May-June 1963

The 1963 sailing season opened with the Central Atlantic District Thistle Fleet competing at the Potomac River Sailing Association's Annual Frostbite Regatta in March. Five enthusiastic sailors competed over two days on a challenging course with mud banks and tight turns. Peter Hoyt won the series, followed by fellow competitors in a closely contested event.

Thistle Fleet 76 in Hawaii conducted winter racing series in January amid dramatic weather including multiple storm fronts, strong winds, and one remarkable capsizing on the spinnaker. The racing showcased various conditions and both skilled and new competitors, with Tom Carpenter, Jack Wyatt, Glenn Clark and others racing throughout the series.

The editor expresses gratitude to readers for submitting content including articles, tables, and photographs for the Bagpipe. He notes that reader contributions are essential to keeping the publication as good as the material they provide.

Connecticut sailor Ted Fontelieu won all three races at the fourth annual Lake Lanier Invitational Regatta in Georgia, demonstrating skills learned from East Coast sailing. The event attracted 23 Thistle boats and 9 classes total, representing the largest Thistle turnout and showing 20% growth over the prior year.

Fleets 68 and 84 competed at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club Winter Regatta in late January. Two races were held in cool 5-knot southwest breezes, with Art Glasier from Fleet 84 winning the series and Bob Smith from Fleet 68 placing second.

Dave Stein of Montgomery won the first long distance race held by the Dixie Sailing Club, completing the 14-mile course with his wife and two young children aboard. Ten Thistles competed over 8 hours in nearly windless conditions, with Prince Turner and Herb Hager also finishing among the leaders.

Ed Fracker describes techniques for sailing a Thistle with only two people instead of three, sharing practical solutions developed with Bill Wersley. The article covers upwind technique, spinnaker handling with reduced crew, and lightweight fittings modifications needed for effective two-person racing.

The Bottoms-Up Regatta at Shreveport Yacht Club May 3-5 attracted 17 Thistles from multiple districts. John Martin won the regatta after intense competition featuring dramatic capsizes and varied wind conditions, with George Broyles winning the endurance test and Cecil Brooks placing second.

This article questions whether the current method of selecting National Championship sites optimally serves the Thistle Class. It argues that while racing is important, facilities for families and recreational activities are equally critical. It also suggests rotating championships geographically to stimulate activity in less active regions rather than concentrating in already-strong areas.

The Delta District Thistlers competed in the Houston Midwinter Regatta February 9 in severe weather with 20-30 mph winds and rough seas causing multiple capsizes. George Broyles won the challenging regatta despite dramatic conditions, with Billy Willis and Cecil Brooks also strong performers in what became a test of seamanship.

A humorous, illustrated account of a three-boat race between Ed Kelly (the hero), Jerre Noe (the Light Air King), and Bill Neson (the Old Campaigner) presented as a theatrical play. The narrative follows their tactical maneuvers, with detailed scene descriptions and audience reactions showing how Kelly's villain tactics are ultimately foiled.

The Kansas City Thistle Fleet tested styrofoam stern flotation blocks designed to meet TCA requirements. The blocks provide 290 lbs of buoyancy with storage for equipment and integrate hiking strap attachment. Testing in 25-35 knot winds demonstrated the flotation's effectiveness for self-rescue capabilities.

Ben Weil, Central Atlantic District Secretary, won the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association Thistle High Point Championship for 1962, receiving a silver perpetual trophy and winner's flag. Ed Hoyt and Eli Venning completed the top three finishers.

Bill Bruce repeated his 1962 victory at the Jackson Yacht Club's Spring Invitational, opening regatta of the season for Dixie skippers. Bruce passed four boats on the final reach to win, with Larry Haupt second, John Martin third, and local skipper Oscar Cassibury fourth.

The Thistle Class Association balance sheet and financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1962. Total assets of $10,192.04 with current and fixed assets detailed. Detailed receipts and disbursements show total receipts of $10,671.74 with major expenses in Nationals, Bagpipe publication, and National event support.

A comprehensive schedule of upcoming Thistle regattas for 1963 across California, Delta/Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and New Jersey/Long Island Sound regions, including dates, locations, and contact information. Includes corrections to the March-April issue and lists major cover events: Sayville Nationals, Huntington Lake Inter-Districts, Racine, and Quantam.

A practical guide offering ten fundamental ways to improve racing performance, covering competition, study, rule knowledge, consistency, crew management, boat teamwork, mental preparation, strategic thinking, reliability, and self-confidence. Each point emphasizes developing racing skills through study and proper technique rather than equipment upgrades.

Classified advertisements and marketplace listings for Thistle sailboats, equipment, and services. Includes listings for used Thistles, boats for sale, fiberglassboats, sails, trailers, covers, and insurance services. Also includes publication advertisements.