Nationals and Port Clinton Regatta. Two races were held on a six-mile triangle course.

Report of the Annual Port Clinton Regatta held on Lake Erie on August 19th and 20th. Seven Thistles competed with detailed results showing race finishes and total points for each boat.