February-March, 1978

Editor discusses the new look of Bagpipe and addresses the common complaint about publication delays. Explains the publication timeline from deadline to distribution and the various steps involved in producing the magazine, emphasizing the importance of authors respecting deadlines.

President discusses the Thistle Class's silver trophies and the 1977 Nationals tournament experience. Addresses boat growth, demand for new models, and the importance of maintaining competitive class status with adequate builder capacity and new boat sales.

The Chief Measurer reports on board measurements, centerboard specifications, mast makers, and insurance matters related to Thistle boats. Notes concerns about competitive boat performance and provides guidance on official measurement procedures.

In-depth technical analysis of Thistle centerboard design problems and potential solutions. Discusses glass board failures, aerodynamic effects, lift curve properties, and the differences between wood and glass centerboards. Proposes improvements and alternative construction methods.

Practical guide to starting tactics at the weather end of the starting line in Thistle racing. Discusses positioning, wind conditions, avoiding collisions, and techniques for building speed quickly to gain advantage at the weather mark.

Detailed guide to constructing scale model Thistles from wood. Covers materials, templates, hull carving, lift assembly, rail construction, sanding, and finishing techniques. Provides practical tips on working with various woods and tools.

Report on Davis Island Yacht Club winning the Southeast Perpetual Award for Excellence in Thistle regatta management. Discusses the comprehensive evaluation criteria used to assess regatta quality and management across multiple dimensions.

Second in a series of technical sketches showing various centerboard trunk cap control systems used on Thistle boats. Illustrates different rigging approaches including wood boats, glass boats, and alternative control methods.

Comprehensive schedule of Chevron regattas and Thistle fleet events planned for 1978 across all regions of the Thistle Class Association.

Race report on Bud Sweet's sailing victory at the Seventh Annual Old Salty Regatta at Lake Norman Yacht Club. Details course conditions, individual boat performances, and final results from the weekend's races.

Regatta report on the Niagara Frontier Fall Regatta with strong turnout, windy conditions, and Barbehenn's victory. Details the competitive racing across multiple weekend races and challenging weather conditions.

Race report on Jim Kincaid's dominant performance at the Dallas Regatta, winning multiple races in succession. Describes challenging weather conditions and competitive sailing dynamics.

Race results summary from the Thistle Florida Series showing the top finishers across seven races held throughout the fall and winter season in Florida.

Report on Andy Barnes' victory at the Sturgeon Bay regatta, with detailed race results and description of challenging fall sailing conditions on Lake Michigan.

Race report on Eric Richards' winning performance at the Buzzards Bay Bowl Regatta, detailing the competitive racing conditions and individual boat performances throughout the weekend.

Report on Beihl's winning the Lake Michigan Chevron races, competing against strong regional competition. Details multiple race finishes and competitive sailing conditions.

Obituary noting the sudden death of Terry Cady, an active competitor and respected member of the Thistle Class community who participated in many regattas.

Report on the First Annual Ladies Regatta at Cedar Point Yacht Club, featuring all-female skipper competitors. Details the racing conditions and individual performances over multiple races with light air and beautiful weather.

Announcement of team racing championship competition at Bristol Yacht Club featuring Thistle fleets competing in teams of three boats for overall fleet honors and bragging rights.

Race report on the Goetz Memorial Regatta at Lake Hopatcong featuring Barbehenn's close victory over Goetz in competitive sailing conditions. Details individual boat performances and racing tactics.

Race report on the Cascade Mountain High regatta featuring Martin Seelig's victory despite challenging alpine lake conditions and unpredictable weather patterns.

Report on the Greater Richmond regatta with Jewell's competitive performance and details of the Thistle Fleet #171 charter in the Swift Creek area of Virginia.

Report on the tenth annual Glimmerglass Regatta featuring John Fenno's dominant performance with nine first-place finishes. Details competitive racing and individual boat performances under various wind conditions.

Classified advertisements and marketplace listings for Thistle boats, sails, equipment, parts and services. Includes boat for sale listings, sail offerings, rigging equipment, and various Thistle-related products and services.