July-August 1973

The 28th Thistle National Championships are being held at the Sheridan Shore Yacht Club in Winnetka, Illinois. The issue covers major news about the Nationals, 1973 official TCA Roster announcements, governance notes, officer elections, and administrative items for fleet captains and district governors.

A correction to a photograph in the May-June 1973 issue regarding the boom end of Jim Miller's boat.

A comprehensive section containing classified advertisements and boat for-sale listings, including Thistle boats for sale and various Thistle-related equipment, services, and accessories from dealers and individual sellers.

Obituary of Edward J. Hanna, who served the Thistle Class Association as Bagpipe editor, rotary-Treasurer, and President.

A comprehensive technical article on tactics and strategy for sailing the windward leg of a Thistle race. Miller covers pre-race analysis, boat handling, positioning relative to competitors, weather mark approaches, and various tactical considerations for winning races.

A comprehensive historical account of the early years of Thistle Class sailing, chronicling the development of the class from its founding through the 1950s. The article covers pioneering sailors, early championships, fleet growth across regions, notable boats and races, and the personalities who shaped the class in its formative decade.

A comprehensive special supplement covering all aspects of the 1973 National Championship at Association Island, Henderson Harbor, New York (August 11-17, 1973). Includes driving directions, housing and camping information, schedule of events, course information, measurements, officials listings, and historical context about the venue and host facilities.

A regatta report of the Southeastern Interdistricts sailing competition held in April 1973 at Lake Lanier, featuring Roger Brett and a competitive fleet of Thistle sailors competing for qualifying positions.

A report on the Glimmerglass regatta, noting that John Fenno of Otsego Lake won the competition again, continuing his streak of victories at the event.

A report on the 8-Ball regatta where the wind conditions were challenging and Gillilan emerged victorious in the competition.

A regatta report noting that flukey fall weather prevented races in Boston, despite a world record achievement by TED (a Thistle boat).

A detailed regatta report of the Red Chevron sailing competition in Southern California, where John Brown dominated the fleet with multiple victories and tactical expertise.

A regatta report on the Florida District Championships where Howard Payne sailed to victory at the Eau Calle Yacht Club in May, winning ahead of other competitors and regaining the district title.