April 1958

Lynn and Betty Babcock recount their summer sailing adventure to Ketchikan, Alaska with their Thistle Incandescent. They describe the challenges of sailing in Alaska's remote waters, encounters with willaws, and various adventures returning home.

Editorial column noting congratulations to Bill Nexsen for inventing the meeting winch, and discussing the market for used Thistle boats with strong interest from prospective buyers.

Buck Bailey, Highlander National Champion, argues that a satisfactory handicap formula for racing will never be found universally, but advocates for the Yacht Club One-of-a-Kind handicap formula used on the Texas coast as detailed in Bob Bavier's 'Faster Sailing'.

Collection of classified advertisements including Thistle boats for sale, equipment listings, and wanted notices from throughout the issue.

Comprehensive listing of Thistle regattas and championships scheduled from May through October 1958, including locations, dates, and contact information for event organizers.

Practical tips for boat carriers and cruising comfort, including advice on doubling up loads on trailers and a description of a custom sunshade designed for a Thistle.

Report on the Canandaigua Yacht Club Thistle Fleet's successful 1957 season with nine boats, featuring George Bridgman as perennial winner and plans for two invitational regattas in 1958.

Report on Fleet 58 at Diamond Lake Yacht Club near South Bend, Indiana, highlighting six Thistles racing and the 1957 championship won by Bill Borough, with guest participation from other fleets.

Account of the 1957 racing season in Hawaii, featuring the Mid Winter Series, normal moderate winds, and notable performances by Carpenter and Walker in various trophy series and the annual Thistle invitational.

Report on Harbor Point Yacht Club's Fleet 42, highlighting a new harbor facility expansion, the retirement of long-time member Charles Reasor, new member Jim Phelps, and Bill Walton's appointment as Fleet Secretary handling Thistle sales.

Report on the Biscayne Bay Thistle Fleet's reactivation in May 1957 with three boats, the addition of new members during fall, and participation in club races and the Sunburn Regatta.

Report on Fleet 83 at Buckeye Lake Yacht Club near Columbus, Ohio, in their first year as an active Thistle fleet, featuring John Ranft as Fleet Champion and a full season of racing series and regattas.

Race results from the 1957 Atwood Yacht Club racing season, showing standings across multiple series including Commodores Race, Summer Series, Crew Race, Championship Series, and Harvest Moon Regatta.

Product advertisement and technical description for a custom centerboard winch designed to fit between Thistle stanchions with 8:1 mechanical advantage, including pricing and installation options.