August/September 1988

The President discusses the importance of boat safety, reflecting on changes in attitudes toward sailing safety over recent years. She emphasizes the need for proper flotation, secure equipment, and general preparedness for capsizing and emergency situations.

This column discusses growing class membership by encouraging current owners to introduce new people to sailing Thistles. It also highlights crew trainers who have successfully graduated to Thistle ownership and describes Lynn Brodnax's experience recruiting new owners through the grating pouch offer.

A comprehensive technical commentary on hull construction options for Thistle boats, discussing structural vs. non-structural epoxy and polyester fiber cores, cost-effectiveness, materials like Coremat and Baltek, and addressing design quirks like self-rescue and rigging complexity. Multiple letters from class members are also included discussing their concerns.

A collection of letters from class members discussing various topics including hull construction materials, boat design preferences, and racing philosophy. Contributors include Chris Spens, Dick Brainard, B. Albert Friedman, Henry Clements, and others sharing diverse perspectives on Thistle sailing.

Expert tips on improving forward crew position duties and techniques on a Thistle, covering boat setup, handling comfort, rigging adjustments, and tactical communication between crew and skipper.

A comprehensive guide to sail trimming for different wind conditions (light air, moderate, and heavy air), covering jib and main sail setup, mainsail trim, traveler use, boom vang settings, and tactical adjustments. Includes technical diagrams of sail flow patterns.

A detailed report of the Eight Ball Regatta held at Indianapolis Sailing Club on April 23-24, 1988, describing the challenging wind conditions, race results, and the experiences of various sailors and families who participated in this major regatta event.

A report on the NCAL Thistle District Championship held at Richmond Yacht Club in San Francisco Bay on May 21-22, 1988. Describes the challenging spring conditions, flawless committee work, and the winning performances of Mike Gillum and his team.

A report on the 14th Annual Orange Peel regatta held in Jacksonville, FL in March 1988, describing the challenging spring conditions, many competitors, and the strong performances of Loy Vaughan and other top finishers in Southeast circuit racing.

A brief report on the May 21, 1988 Florida Series race held at Davis Island, where Mike Thedieck won the race and clinched the hotly contested Florida Series championship after strong performances earlier in the series.

A report of the Dixie Regatta Memorial Day weekend at Atlanta Yacht Club, featuring strong performances by Tom Turner, Andy Russell, and Loy Vaughan, with discussion of award presentations and special recognitions for outstanding sailors.

A report of the Mid-America District Championship held at Windycrest, S.C. on June 10-11-12, highlighting Robbie Thomas's dominant performance and the strong planning demonstrated by the entire Tulsa fleet in organizing and hosting the event.

A tribute to Jack Marsee recognizing his significant contributions to sailing over three decades as a founder and longtime member of Sequoyah Yacht Club, highlighting his generous nature and dedication to helping others learn sailing.

A report of the 17th Annual Bottoms Up Regatta held at Lake Murray Sailing Club near Columbia, SC on June 4-5, 1988, under nearly perfect weather conditions with Greg Fisher winning the regatta and numerous awards presented for different accomplishments.

A comprehensive collection of classified advertisements for Thistle sailboats and related equipment, including used boats for sale, new Thistle boat advertisements, and marine products and services of interest to the class.

A promotional feature about North Sails and their new North Cross Cut Spinnaker design for 1988, highlighting the company's ongoing support for Thistle sailors and offering special promotional pricing and fleet discounts.