November-December 1964

Commentary on the cover photo of a Thistle sailboat (Tom Williams' CATHERINE) capturing an almost airborne sensation at the Red Grant Regatta near Perth Amboy, New Jersey, with technical notes on spinnaker technique and boat handling.

Brief notice that Honey Abramson, the Thistle Class Secretary-Treasurer, has relocated from Northbrook, Illinois to Urbana, Illinois with her new address.

Opinion piece discussing the Thistle as the best all-around racing and sailing boat of its size, referencing Bob Smith's article in One Design Yachtsman and highlighting the class's success and promotional value.

Feature article on Peter Bordes, the 1964 National Thistle Champion, discussing his sailing philosophy, competition history, and experiences with the Thistle class, including his Coast Guard service and sailing accomplishments across various regions.

Introduction of a new monthly column feature in The Bagpipe designed to help Thistle sailors solve sailing and racing problems by providing expert answers to reader questions.

Notice of the Thistle Class Association's new mailing address in Northbrook, Illinois, effective immediately.

Comprehensive minutes of the 1964 Thistle Class Association governing board meeting held in Cleveland, documenting discussions on measurement proposals, fleet charters, financial reports, and qualification requirements for the Nationals.

Column by Chief Measurer David Minton explaining the philosophy behind class measurement rulings on sail improvements, emphasizing prevention of specification drift while allowing innovations that maintain competitive equality.

Instructional article with three sequential photos analyzing the importance of clear air and proper boat positioning during large fleet starts, using specific boat examples from the 1964 Nationals.

Detailed technical article on the hazards and handling techniques for fiberglass Thistle boats, including observations on swamping, self-rescue methods, safety equipment, and design differences compared to plywood boats.

Brief social announcements about recent engagements and marriages within the Thistle Class, including the wedding of Ann Holtgren Hills and the engagement of Ann and Marilyn Hayes McLeod.

Humorous poem presented as a toast at the wedding of Ann Holtgren Hills (formerly serving Thistle 1573), expressing nostalgia for her pre-marriage availability.

Report on the Niagara Frontier District Championships held at the Gold Cup course, documenting the winning of Dean Parker and his crew over competitive field with detailed race-by-race analysis.

Report of the Kanehoe Bay Thistle Fleet #76 Hawaiian Invitational Regatta in October, documenting Larry Haupt's commanding victory and describing the competitive conditions and courses sailed.

Report on the High Sierra Regatta at Lake Huntington, California, where Tom Beckham sailed an exceptional series in challenging mountain weather conditions.

Account of Labor Day sailing series held on the North Concho Lake near San Angelo, Texas, documenting the successes of Richard Percoco and other competitors in various fleet events.

Report on the Magnus Pedersen Invitational Thistle Regatta held in St. Petersburg, Florida, in which female skippers dominated the competition, with Sally Maury finishing second overall.

Report of the Central States Sailing Association Labor Day Regatta at Lake Jacomo outside Kansas City, where Larry Haupt secured victory with a strong showing despite tough competition from inland lake sailors.

Report of the Ohio Valley Sailing Championship held at Louisville Sailing Club's 1964 Fall event, with Ned Lockwood defeating a strong field in competitive conditions.

Report on the Cape May Regatta in New Jersey, documenting Ed Walsh's dominant performance in challenging weather conditions, including detailed race-by-race analysis.

Report of the Marblehead Challenge Bowl for Thistles regatta at Quincy Bay, Massachusetts, in which Hatch Brown and Dr. Walter Collins dominated the competition in a challenging series.

Collection of classified advertisements and marketplace listings for Thistle boats, sails, equipment, insurance, and related services from various manufacturers and dealers.