September-October 1962

At the annual meeting of the Thistle Class Association held in New York, representatives voted to override the Governing Board and accept the Chief Measurer's recommendation on adjustable spinnaker pole fittings. The fleet later approved two new spinnaker fittings at the August meeting, with complete minutes published in the Bagpipe.

Ted Himsworth welcomes Larry Haupt as the new editor of The Bagpipe, replacing Himsworth after two years. Himsworth shares observations about the role of the newsletter in delivering stories and information about Thistles from around the country, and expresses hope that Haupt will continue the publication's success.

Peter Bordes sailing MAID OF PLIGH is featured on the cover, photographed by Booze of Perth Amboy. The article describes the three-week span of sailing and accomplishments that led to Bordes' selection as the subject for the magazine's cover.

Peter Bordes sailing MAID OF PLIGH won the 17th Thistle National Championship at Staten Island with three Gold Chevrons and five races total. The article provides detailed accounts of each race, wind conditions, and competitor performances, highlighting the dramatic competition and excellent seamanship displayed throughout the five-race series.

Technical articles detailing new Thistle Class rulings (33-37) covering specifications for cleats, kick-up rudders, rudder and centerboard thickness, and devices for changing tension of shrouds. These rules were adopted by the Governing Board and approved by fleets at the annual meeting.

Complete race results table for all 77 boats competing in the 17th Thistle National Championship, showing placements across five races and final standings with points calculations.

Complete list of trophy awards presented at the 1962 National Championship held at Richmond County Yacht Club in August. Awards recognize both final positions and individual race achievements, with presentations of perpetual trophies, race-specific trophies, and special recognition awards.

Report of the Governing Board meeting following the annual meeting, detailing changes to vang and reefing rules and modifications to existing rulings. The article also describes considerations for club-owned boats and changes to election procedures within the Thistle Class Association.

Jack LaFollette won the 24th annual Michiana Regatta held at Eagle Lake Yacht Club with favorable sailing conditions. The results show LaFollette's boat 1089 winning the series, with boats from C-scrows, Snipes, and Nationals also competing.

Jackson Yacht Club held its second invitational regatta on September 15-16, 1962, on Lake Hico in Mississippi with approximately 60 sailboats participating including eight Thistles from Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. Wind conditions varied on Saturday but Sunday featured fresh southwest winds and a triangular course.

Newly elected Thistle Class President Elmer Richards won the seventh annual Invitational regatta at Huntington, New Jersey, defeating 35 other boats in a three-race series. Richards scored consistently with a second, first, and second place finishes for a low total of five points.

Thistle Fleet #102 held races in the Virginia Sailing Regatta on July 28 and 29, with a total of 96 boats entered including three Thistles. Results show Henry Reichle winning the series with multiple first-place finishes. The article includes detailed narrative of race conditions and fleet performance.

The Bagatelle Trophy Race, an annual Thistle classic at the Cleveland Yachtting Club, was won by John Proctor in boat #1222. Proctor's 1-1-2 series performance made him the victory winner; James Milford placed second and Jim Hickerson third. The article describes Proctor's sailing expertise and the regatta atmosphere.

Thistle Fleet results from the Muscle Shoals Sailing Association regatta held July 28 and 29, showing that anyone can win a regatta if they try hard enough. The real secret to winning is to arrange for Howard Meads to be missing from the entry list. Results include boats from throughout the region.

Ed Walsh, 1961 National Thistle Champion from Delaware, N.J., won the 1962 Great Lakes Championship held at Erie Yacht Club. The defending champion Frank Russell was forced out in the first race but Thistle racing remains competitive. Walsh scored consistently with a 1st, 1st, and 2nd for the series, showcasing excellent seamanship.

Gil Smith won the 1962 Western Regionals at Racoon Strait, San Francisco Bay. The article provides vivid descriptions of sailing conditions, including high wind challenges and tactical maneuvering. Smith sailed #809, with Dick Sabin placing second and Kelley and others rounding out top finishers.

Topping a fleet of 65 Thistles by 7¼ points, Peter Bordes sailing MAID OF PLIGH won the Atlantic Coast Championship at his home club in Milford, Connecticut. Trailing Dennis Posey by two points before the last race, Bordes came from behind to win the championship.

With eight firsts in nine races, Matt Coneys compiled a near-perfect .967 percentage to dethrone Harold Dobson as Fleet 39 champion. It was not until the last day of the series that Matt broke his silence and scared some of the fleet membership in his almost 20-boat fleet.

The first invitational of Fleet #103 at Port Grove Sailing Club in Oklahoma was held in May, with Larry Haupt winning the series on a small course. The article describes Father David Patrick's conduct, capsizing, self-rescue efforts, and the challenging weather conditions during racing.

Peter Bordes won the District Championship with a comprehensive boat-by-boat listing of placements across three races. The table shows 49 boats competing, with detailed scoring across the races.

Comprehensive classified advertising section featuring new and used Thistle sailboats for sale, insurance offerings, and marine products. Includes boat listings with specifications, prices, and contact information, as well as advertisements for specialized Thistle equipment and services.

Peter Hale won the Niagara Frontier District Championships held August 4-5, 1962. The regatta results show boat numbers and skipper names with individual race placings and final standings from a diverse fleet of Thistle sailors.

Lake Michigan District eliminations held June 30-July 1, 1962, saw Phelps winning with a comprehensive boat-by-boat listing showing 39 contestants and their placements across multiple races.