August/September 1989

The president reflects on 15 years of active Thistle campaigning and highlights key individuals who have contributed to the organization's growth and leadership. He discusses figures like Ralph Kelly, Tom Barile, and Wade Hough who represent change and improvement within the class.

The growth and promotion officer discusses the challenges facing the Thistle fleet. He advocates for crew training and experiential teaching between skilled and novice sailors, arguing that rigorous training produces better skippers and that class growth depends on improving the overall skill level.

A humorous poem about the Thistle as a stable boat that can right itself, told through the story of a boat capsize and recovery on Tappan Zee. The narrator celebrates the durability and self-righting qualities of the Thistle design.

An informational notice about the Thistle Class's used boat clearinghouse service, which helps connect buyers and sellers of used Thistles and supplements classified ads.

USYRU promotional article highlighting the services and benefits the one-design class council provides to Thistle sailors, including class management seminars, national sportsmanship programs, and special regatta insurance.

A narrative about a competitive race at Tappan Zee featuring boats 1358, 3682, and others. The story humorously captures the intense competition and sailing mishaps during a race, including the near-capsizing of boat 3682 and the surprising success of Captain Kent.

Detailed explanation of significant changes to yacht racing rules effective 1989-1992. Perry covers modifications to protest procedures, penalty systems, and sailing instructions, providing guidance to racers and organizers on implementing the new rule changes.

A comprehensive article on the fundamentals of getting a good start in sailboat racing. Pignolet breaks down the definition of a good start, strategy for positioning at the line, the importance of clear air, organization, and practice. The article emphasizes that success requires planning, communication with crew, and mental preparation.

Humorous narrative account of the 1989 Midwinters East regatta in Florida, detailing the racing conditions, memorable moments, and social events. The author chronicles six races with colorful descriptions of individual boat performances and the overall fleet experience.

Report on the April 22-23 Southeastern Thistle Districts regatta at Atlanta Yacht Club. David Hartman's fleet took first, with details on winning strategies, crew compositions, and social activities including a keg of beer and steak dinner.

Race results from the Dixie Regatta held at the Florida Yacht Club on March 18-19, 1989. Steve Callison (3784) won the regatta in light air conditions with various visiting skippers representing multiple Thistle fleets from the Carolinas and Florida.

Report on the June 17-18 Lake Erie East Districts regatta held in Berlin, Virginia with cool and unstable winds. The event featured a variety of participating sailing styles and skill levels, with competition results and organizational notes.

Report of the 15th Annual Orange Peel Regatta held at the Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville on March 18-19, 1989. The event featured diverse wind conditions, competitive racing, and social activities with results showing varied finishes across three races.

Narrative report of the Jeff Kitchin Memorial Regatta at Lake Hopatong, held annually as a low key spring racing event. The regatta benefits the cancer fund in honor of Jeff Kitchin, providing an opportunity for casual racing and fundraising.

Detailed race report from the Eight Ball Regatta hosted by Fleet #69. The regatta attracted visiting skippers from multiple Thistle fleets across the Midwest and featured two days of racing with varying wind conditions and competitive finishes. Specific race narratives and final standings are included.

Report of the May 6-7 Pasco Desert Regatta near Pasco on the Snake River, Arizona. The event featured the largest Thistle Class fleet with 25 boats competing in varied wind conditions. Reports highlight local sailing knowledge advantages, Team racing dynamics, and memorable race moments with trophy recipients listed.

Collection of classified advertisements for Thistle sailboats for sale and boat-related products and services. Includes boat listings with specifications, prices, and contact information, as well as advertisements for boat covers and instructional forms for placing classifieds.