Nov. 1957

The amended by-laws of the Thistle Class Association are reprinted in this issue as they take effect. The amendments cover new measurement and registration procedures, provisions for national championships, and updates to the constitution and class rules.

The 1957 regatta for the Clifford D. Mallory Trophy, emblematic of supremacy in the U.S. and Canada among senior men skippers, was sailed at Marblehead, Mass., Sept. 9th through 13th. O'Day won with an expert dinghy skipper representing the Y.R.U. of Mass. Bay and a strong group of area competitors.

The Chief Measurer responds to inquiries about boat modifications, specifically regarding the use of fiberglass or Dural materials for booms and masts, and addresses questions about spinmaker pole placement and other technical matters.

The editor reflects on editorial duties, welcomes pictures for the publication, and discusses recent correspondence regarding boat construction and modifications, including topics raised by Ron Small about boom and mast attachments.

Notice that chevrons are available for Fleet Champions, District Champions, and other winners. Those interested in obtaining these honor symbols should contact Polly Norton.

Fleet 69, the host fleet, welcomed 41 entries to the Naptown Races on September 28-29 in Indianapolis. Visitors came from 8 states for this popular fall event with good weather and active racing.

The fourth annual Ohio Valley Regatta was sponsored by the Louisville Sailing Club and Fleet 47 on the Ohio River October 5 and 6. The results show the winners and point standings across the races.

Squantum Yacht Club's Gig Gallagher hosted Kittery Point Fall Regatta in New England. The Kelpie from Maine led the way in a series with good sailing conditions and competitive racing that included memorable finishes and course management challenges.

The 1957 sailing season showcased tremendous activity and interest in Thistles, including notable races and personalities. The narrative discusses various racing incidents, boat modifications, and competitive tactics that emerged during the season.

Complete text of the amended by-laws covering all articles of the Thistle Class Association, including fleet management, dues, charter procedures, reports and returns, sloop naming, measurements and certificates, racing rules and restrictions, and national championship procedures.

A letter from Mexico describes the international character of the Thistle Class. The author reflects on sailing small boats in Europe and the U.S., and expresses enthusiasm about discovering Thistles in Mexico, which represents the class's truly worldwide appeal.

Reports from Fleet 83 on Buckeye Lake, including current boat inventory and fleet activities. Fleet 83 is noted as maintaining a historic fleet with good foundations for future growth.

Race results from the Snowball Regatta at Buckeye Lake showing Dick Durfee winning overall, with details of individual race placements for eight boats.

Information about ordering photographs taken at the recent 1957 Nationals regatta. Prints can be obtained from Richard E. B. Parker at 2351 Boyd Rd., Huntingdon Valley, Pa. for $1.50 for 8x10 or 75 cents for 4x5 prints.

Comprehensive report on the Lake Massabesic Regatta held on Lake Massabesic in New Hampshire in September. Thirteen Thistles from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont competed in ideal fall weather conditions with exciting racing.

The Louisville fleet and Sailing Club were featured in August's Louisville Courier Journal Magazine with a full-color cover story on Jack Beachel's boat. The article received positive regional coverage.

The Yacht Racing Union of Massachusetts Bay thanks the Thistle Class for their participation in the Mallory Cup Series, praising the outstanding success and effort made by participants.

Continuation of the O'Day Mallory Cup article with additional details about skipper selection from various areas and final championship results showing O'Day as winner.

Detailed box score showing the race results and point standings for all eight boats in the Mallory Cup series, with O'Day winning the championship.

Advertisement and notice for the THISTLE WINTERS regatta scheduled for January 22-23-24 at St. Petersburg, Florida, with details about accommodations and racing schedules.

Jim Hendricksen reports on the site selection process for the 1958 National Championships. The process follows existing by-laws and involves fleet and club proposals. The selection will take place at the next annual meeting.

Fleet news including new additions to the TCA ranks with details about new fleets being formed and their charter members and secretaries.

Reminder that fleet elections must be held prior to December 1st of each year, with results sent to the National Secretary within two weeks after election.

Brief note about Fleet 76 in Hawaii having been assigned boat numbers 1100, 1101, 1102 and 1103, noting they are among the largest fleet assignments given.

Collection of classified advertisements and marketplace listings including boats for sale, sails, spinnakers, and boat refinishing services.