October-November, 1979

A sailor requests advice on how to right a turtled Thistle after being blown over by strong wind. He describes his experience and asks for proper righting techniques, expressing concerns about using life jackets and proper gear.

Discusses the epoxy saturation method for hull construction and questions whether this manufacturing approach affects price and design of Thistle hulls, referencing Marlin Abramson's comments on the technique.

The President reviews his term of office, discussing membership trends, Governing Board decisions including dues increases, committee work on growth and development, and the successful 1979 Nationals at Tabor Academy.

The outgoing Editor expresses appreciation for authors and acknowledges the hard work of contributors, particularly Honey Abramson, Word Processing, and the printing company that helped produce The Bagpipe.

The Chief Measurer provides updates on Official Sail Plan changes regarding number placement and size specifications, noting that changes were deferred until boats with new sail designations are measured.

Comprehensive account of the 34th National Championship Regatta held at Buzzards Bay, featuring Chris Pollak's dramatic victory in the Championship Division after strong competition and variable weather conditions over multiple races.

Photo page featuring candid shots of Thistle sailors and families at the 1979 National Championship Regatta, including the new champion Chris Pollak and various participants enjoying the event.

Listing of special trophies awarded at the 1979 Nationals, including the Minton Trophy for service and various achievement awards for top finishes and sailor excellence.

Detailed listing of trophy winners and finishers by division (Championship and President's) for the top ten places in the 1979 Nationals Championship.

Breakdown of trophy winners for each individual race across both divisions at the 1979 Nationals.

Technical discussion of measurement procedures and precision gauges used at the 1979 Nationals, including boom length, spreader location, and rudder specifications, with notes on initial rejections and measurement consistency.

Official minutes of the Thistle Class Association Board of Governors meeting held at Tabor Academy, including officers' reports on tuning guides, film prints, Nationals quota, and various administrative matters.

Official minutes of the Thistle Class Association Annual Meeting held at Tabor Academy, including voting on proposed amendments, officer reports, and committee business.

Detailed analysis of U.S.Y.R.U. Rule 37.1 (keeping clear of a leeward yacht) with three practical examples illustrating various interpretations and applications of the rule in racing situations.

Description of a Thistle sailing camp initiative in Alabama, detailing the pilot program experience and recommendations for future sailing camps to encourage participation and teach the sport.

Profile of Jim Irwin, the new Bagpipe Editor, highlighting his background in Cleveland, his family's Thistle history, and his interests in sailing and other activities.

Profile of Don Stehle, the newly elected Commodore, describing his background in sailing, his career with General Electric, and his family life and personal interests.

Report on the Fort Worden regatta won by Warren, Howard and Beatrice Seelig, with detailed race results and descriptions of sailing conditions at this Pacific Northwest venue.

Report on Jim Kincaid's fourth consecutive victory at Austin's Governor's Cup regatta, detailing the races and final standings of competitors.

Report on the Central Southern Interdistrics regatta at Cherokee Valley, with results showing top performances from various skippers and fleets.

Report of the Pacific Northwest Districts regatta won by Evert Slijper of Eugene, Oregon with details of competitive conditions and race results.

Report on the LEE fall series regatta at Berlin Yacht Club, won by Dick Lilly with detailed race results and trophy information.

Report of Cowan regatta won by Mark Gilliland with detailed race results and narrative description of the competitive conditions and outcomes.

Report on the Northeast District Championships won by Dick Taylor with detailed descriptions of wind conditions and competitive action across multiple races.

Detailed report of the Great Lakes Championship regatta won by Mark Gilliland in a close tie-breaker competition, with race-by-race analysis and final standings.

Report on California Districts regatta where Kraft maintained his top position, with details of course layout and competitive results.

Report on Pymatuning Yacht Club's Independence Day regatta won by Jack Bauer with detailed race descriptions and results, plus announcement of Used Boat Clearing House service.

Report on Rochester Canoe Club regatta held in June, with details of wind conditions and competition, plus announcement of Thistle covers and boat accessories.

Response to editorial discussion on epoxy saturation and Thistle hull design, questioning whether manufacturer changes should affect the growth and visual appearance standards of the class.

Statement from outgoing President Keinath reflecting on his term and thanking the membership and contributors for their support and hard work.

Collection of classified advertisements for Thistle boats, sails, parts, and services from various makers and dealers across the United States.