September 1961

Ed Walsh sailed Dan-E-Boy (818) with crew wife Marge and son Mickey to win the Thistle National Championship at Racine, Wisconsin in August 1961, defeating defending champion Bruce Goldsmith. The article covers the five-race championship series with detailed reporting of each day's events and conditions.

Report on the Governing Board meeting where the Lake Erie District was split into two smaller districts, and new fleet classifications were implemented. The G-Board voted on several governance and membership changes for the Association.

A Thistledown publication highlights the July issue of COMPRESSED LIFEBOATS containing a good analysis of life preservers. The article notes that results are given of tests made on the coast guard-approved types that Thistles may find of interest.

Announcement of upcoming Thistle regattas in October 1961 at various locations including Watkins Cup at Loon Lake Kentucky and other venues.

Complete race results table from the five races of the 1961 Thistle National Championship, showing final placement scores for all 60+ competitors.

Report on the Annual Meeting of the Thistle Class Association held at the Racine Yacht Club in August 1961, covering officer elections, discussions about aluminum masts and specifications, and various governance matters.

A brief incident report about Thistle No. 1 which was still moored during the 2nd race of the Lake Erie District's Harold Kiota who mortally sailed his PAUKIE into it and sank. Bob DeRue won the Erie District Champ after squeezing out Jim Miller by 3/4 of a point.

Report on the Pacific Coast Championship held at Newport Harbor Y.C. in July 1961, where the Shock was awarded three consecutive trophies. The event included racing in the High Sierra Series hosted by the Troop Y.C.

An article by NAYRU secretary Bob Bavier discussing Rule 42.1 about room to round or pass a mark, explaining what constitutes a clear ahead position and clarifying when a yacht must give room.

Regatta report for the Northern California District Championship held at Folsom Lake in June 1961, where Kibbie No. 1 took first place. Gil Smith (809) won first place in the event.

Report on the South Boston Y.C.'s 91st annual Invitational Day Regatta where strong winds up to 40 knots created challenging conditions. Boats struggled back in low tide, with gusts causing dramatic incidents and blown-out sails.

Regatta report from the South Atlantic District Championship held in June at the 2nd consecutive win for Howard Mend, and his crew. Final results were based on Saturday's two-race Gold Cup Course and Sunday's races.

Report on the New Jersey District Championship where Ed Walsh sailed to a New Jersey win with his wife Marge and son Mickey, following his National Championship victory.

Report on the Lake Michigan District Championship held at Lake Springfields in July, where National Champ Bruce Goldsmith (832) finished first and Bob Kaiser (1149) and Bill Walton took second and third.

Report on the Great Lakes Thistle Championship where Frank Russell (769) sailed BLACK BART to victory, defeating National Champion Bruce Goldsmith. The event was held at Presque Isle Bay, Erie, PA with 45 boats competing.

Announcement of the first invitational regatta hosted by the newly chartered Thistle Fleet, which was presented by Captain Bob Underhill and held on Alton Lake at St. Louis.

1961 Michigan Districts Championship at Crescent Y.C. in Detroit where Lee Sutton won the championship with detailed race results.

Regatta report showing Jerry Milgram sailed YOOX to win three firsts at the New England Philharmonic Championship at Wessagusset Y.C. in Hingham Bay, Mass.

Regatta report on the July 4 Regatta where Valerie Champ skipper Hoyt won the annual event in a hotly contested battle with Weil, TCA 1st Vice President Medal Johnson, and other racers.

Continuation of the New Jersey Championship report with final details of the sailing conditions and race results.

Advertisement for Sweet Cleat Mainsheet Controls highlighting $19.95 price and claims about safety and control benefits for handling the mainsheet.

Announcement of upcoming New Jersey Thistle events including the Heather Bowl Regatta and Governor's Cup spinmaker sailing event.

Editor's request for cruising stories from readers describing their sailing experiences, with preference for stories that include photographs or illustrations.

Continued report of Governing Board actions including discussion of board membership definitions and clarifications to bylaws regarding Thistle ownership and membership eligibility.

Regatta report on the Cognac Lake Invitational Regatta where Jim LaFollette won first place and Bill DeWitt took second.

Report on the Delta District Championship where Billie Willie (876) and crew won aboard Trophy, as well as the Novdoo Trophy at the Delta District Championship held June 1-2 at Eagle Mountain Lake, Fort Worth, Texas.

Report on the July 8-9 Open Regatta at Lake Hopatcong where Al Williams (831) beat local sailors and took first place. Richardu (794) of the home club was second, with Dennis Dorsey (795) third.

Announcement that the first Ivy Club memorial for Norman Remonist established at Posy Lake, Illinois. Bob Kaiser won first place, with Phelps and Walton taking second and third.

Report on Larchmont (N.J.) 1961 Race Week which closed July 22 with Chuck Wiley, GRAN ROOK (1280), the first Thistle winner of the Anne Kathleen Cullen memorial trophy. Wiley's record consisted of 4 consecutive firsts, a third, and a second.

Continuation of the board officer elections at the Annual Meeting, announcing elected leadership positions including President George Devlin and various regional vice presidents and officials.

Collection of classified advertisements and boat sales listings for Thistle sailboats and related equipment, including various used boats, parts, and services.