June/July 1985

President Kaighin reflects on a regatta held at the Old Smokey venue near Orlando, Florida, discussing the beautiful lakeside facilities, the special atmosphere of gathering with fellow sailors, and the importance of such events in building camaraderie within the fleet.

Carol Robinson, Third Vice-President of Growth and Promotion, shares an update on promoting the Thistle class through engaging activities, merchandising, and regional workshops. She discusses the One-Design Committee's efforts to attract sailors to Nationals and Internationals, and describes various promotional ideas including themed races and social events.

This technical article continues from a previous issue, providing detailed guidance on tuning and sailing Thistles for maximum performance. Topics include trimming and handling techniques, sail design considerations, steering requirements, crew weight placement, and specific tactical approaches for competitive racing.

A service notice describing the Used Boat Clearinghouse operated by the Thistle Class to help buyers and sellers connect. The clearinghouse offers boat-specific information including price and is intended to supplement the Bagpipe's classified ads.

Official minutes from the March 2, 1985 Governing Board meeting held at St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Covers officer approvals, financial reports, trophy insurance, regional and district plans, 1985 Nationals preparations, and various committee reports on competitions, amendments, and class business.

A humorous first-person account of competing at the Nationals with various mishaps and obstacles. The story chronicles numerous challenges including boat issues, crew difficulties, accommodation problems, and racing complications that prevented the author's Thistle from performing well in competition.

Report on the 30th Annual Thistle Mid-Winter Championship held at St. Petersburg Yacht Club in Florida, March 2-7, 1985. Ched Proctor won the A fleet championship with strong and consistent racing, while the regatta featured both A and B fleets with varied weather conditions and numerous social activities alongside the competitive racing.

Historical weather data compiled from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) records for North Cape, showing wind directions, speeds, and conditions during Nationals competitions from 1975-1984. Provides sailors with scientific data on typical wind and weather patterns expected during the championship event.

Official constitutional amendments proposed by the Governing Board regarding the National Race Committee structure, appeals procedures, Governing Board meeting timing, officer nomination procedures, and Junior member status definitions. These amendments were scheduled for voting consideration.

Report on the South Atlantic District's Dixie Regatta at Atlanta Yacht Club where Brent McKenzie (395) won with crew Tommy Smith and Steve Burke. The regatta featured challenging wind conditions and was won by Lake Lanier Sailing Club's boat, with detailed information on top finishers and racing conditions.

Report on the Michiana District Event 8 Ball Regatta where Blair Dryden won in challenging conditions. The fleet sailed from April 27-28 at Indianapolis Sailing Club with mild weather and shifting winds, requiring careful boat handling and tactical decisions.

Report on the Southeastern Interdistricts event hosted by Fleet 148 at Lake Murray Sailing Club where Thistlers competed alongside other fleets. Describes the fleet's performance, social activities, and sailing conditions on Lake Murray near Columbia, South Carolina.

Report on the Northern California Low Sierra Regatta held at Lake Kaweah with Bruce Gosse winning. The regatta featured typical spring conditions with light breezes and clear weather, with Gosse's team (Mike Gillum and Cindy Shoebotham) winning against strong competition from the NCAL and SCAL districts.

Report on the Sixth Annual Potomac River Lightning-Thistle Challenge held July 8, 1984 between Thistle and Lightning one-design classes. John Majane won the Challenge keeper trophy despite intense competition, with detailed race results and commentary on the competitive nature of the event.

Report on the Camellia Cup Regatta held on March 30-31 at Folsom Lake where Dave Keran won in light, variable conditions. The regatta marked the traditional opening of the spring sailing season in Northern California, featuring close racing and challenging weather.

Report on the eleventh annual Orange Peel Regatta held at the Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville. Skip Allcorn won the prestigious event through skilled boat handling and tactical wind play, with the regatta featuring challenging tidal and wind conditions typical of Florida sailing.

Official schedule for the 1985 Thistle Junior Nationals to be held August 9-11, 1985 at North Cape Yacht Club. Includes registration, measurement procedures, and racing schedule with various activities and social events planned throughout the weekend.

Section containing classified advertisements for Thistle boats for sale, boat-related services, parts, and merchandise. Listings include complete boat specifications, prices, and contact information for both boats and various sailing-related products and services.