February 1958

Outgoing editor and president reflects on a successful year for the Thistle class, highlighting major championship events including the Midwinter Championships at St. Petersburg, the Atlantic Coast Championships at Larchmont, the Mallory races, the Great Lakes Championships at Sandusky, and the Nationals with 62 boats. Praises the contributions of numerous volunteers and class members who made these events possible.

Editorial notice reminding members to renew subscriptions and pay 1958 dues, warning that the February issue is the last issue members will receive if they don't pay. Lists benefits of membership and encourages using the enclosed payment envelope.

A Thistle sailor in Port-au-Prince, Haiti describes owning the only Thistle in the local bay. Discusses the sailing conditions, local crew of his two sons, and the ingenious system he built for hauling and storing the boat on his own "Marine Railway" using a homemade winch and Haitian mahogany rollers.

Brief editorial notes including sightings of Thistles in Indianapolis, information about new Thistle dealers in Cincinnati, and announcements about upcoming issue content.

A biographical profile of Neal Allen, the TCA Commodore, a member of the Balboa Yacht Club in San Diego. Allen discusses his seven years of competitive sailing, starting in a Firefly and progressing through various classes before settling on Thistles. He emphasizes the value of Thistling as a sport that excels in sportsmanship.

Report on the Pine Tree Thistle Fleet's second year of operation as a chartered fleet, highlighting their trailering schedule and results at various fall regattas. Notes that Dave Thurston's SLIPSTREAM won the fleet championship with Ron Small's FINESSE close behind. The fleet is exploring new locations on salt water for improved sailing.

Report on the Lake Cowan Sailing Association's Thistle Fleet #65, including fleet championship results and participation in regional regattas. George Hills won the third consecutive fleet championship in BRIM. The fleet represented at 10 regattas including the Tri-State Thistle Regatta in June and various regional events.

Report on changes to the Thistle Class Measurement Certificate for 1958, including modifications to beam measurement procedures and boom length calculations. The Chief Measurer published new tolerances for measurement check points with detailed specifications for all relevant dimensions.

Classified ads and marketplace listings for Thistle boats, sails, and sailing equipment. Includes boats for sale ranging from a #50 to a hot boat named Whimsy 361, as well as wanted ads for sailing equipment.

Report on the formation of a new ten-boat Thistle fleet in City Island, New York. "Doctor" Ray Feibusch arranged for kits built by Ray McLeod to be assembled by qualified sailors at Jorgensens Marina. The article celebrates the enthusiasm and cooperative spirit of the new owners and their plans to develop the fleet.

Historical analysis of participation in the Thistle Class National Championships from the Bagpipe archives, noting that 217 different skippers have participated but only 210 different boat numbers were seen. Article includes statistics on skipper participation across 12 National Regattas.

Technical note describing a new mounting system for centerboard winches designed by Andrew Court of Detroit. The design eliminates difficulties in reaching the winch when on the lee side in strong winds and keeps cables inside the trunk using a fixed pulley system.

Comprehensive roster listing changes in Thistle boat ownership with boat numbers, owner names, addresses, and fleet designations. Captures the active membership and geographic distribution of the Thistle Class across multiple districts and regions.

Report on Lake Michigan District races held at Springfield Lake in Illinois in August 1957. Thirteen Thistle entries competed in varying wind conditions, with detailed race results showing placement and points scored across three races.