February-March 1956

Jack Beachem, president of the Thistle Class Association, won the Mid-Winter Championship at St. Petersburg with veteran crewman Carlos Echeverria on the jib sheets. The five-race series was sailed on clear Tampa Bay with ideal conditions. Beachem's consistent sailing throughout the series, coupled with some fortunate breaks for competitors, secured him the grand prize.

Editor Arthur Arms discusses various matters affecting the Thistle Class Association, from the impact of Jack O'Shea's passing on the association, to fleet management issues, and administrative matters. He reflects on the community's response to their president's recent loss and discusses organizational matters.

A tribute to Jack O'Shea, who passed away during the Mid-Winter Championships. The article reflects on O'Shea's significant contributions to the Thistle Class Association and his impact on the sailing community.

A humorous first-person account of the author's experience as a waterfront reporter covering the Mid-Winter Championship races. The piece describes the confusion, mishaps, and coloring commentary of racing a Thistle alongside professional observation duties.

Classified advertisements and boat listings from Thistle sailors seeking to buy, sell, or trade boats and equipment, including new and used Thistles with various specifications and pricing.

A photo essay capturing the post-race celebration and social gathering of Thistle sailors and their guests after the day's events at the Mid-Winter Championships.

A report on the annual Thistle Class Mid-Winter Get-Together held in New York in January, featuring movies, presentations, awards, and plans for upcoming events. The author discusses various fleet activities and recognition of outstanding Thistle members.

A collection of correspondence from Thistle Class members addressing various topics including proposed boats, national events, and suggestions for improving the association and fleet activities.

A technical column presenting a useful design for a tiller hook modification that improves handling and prevents unwanted tilting movement. The proposal addresses a common problem that Thistle sailors face during races.

News item about the Roller Wider Spinnaker, a new development by Captain Arthur E. Were of Red Dragon Fleet #54 that promises to improve performance on reaches and provide better control compared to conventional full-cut jibs of the spinnaker on Thistles.

A detailed account of a summer sailing cruise from Woods Hole to Edgartown, Massachusetts aboard a Thistle. The author describes the planning, journey through challenging waters, encounters with other sailors, and mishaps during the voyage, with illustrations of the sailing route and companions.