February, 1951

The editor discusses organizing the February 1951 BAGPIPE while noting challenging winter weather. He reports the THISTLE attracted significant attention at the New York Boat Show. The editorial solicits contributions for a planned 1950 Year Chronology from all fleets and individual owners, emphasizing non-racing activities alongside competitive accounts.

The secretary reports 19 fleets had not yet submitted reports as of February 3, 1951. The Executive Committee met in Columbus on January 27th to select a site for the 1951 Nationals and plan constitution revisions. The Committee announced the BAGPIPE would no longer be sent to nonmembers, urging all interested parties to pay their 1951 dues immediately.

The Miami Sunshine Regatta was held January 6-7, 1951 with ten THISTLES competing in light to moderate winds. National Champion Frank Marquardt competed along with other notable skippers. James "Ding" Schoonmaker's BUMBLE BEE won first place overall with victories in all three races. Complete race results provided.

Fleet 3 held its election meeting on January 14th and elected new officers including Augie Kuemmel as Fleet Captain. The fleet undertook an innovative sail measurement program where all member sails were measured on the clubhouse floor and owners provided with specifications to ensure accurate measurements for the season.

Fleet 8 held its annual Christmas meeting at Mentor Harbor Yacht Club on December 16th. Elections resulted in Dar Bates as Fleet Captain, D. S. Bates as Fleet Secretary, and D. Sutherland Bates as Fleet Treasurer. The 1950 race standings show Julia B with Black at the helm leading the fleet.

Fleet 16 is based at South Shore Yacht Club on Turkeyfoot Lake near Akron, Ohio. During 1950, the fleet held 19 races with Bill Wagner finishing first with 51-1/4 points, followed by Dr. Walter Keitzer in LUCKY 7 with 45-1/2 points, and Ray Allen in KATHLEEN with 34-1/2 points.

A humorous anecdote about Frank LeBoutillier and his wife Jane's dramatic effort to free a fouled spinnaker balloon on his THISTLE named NYMPH during the Central New York Regatta on Cayuga Lake. Despite the precarious balancing act required, Mrs. LeBoutillier successfully completed the task with characteristic dry wit.