March 1951

The editor explains publication delays due to coordination with the Winter Special Meeting. The April issue will be delayed further due to planned vacation. This issue is being sent only to paid-up members and a selected group of Old-Timers to reactivate membership.

The Association has been unable to locate the owners of 22 Thistle boats in their records. These missing boat numbers are listed with a request for members to help locate the current owners.

A Special Meeting of the Thistle Class Association has been called for Saturday, April 21, 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio. The program includes a Governing Board meeting, accrediting of delegates, social hour, dinner, and Special Meeting. Motion pictures of the 1950 National Championship will be shown. Detailed logistics and agenda items are provided.

Instructions for Active Fleets regarding the selection of delegates to the Special Meeting, proxy voting rules, and quorum requirements. Special instructions for Unattached Members.

As of March 10th, several Fleet Charters have not been renewed, and two fleets have sent incomplete reports. The Association requests help by following suggested forms.

Complete proposed rules governing the Thistle Class National Championship, including purpose, trophy, entries, places, home fleet responsibilities, race conditions, eligibility requirements, protests procedures, and notices.

Report on the joint meeting of Chesapeake, Baltimore, and Washington Fleets held on December 15th. Fifty-four people attended to hear about the Class progress in the region, with 45 boats now active and strong representation at THISTLE Nationals.

Report on Fleet 34 (North Chesapeake Bay) activities for 1950. The fleet scheduled 14 races and participated in 11 outside regattas. The final standings table shows the top seven boats and their skippers.

For Sale or Swap column featuring a Boston Nylon spinnaker and spinnaker pole available from Dick Gundesen, a former Thistle owner who parted with his boat due to family difficulties.

Report on Long Island Sound District activities by Ron Small (221), District Secretary. Reports two active fleets and lists eight fleets in formation, with contact information for each.

Announcement of new "All Risks" Thistle insurance made available by Wally Lineburgh, the Lightning trouncer. The policy covers all risks year-round with no deductible clause, and costs $2.50/$100 annually or $6.25 for three years.

George Bridgman reports on Fleet 10 activities around the Canandaigua Yacht Club. The fleet sailed 22 races, participated in multiple regattas, and won several trophies. Notable successes include Frank LeBouillier's NYMPH winning the Championship Series and Hughes Trophy.

Jim Parshall reports on Fleet 11 at Watkins Lake, Pontiac, Michigan. During 1950, the Watkins Lake Yachting Association held 17 official races. Jim Parshall won the Zannoth Trophy while Don Zannoth won the former Thistle Trophy. The fleet participated in various regattas including Interlake, Oakland County, and Regional events.

The National Secretary has motion pictures from past Thistle National Championships available for loan to groups. Films from 1946, 1948, 1949, and 1950 are listed, all in color and 16mm format. A deposit of $5.00 per 600-foot reel is required.