September-October 1967

The editor discusses the Bagpipe's publishing challenges and progress toward producing the first 24-page issue. Acknowledges contributions from volunteers and active class members, noting they are working to maintain quality and timeliness of publication.

Letter accepts the invitation from Thistle Class to hold the 1968 Mid-Winter Championship at St. Petersburg Yacht Club on February 18-22, 1968. Provides details about the event and notes the significance of this as a winter national championship.

Assistant Editor Ellen Horan thanks the sender for their letter and praises the skippers' crews for their contributions, noting that crews deserve equal recognition alongside skippers at sailing events.

Continuation of remarks about sailors' experiences, highlighting Bill Parks' career in Thistles and his competitive achievements in various championships and races.

Official minutes from the TCA Governing Board meeting held August 13, 1987, at Mentor Harbor Yacht Club. Details discussions on trap doors in fiberglass boats, Cunningham Ring rulings, charter revocation, yearbook review, and various officer appointments and decisions.

Continuation of Governing Board minutes covering charter issues, officer reports, new business including National Championship course changes, equipment regulations, and various committee approvals.

Report on the Annual Meeting held at Mentor Harbor on August 17, 1987, where officers were re-elected and various proposals and motions were discussed and voted on by the membership.

Continuation of annual meeting covering class votes on proposed constitutional amendments regarding Cunningham Ring holes, trap doors, and jib furling gear, plus unanimous re-election of all officers and selection of honorary officers.

Profile of Peter Bordes, a four-time National Championship winner in Thistles, describing his sailing achievements, his record and record-breaking performances, and his contributions to competitive sailing in the class.

Detailed analysis of races at the 1967 Nationals, describing race-by-race tactics, wind conditions, boat positioning, and finishing results for multiple days of racing.

Lists all awards and trophies given for individual race winners and final position finishers at the 1967 National Championships, organized by division and race number.

Comprehensive blow-by-blow account of the 1967 National Championships races at Mentor Harbor, detailing weather conditions, starting procedures, and tactics employed by top boats in each race.

Comprehensive scoring table for the Championship Division of the 22nd National Championships, showing all boat numbers, skippers, race scores, and final placements.

Comprehensive scoring table for the Consolation Division of the 22nd National Championships, showing all boat numbers, skippers, race scores, and final placements.

Humorous anecdote about various incidents and observations from the 1967 Nationals at Mentor Harbor, including boat launches, disqualifications, and notable sailing moments.

Humorous account of a misadventure towing the Thistle fleet to the Nationals, involving encounters with a state trooper, confusing tollway procedures, and bureaucratic challenges with a permit for an extra wheel.

Technical discussion of thwart modifications, weight measurements, trap door installation specifications, and cunningham ring installations approved for fiberglass Thistle hulls.

Technical explanation of Cunningham Rings, their purpose, installation, usage, advantages and disadvantages in Thistle sailing, including comparisons to traditional methods of sail adjustment.

Continuation of technical discussion on Cunningham Rings covering disadvantages, installation specifications, and considerations for sail adjustment and boat performance.

Collection of classified advertisements for Thistle boat sales, equipment, services, and miscellaneous items including boat covers, sails, insurance, and various Thistle-related products and services.