September-October 1966

Cover story featuring Walter Stubner, the 1966 National Thistle Champion, sailing his boat Endeavor. The photograph was taken at Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island.

Announcement that Arthur Menke has been selected as the new editor of The Bagpipe, replacing the departing editors Molly and partner. Menke is a veteran of number of years' service in Thistle Class Association affairs and is moving The Bagpipe from Huntington, L.I. to Spartanburg, S.C.

Commentary on non-finishes (DNFs) in Thistle racing, discussing how centerboard adjustments and boat setup affect performance. The author reflects on the need to improve boat performance through measurement and standardization rather than by penalizing poorer boats.

Official minutes from the TCA Governing Board Meeting held August 21, 1966, at the Sayville Yacht Club. Covers discussions of all-up weight changes, film of the 1965 Nationals, district establishment, and various administrative matters. Key recommendation was to study an all-up weight change from current specifications.

Continuation of the Governing Board meeting minutes, covering discussions of boat specifications, measurement standards, and administrative matters related to class organization and participation.

Report on the Annual Meeting of the Thistle Class Association held at Sayville Yacht Club on August 25, 1966 at 9:45 a.m., where Dave Minton was elected TCA President. Also reports on charter approvals and the all-up weight amendment proposal.

Comprehensive account of the 1966 National Thistle Championship held at Sayville, where Walter Stubner won the championship with his boat Endeavor (1124), winning four of the six races. Detailed coverage of weather conditions, sailing tactics, and individual race descriptions.

Listing of award winners in the 1966 National Thistle Championship for final positions and individual races in both Division I and II, with boat names and fleet locations.

Detailed continuation of the 1966 Nationals report, covering remaining race days including conditions, tactics, and individual boat performances with focus on competitive battles and weather challenges.

Complete official scoreboard/standings table for the 1966 National Thistle Championships showing all six races, final point totals, and final placements for Championship and Consolation divisions.

Report on the Great Lakes Championship where Commodore Ted Fontelieu successfully defended his title in GREY GHOST (655), battling both the elements and competition from other skilled sailors including Fracks, Picks, and Wanenmacher.

Report on the Atlantic Coast Championship where Ted Fontelieu won again with his boat GREY GHOST, with detailed coverage of challenging race conditions on the Hudson River and competitive finishes.

Report on the Pacific Coast Championship where Pete Barrett won with his solid 4-3-2 series. Coverage of racing conditions at Tern Reservoir in the Eugene area and individual race tactics.

Report on the New Jersey District Championship where Tom Williams won a rare tie-breaker over Ed Walsh in a series distinguished by a Committee decision to use a four-race format rather than the traditional three races, and a tightly contested final result.

Report on the Florida Districts Championship where John Jennings, a former 1958 National Thistle Champion, won the event with his boat Thistle No. 2101 at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club near Melbourne, Florida.

Report on the Long Island Sound Districts Championship where Irv Liggett won with a low-point series, finishing well ahead of competition including Peter Bordes in second place.

Report on the Niagara Frontier Districts Championship held on Seneca Lake where Gene Wood won with his boat and demonstrated exceptional skill in handling variable weather conditions from calm to very windy.

Report on the Michiana Districts Championship where Dick Gallmeyer won with his boat. A line squall brought the scheduled three-race series down to two races due to severe weather.

Collection of classified advertisements and boat sales listings for Thistle boats, equipment, sails, covers, and related services from various sellers throughout the country.