April / May 1986

President Smith reflects on the successful MWE-86 regatta and proposes Bylaws changes to facilitate growth, including a new Family Membership category and modified Junior access. He encourages members to participate at higher levels through contributions and sustaining membership.

Collection of reader letters including one from Kurt Michael Hoehne of Sailing Magazine thanking the editor for featuring Thistle content, and a letter from Rodrigo Lopez B. from San Andres Island, Colombia requesting information about Thistle boats and sailing.

Fleet 171 will host the C.A. District Junior Championship on July 26 & 27, 1986 at Swift Creek Reservoir. The regatta welcomes junior sailors from neighboring fleets and Carolina District. R&D requirements are governed by USYRU Sears Cup eligibility rules.

Financial statement and budget for the Thistle Class Association showing receipts from various sources and disbursements for operations, publications, and organizational activities.

Comprehensive report of the 1986 Mid-Winters West regatta held in San Diego with forty boats from across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California competing in three days of excellent racing with sunny skies and competitive conditions.

Profile of Heidi Backus from Vermilion, Ohio, who shared the prestigious Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award with another sailor due to receiving equal votes from a panel of sailing journalists. Backus has had a meteoric rise in competitive sailing since graduating from Boston University in 1983.

Comprehensive instructional article on the art and techniques of crewing in competitive sailing, covering tactics, feedback, observation, communication, and learning approaches for both experienced and novice crew members.

Comprehensive race results section covering Great Lakes Interdistrics (Dryden wins), Central Atlantic District Event (Finefrock wins), and Goetz Regatta (Pollack dominates) with detailed finishing results from each competition.

Updates on various regional regattas and championship events including the Atlantic Coast Championship at Cedar Point Yacht Club and promotional information about upcoming sailing events.

Report on the annual Lightning versus Thistle challenge held on the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., where the Lightnings dominated with a fleet average of 25 1/2 points versus 32 points for the Thistles, resulting in 19 Lightning boats winning over 18 Thistle boats.

Preview and detailed information for the 41st TCA National Championships to be held at Pensacola Sailing Club in Pensacola, Florida, August 9-15, 1986, including measurements, charters, safety equipment requirements, accommodations, and qualifying information.

Directory of newly welcomed members to the Thistle Class Association organized by geographic region, from Carolinas to Southern California, representing new sailors joining the fleet.

Comprehensive listing of used Thistle boats for sale and various sailing-related services, including boat listings with specifications and prices, insurance services, and classified advertising.