Spring 1970

Annual call for junior sailors under 18 to submit sailing experience articles for publication. Winners' work will be featured in the magazine with proper author credit given.

Interim report on mast development program. A new 7½' x 3⅜" spar was tested repeatedly with favorable results for sound strength and bending characteristics, making it durable for extended use.

Notice reminding fleet captains to submit regatta dates and deadlines for the Bagpipe publication schedule. Corrected dates will be printed throughout the season.

Letters and comments from Bagpipe readers discussing various sailing topics, including feedback on the Santa Cruz tragedy discussion and general commentary on Thistle Class matters.

Reminder to members to pay annual dues. Lists membership categories and their costs. Notes that this is the last issue sent to those who have not paid their dues.

Analysis of winning boats at the 1969 Nationals, examining what made them successful. Discusses how boats are equally competitive but sailors, equipment, and rigging affect performance. Provides insights into boat selection and class characteristics.

Technical specifications and feature comparisons of equipment used on competitive Thistles, including traversom, batteries, traveler types, and sail controls.

Detailed account of Jim Miller's experience at the 1969 One-of-a-Kind Regatta in Chicago, including the boat's preparation, racing strategy, and triumph against diverse competition including Olympic-class boats and other advanced designs.

Comprehensive discussion of Thistle sailing characteristics and tactics by Olympic champion Peter Barrett. Covers boat comparisons, tuning techniques, and strategies for competitive racing in various wind conditions.

Discussion of romance between Thistle and Snipe class sailors, particularly featuring Sarah Norwood and Bill Thurston whose engagement exemplifies the competitive spirit and sailing community bonds across classes.

Report on the Star Bulletin Thistle Invitational in Hawaii where Norman Baxter won the championship, sailing with a strong competitive field that included many accomplished sailors.

Brief account of a Hawaiian sailing event where Thistle sailors demonstrated strong performance and competitive skills in island waters.

Report on the Delta Districts regatta where F. Mair and K. James dominated in light wind conditions with solid sailing performance.

Report on the Central-Southern Interdistricts regatta where Abramson sailed well to win despite strong competition, with good sailing and results from other competitors.

Account of the Middle States Regatta held Labor Day weekend where racing was held with light winds and where various sailors demonstrated good performance.

Report on the Turkeyfoot Frostbite Regatta where Whit Smith won the final event of the fall series, with excellent sailing conditions and strong competitive racing among fleet participants.

Report on the Naptown Races at Geist Reservoir where Larry Haupt demonstrated strong sailing skills winning multiple races in the series.

Report on the Bloody Mary Regatta at Lake Hartwell where Woollen won the championship with strong sailing and dominant performance throughout the event.

Report on the Ohio Valley Championship held on the Ohio River where Glover demonstrated strong sailing skills winning the regatta against tough competition.

Comprehensive listing of classified advertisements including boat sales, equipment for sale, services, and miscellaneous items of interest to Thistle sailors and owners.