January-February, 1957

January is the month when Fleet Secretaries must collect dues from members and submit them to the Treasurer. The article emphasizes that failure to collect dues requires mandatory suspension of the fleet and its members from Thistle races. The Association needs cash to operate and requires complete rosters and activity reports.

The New England District is organizing its first annual event on the Thistle calendar with a District Winter Meeting at the Hotel Somerset in Boston on Saturday, March 2. The gathering will feature dinner, movies, guest speakers, and social activities, culminating with trips to the Annual New England Boat Show on March 3.

Al Williams, sailing No. 631 Dutchman, wins the second annual Shark River one-of-a-kind handicap regatta with corrected time wins in all three light to moderate wind races. Harry Sindle's boat finishes second and other notable sailors from the region compete with varied results across the races.

Last-minute news notes include Sinny Sinclair winning the Mentor Harbor Race Committee head position and the winter championship at St. Pete, plus announcements about upcoming Nationals and Larchmont Race Week.

Editor Ron Small introduces the first Thistle Class Handbook which provides comprehensive reference material on the care, handling, and sailing of Thistle boats. The handbook includes photographs and how-to articles from experienced skippers and represents a valuable resource for the class.

Fleet 24 in Houston reports on their activities, including a competitive showing by Thistles at the Austin Sailing Club Regatta where they competed in winds up to 20-25 mph. The Delta District Championship was held in Galveston in July with nine boats competing. Bob and Nancy Derrick represented the fleet at the Nationals.

Willard Libby of Rochester, New York has been appointed Official TCA Film Custodian for the ensuing year. As a retired technician from the Eastman Kodak Company, he is well-qualified to undertake the project of cutting and editing all of the old film now in the TCA files. He is preparing a combined 30-minute film showcasing highlights of the past 10 years in Thistling.

The third Annual High Sierra Series was held on beautiful Lake Huntington July 21-22, 1956, organized by the Lake Millerton Sailing Association Thistle fleet. The event featured three races with shifting winds and grew from the original 5-boat invitational to 19 boats representing 6 fleets throughout California. Fresno's Bob Canfield won overall.

A comprehensive overview of sail options available to Thistle sailors, including detailed comparison tables of jibs, mainsails, spinnakers, and combinations. The article discusses different sail materials including cotton, Orlon, Dacron, and Nylon, along with pricing and tips for optimal sail performance and maintenance.

Pollye Norton's column reflecting on her role as Secretary-Treasurer and her involvement with the Grubb Sales Company and the Thistle Class. She shares anecdotes about fellow female Thistlers, discusses her business ventures, and provides a personal glimpse into her life as a devoted member of the sailing community.

Collection of boats for sale, boat parts, and services offered by Thistle owners and sailors throughout the class. Listings include complete Thistles in various conditions, used sails, rigging, and related equipment.

Official minutes from the Thistle Class Association's annual meeting covering reports on membership, officer elections, constitutional matters, and upcoming initiatives. The association reported 1,016 members across numerous fleets and districts, with plans for updated handbooks and improved communication.

Fleet reports covering three main topics: Burlington Island race describing a challenging course and competitive Thistle sailing, the Red Dragon Canoe Club's annual meeting where Art Were presented the Fleet Trophy, and announcement of the Second Annual Heather Bowl Regatta to be held June 22-23.

Practical recommendations for properly storing a Thistle boat during winter months, covering heated vs. unheated storage, water removal, ventilation, block positioning, and outdoor storage precautions to prevent damage from weather and ice.

A collection of brief fleet news items from across the Thistle Class, including race results and anecdotes from Florida, West River, Boston, Long Island, Lake Erie, Detroit, and San Francisco.

Announcement of the Philadelphia Motorboat and Sportsmen's Show at Convention Hall for March 1-9, featuring the Red Dragon Fleet's Thistle No. 930 on display. The show offers various entertainment including trained dogs, canoe tilting, and tree climbing.

Brief announcement that the finals of the North American Sailing Championships will be held at Marblehead in September, thanks to the efforts of Ron Small and Art Arms.

Anecdotal story about Ron Small's discovery of the H.M.S. London, a British ship that played an important role in the Revolutionary War. The model was on display and selected for a drawing, with Small winning the opportunity to have it shipped to New York.