July-August, 1969

Chief Measurer Jim Miller discusses a ruling on wetting agents on the underwater surfaces of Thistles and new Harken ball bearing blocks. He also mentions efforts to develop a more flexible aluminum mast.

Column inviting readers' opinions on proposed changes to Thistle Class rules, particularly about new masts and rotation systems for Nationals.

Collection of reader responses to the "What's Your Opinion" column, including letters from Larry Haupt and others about the National Rotation system.

A comprehensive guide to offwind sailing tactics and strategy in Thistles. Covers decision-making about packing the chute, planning position before setting, jibing, stripping, and other key techniques for managing downwind legs effectively.

A humorous one-panel cartoon about sailing and wind.

A panel discussion with top Thistle experts (Dennis Clark, Larry Haupt, Gene Wood, Marlin Abramson, Jack Wanenmacher) about the selection and use of different jibs, their specifications, and performance under various wind conditions.

A biographical feature presenting Bill Calhoun from Carolina (Carolina District Champion) and Herb Whittall from Lake Michigan (Lake District Champion), with their photos and biographical information about their sailing careers and accomplishments.

The 1969 Sears Junior North American Sailing Championship finals will be held in Jacksonville, Florida in Thistles. The Class is cooperating with the event, providing identical equipment with aluminum masts and sails, arranged by George Silk and Sandy Van Zandt.

A photo essay capturing President Tom Wilson's life during a mid-winter week, showing him conducting Governing Board meetings, managing protest committees, and other presidential duties at a Thistle regatta.

Marlin Abramson won the Waukegan Fleet #140 invitational regatta held early in 1969, with twenty-six boats from the near-by area competing in strong winds.

Young Bill Tumlin (535) convinced the graybeards that there is indeed a "generation gap" by dominating the 12th annual "Admiral Farragut" regatta at Fort Loudon Lake in Knoxville, Tennessee with impressive sailing.

Race results from the Waukegan Invitational regatta held in Waukegan, Illinois.

Howard Mead won the 18th annual Dixie Regatta at Lake Allatoona, Georgia for the fifth time in the largest Dixie in history with forty-nine boats.

Race results from the Dixie Regatta held at Lake Allatoona, Georgia by the Atlanta Yacht Club.

Birmingham Sailing Club hosted a 27-Thistle regatta in May 10-11 where the winds were great for all three races and practically eliminated spinnaker flying except among the truly experienced sailors.

Race results from the Iron Man Regatta held at Birmingham Sailing Club in Birmingham, Alabama.

Bill Larsen (2441) took top honors at the Annual Hernando-Desoto (Cotton Carnival) Regatta at Arkabutla Lake, Mississippi on May 3-4 with his crew of Ackerman and Dan Dees from Taylorsville, Illinois.

Race results from the Hernando-Desoto Regatta held at Arkabutla Lake, Mississippi.

The 1969 South Atlantic District regatta was held June 7-8 at Lake Allatoona, hosted by Thistle Fleet #48. Harold Gilreath (2390) sailed well until the final race, while W. L. Tumlin (2393) took the lead going into Sunday. Howard Mead (2607) won the regatta for the thirteenth time with strong consistent sailing.

Twenty-three Thistles competed in the Eighth Annual Regatta at Erie Yacht Club in Erie, Pennsylvania in June, with considerable variety in weather conditions. Ed Fracker won the Carling Trophy for outstanding performance.

Race results from the Erie Yacht Club Regatta held in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Francis Seavy (2583) of Clearwater won the Florida District championship, becoming the first to win both Florida District titles in Thistles and Snipes. Seavy, a 46-year-old boat builder, trounced nineteen other Thistles in the warm, sunny weekend.

Race results from the Florida Districts regatta held at Eau Gallie Yacht Club.

Art Glasier (2342) and Pete Barrett won the Southern California District Championships off Newport Harbor, California in June 15 by sailing over a modified gold cup course with light winds and overcast skies.

Race results from the Southern California Districts regatta held at Newport Harbor, California.

Bob White (124) won the Damfull Regatta June 7 and 8 over his home course at Leatherlips Yacht Club in Columbus, Ohio, demonstrating consistent sailing with three firsts and securing a new one-minute rule.

Race results from the Damfull Regatta held at Leatherlips Yacht Club in Columbus, Ohio.

Race results from the Cowan Invitational regatta held at Cowan Lake Sailing Association in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Pete Curran (2528) won the Hawaii Districts with consistent sailing in a 3-1-2-3 series. Son Howie Curran and brother Hank Inouye worked with him, and Glenn Clark discusses the races in detail with analysis of tactical decisions.

Race results from the Hawaii Districts regatta held at Kaneohe Bay.

Page Anderson (1681) avoided disasters that other skippers encountered, posting a consistent series to win the Spring Regatta at Kaneohe Bay. Clark provides detailed race-by-race analysis of the three-race series.

Race results from the Spring Regatta held at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Classifieds section including boat listings for sale, equipment, sailmaker advertisements, and various services for Thistle sailors.