October-November 1977

Bob White's boat #124 won the 1977 National Championship sailed at Galveston Bay, Houston, with a 1-5-2-9-3 card for 21½ points. Mark Gilliland finished second, Jack Bauer third. The regatta featured six races across both Championship and President's Divisions with dramatic weather conditions including thunderstorms.

Letters from readers discussing class ownership rules, "Class Fathers" concept, and comparison to other sailing clubs. Correspondence addresses Fuller Moore's article on association management and token ownership policies introduced at recent meetings.

President Tom Richards reflects on the year's achievements including the new National Champion, growth of the class, and administrative matters. He discusses efforts to improve communications, strengthen Class governance, and manage the organization's ongoing expansion and challenges.

Chief Measurer Marlin Abramson discusses centerboard glass versus wood debate, spreader specifications, lead placement, and ongoing technical discussions about boat construction standards. Outlines new rulings regarding centerboard construction and board centerboard specifications.

Profile of Art Molitor, the new Bagpipe editor, who came to sailing through his wife and now flies Boeing 727s for Delta Air Lines. Article covers his early involvement in sailing, his connection to the Thistle Class, and his role in promoting the sport.

Official minutes of the Thistle Class Association Annual Meeting held August 16, 1977 at Houston Yacht Club. Includes officers' reports, governing board actions, charter updates, and various class business items.

Official minutes of the Governing Board meeting held August 13, 1977 at Houston Yacht Club, including discussions on boat construction, rulings interpretation, finances, and class governance matters.

Chris Pollak won the Great Lakes Thistle Championship at a regatta reminiscent of Detroit 1972. The two-race final resulted in Pollak winning with competitive racing and typical Great Lakes weather conditions.

Announcement that Fontelieu sails had strong showing at Long Island Sound Championships with 8% of sails used in the regatta being Fontelieu sails, and 80% of sails in top five positions being Fontelieu sails.

Rich Hlista's account of winning the CS Interlakes championship, with detailed race reports of the four races sailed at the competition held in the mountains of central states.

Account of John Henry's victory in the first Lake Arthur Thistle Fleet (LEE) regatta held May 21-22, 1977. The two-day event included competitive racing and featured exciting spinnaker duels and close finishes between multiple boats.

Mark Finley describes Jim Kincaid's victory in the Governor's Cup event. With favorable winds and tactical racing, Kincaid dominated the competition with James and David Powell working competitively throughout the races.

Report of the second annual Labor Day Thistle Regatta at North Flathead Yacht Club in Somers, Montana. Tracy won the event, with competitive racing in typical Montana weather conditions including wind variations and tactical challenges.

Red Chevron Event report of the Niagara Frontier Districts Thistle Championships where Bucher emerged victorious after competitive racing on Lake Seneca. The event involved sailors from across the region competing in various wind and weather conditions.

Report of Ted Fontelieu's victory in the LIS District Championship sailed on Long Island Sound. Competition featured challenging tidal waters and strategic racing with the final standings close throughout the regatta.

Account of Andy Fox's successful performance at the Orange Peel Regatta hosted by the Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville. The competitive event saw thirty-eight Thistles participate with tactical racing in typical summer Florida conditions.

Report of Henry's performance at the Southeastern Championship where he faced strong competition in the Dave Island Yacht Club regatta in Tampa, Florida. Twenty boats participated in a closely-contested event with multiple lead changes throughout the racing.

Collection of classified advertisements for boat sales, boat parts, equipment, services, and insurance related to Thistle Class sailboats. Includes listings for new and used boats, sails, hardware, covers, insurance, and other sailing-related products and services.