February-March 1988

The president discusses the recent Junior and Women's Nationals and addresses concerns about attracting juniors to the Thistle Class. She emphasizes that neither skippers nor crew need to be Class members to race in the Nationals, only that boats be Registered and Measured.

Jack Finefreck promotes fleet growth through fleet captains' experiences, including Charley Jett's Cave Run Fleet #175 annual report. The article encourages potential Thistle owners that the Class is growing and welcoming with many opportunities to meet other sailors across the country.

Official measurement requirements and specifications for competing at the 1988 Nationals, including boat weight, sail configuration, rudder specifications, mast dimensions, flotation requirements, and required safety equipment.

A personal account of a harrowing experience when Pam Baxter capsized during the East Coast Fall Series at Nyack, filled with water and nearly drowned. She discusses the importance of wearing life jackets and learning to swim, reflecting on how different conditions might have led to a worse outcome.

An announcement for the 1988 8 Ball Regatta to be held April 23-24 at Geist Lake, Indianapolis, Indiana, with competitive racing and local hospitality information.

Robbie Thomas analyzes survey data about the Thistle Class, particularly focusing on the average age of sailors and beginners. He concludes that attracting younger sailors to Thistle racing is important for the Class's long-term growth and competitiveness.

Race results from the 1988 Midwinter West regatta showing top finishers in the early scoring.

A nostalgic reflection on growing up sailing Thistles, from watching regattas as a child to eventually crewing and racing. The author describes the traditions of regatta life and how sailing shaped their family bonds.

A detailed technical guide on how to safely remove and replace the rail system on a Thistle hull, covering plug removal, outward screw extraction, and inward grating fastener separation with diagrams and step-by-step instructions.

A comprehensive guide on how to execute a safe heavy-air gybe in a Thistle, detailing the roles of the forward crew, middle crew, and skipper in coordinating the maneuver to prevent capsizing and maintain control.

A collection of fun racing photographs from various Thistle events, including boats displaying spinnaker techniques and a scenic photo with a trophy winner.

A race report from the 1987 Niagara Frontier District Championship where Lightning class boats dominated the weather, with John Fenno taking first place and John Baker taking second in what became a lightning-dominated regatta.

Final race results table from the 1987 Niagara Frontier District Championship showing placement of all competitors across races.

A race report from the 1987 Bloody M'Urry Regatta at Lake Murray where high winds led to 17 of 21 boats capsizing, with only seven boats managing to finish the race, though with no injuries.

A race report from the 31st Annual Naptown Regatta held September 26-27, 1987 at Geist Lake, where Fleet #69's Dick Tarr won in light winds with competitive racing throughout.

A race report from the Fifteenth annual Supersail Regatta at Winnetka Yacht Club on Lake Michigan where Mark Ketelsen and crew won in light air sailing conditions with close competition throughout.

A race report from the 1987 Great Pumpkin Regatta at Birmingham Sailing Club near Pell City, Alabama, where light winds and good hospitality made for an enjoyable event with competitive racing.

A race report from the 1987 Grand Annual Regatta at Cave Run Lake featuring the National One-Design and Coronado 15 classes, where Dick Tarr achieved first place and Carol Robinson placed second overall.

A welcome announcement listing new members joining the Thistle Class from various fleets and regions across the United States.

A race report from the 1987 Lake Erie West District Championship at Sandusky Bay where Champ Glover won in strong winds and challenging conditions, with race results showing close competition.

A race report from the Great Lakes Championship at Crescent Sail Yacht Club where Lovett won the three-race series in light to moderate winds with competitive racing and good hospitality.

A comprehensive collection of classified ads for Thistle boats for sale, boat parts, services, and sailing equipment from various vendors and private sellers.