Fall 1970

The outgoing editor welcomes the new Bagpipe editor Charles Wardwell and celebrates contributions from the past two years. Wardwell is introduced as an accomplished sailor and businessman who will take over editorial duties.

Photo credit and context for the cover image showing George Silk's photograph of a boat returning to harbor, taken during the National Championships.

Technical memo from the class measurer discussing the proper weighing procedures used at the Nationals and the importance of accurate weight certification for all competing boats.

Reader letter from L.C. McCluskey regarding aluminum masts and discussion of design alternatives for the Thistle Class.

Brief report on the Governing Board and Annual meetings, noting that minutes were unavailable at press time but will be printed in the next issue.

Comprehensive report on the 1970 Thistle National Championships held at Gross Pointe, Michigan, covering weather conditions, dramatic sailing sequences, and the eventual victory of Kent Foster over Dennis Clark and others in a closely contested series.

Complete listing of trophies awarded to the top finishers in the 1970 Thistle National Championships, including six perpetual trophies and individual race awards.

Detailed race-by-race narrative and results from the 1970 National Championships, covering the practice race and six official races with extensive technical discussion of wind conditions, tactical decisions, and individual boat performance.

Profile of Kent Foster, the 1970 Thistle National Champion, covering his sailing background, previous competitive achievements, and his path to the championship.

Continuation of technical memo covering corrections to weighing procedures, boat specifications, and measurement clarifications for Thistle Class boats.

Advertisement promoting North Sails and discussing design improvements in Thistle sails, particularly the new zipperless sail design.

In-depth panel discussion among leading Thistle experts—Don Clark, Pete Barrett, Ed Fracker, Gene Wood, Lew Wake, and Marlin Abramson—on spinnaker design, selection, and handling techniques for various wind and sail conditions.

Photo feature with caption about the spectator fleet for the Nationals, noting that Rogue Fleet participants created an impressive display with 12 meters of power on a spinnaker reach.

Technical photo feature showing boat fitting details, specifically how wire leads are positioned at the aft and forward ends of the boom for a Seabird Winch installation.

Technical column by sailmaker Peter Barrett discussing mainsail design principles, including leech shape, boom vang adjustments, and optimal foot tensions for different wind conditions.

Red Chevron feature reporting on the Michianna District Championship at John Lee Motorsports on June 27, where John Stevenson of Indianapolis won with three straight victories.

Report on the Central Atlantic District Championship where Bill Alexander from Richmond won with consistent sailing, featuring multiple race details and tactical decisions.

Race report from the Pacific Coast Interdistircts Championship held at Huntington Lake on July 21-22 and 31, where Ralph Kelley won with strong competition among fleets.

Report on New England Districts championship where Hatch Brown won the sailing series and hosted festive social events, with details about the weather and sailing conditions.

Report on Fourth of July regatta at Pymatuning Lake with 59 boats competing, where Harry White won with a sailboat record, featuring holiday festivities and competitive racing.

Blue Chevron feature covering the Great Lakes Championship party and racing at the 25th anniversary celebration, with dramatic photos and detailed race narrative.

Red Chevron feature on Southern California District Championship at Alamitos Bay, where Everett Ross defeated Art Glasier and others through strong tactics and boat handling.

Red Chevron feature on Delta Districts championship at Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club with light and moderate winds, where Painton won the series.

Blue Chevron feature on Atlantic Coast Interdistircts racing where Lew Wake demonstrated superior boat handling and sailing skills to win the regatta.

Report on Damfull Regatta where Bob White won with light shifting winds and fluke conditions, with detailed results and race analysis.

Comprehensive classified section including Thistle boat sales, used equipment listings, new sailmakers and equipment advertisements, and service offerings from various vendors.