July-August 1965

Editor's notes on Bagpipe publication and expressions of gratitude to contributors and contributors who have provided material for the newsletter.

Detailed technical guide to installing flotation in wooden Thistle hulls using expanded polystyrene foam. Covers the entire installation process from planning through attachment with epoxy and protective finishing.

Technical analysis of sail trim, rigging, and racing tactics for Thistle boats, including specific measurements for jib lead positions and detailed data on 1903 Boston boat specifications and performance.

Ralph Kelley wins the Northern California District Championships for the second consecutive year. The regatta was held at Lake Millerton over two days with good breezes and challenging conditions. Kelley's consistent performance and skillful boat handling earned him the title.

Profile of Ralph Kelley, two-time Northern California District Champion, highlighting his sailing achievements, his first season of competitive Thistle sailing, and his role as District Secretary for the Thistle Class.

Description of the Milford Yacht Club hosting the Twentieth National Championships in August 1965. Information about the host city's history, sailing facilities, and expectations for the championship event, which was the third time since 1950 that Milford hosted the Nationals.

Administrative information about the committees managing the Twentieth Thistle National Championships, including the General Chairman, Race Committee, and other key officials, along with the trophy awards and racing schedule.

Comprehensive inventory of Thistle class fleets and districts worldwide as of July 1965, showing fleet numbers, locations, and boat counts. Includes discussion on the appropriate organization of Thistle districts and how fleet boundaries should be established to promote fair competition.

Comprehensive technical guide to wind patterns, wave conditions, and weather characteristics at Milford Harbor and Long Island Sound. Covers general wind conditions, cold front effects, westerly winds, easterly winds, and thunderstorm patterns to help skippers prepare for the National Championships.

Formal notice of proposed amendments to the Official Plans and Specifications for Thistle class boats, including technical modifications to centerboard specifications and spinaker measurements, to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.

Brief listing of winners of district championship races held during the season, including Lake Michigan, Lake Erie West, and other regional competitions.

Detailed account of racing at the Peoria Regatta on the Illinois River. The author recounts the tactical decisions, wind conditions, and surprising incidents that led to his victory, including boat handling challenges and lucky breaks during the races.

Report of the Thistle Fleet #65 Invitational Regatta held on Cowan Lake in Ohio, with racing results showing Bill Walton's first-place finish. The event featured three races in consistent wind conditions with various sized fleets participating.

Report of the Leather-Lip Damfull Regatta held on the Scioto River in Columbus, Ohio. Chuck Vorhees won the event in his home club, with the fleet of 51 boats making the river look like a beggar day in the bouchest department. The three-race series was sailed in varying wind conditions.

Report of the Memphis Cotton Carnival Regatta on McKellar Lake. Llimar Palm-Leis of Decatur won the three-race series with impressive boat handling, commanding the fleet from the opening beat to finish. The regatta featured competitive racing among 27 Thistles.

Report of the 15th Annual Dixie Invitational Regatta held May 23 with 40 boats competing in three-race series. Bill Walton (447) of St. Louis won the regatta convincingly, demonstrating his competitive prowess. The regatta was notable for close finishes and competitive racing.

Report of regatta racing in Indiana where Howard King skippered boat 1808 to victory. The article is written in a casual style, mentioning skippers and their boats from various fleets and noting the competitive nature of the three-race event.

Report of the 1965 Kentucky Lake Governor's Cup Regatta where Bill Walton demonstrated his ability to master varying wind conditions from light to heavy. Eleven Thistles were on the line with Walton winning the series, followed by other top skippers from the region.

Report of racing at the Canacanoe Regatta in Canaandaigua, New York, where boat 1858 won the pot with fair and away the most even finishes in the four-race event. Wilson (1858) won the pot with consistent performances and good boat handling throughout the regatta.

Report of the Boughton Yacht Club Invitational Regatta held May 8-9 on Ft. Loudon Lake near Knoxville, Tennessee. The series featured three races in extra-light to medium-light air conditions. Boughton's discussion covers the various boats and skippers who competed and their finishing positions.

Report of Glenn Clark's dominant performance at the Hawaii District Secretary races where he won all four races with five firsts. Clark's superior boat handling and tactical prowess were evident from the start, as he broke his jibing drag and stepped crew shortly after but recovered to maintain his lead and ultimately secured the win.

Collection of classified advertisements, boat listings, product advertisements, and services from Thistle class members. Includes insurance offerings, sailmaking services, custom boat covers, replacement parts, racing rule information, and various merchandise.