October/November 1998

The retiring Class President reflects on expertise and decision-making in sailing. Hubbell discusses how expert skippers make intuitive decisions and contrasts this with analytical approaches, suggesting that experience builds a reflex response rather than conscious analysis.

Growth and Promotion director outlines key principles for organizing fleet activities. Schauble presents a framework using acronyms (P.A.M.S.C.C.F., SMA, C&C) to help skippers and clubs build enthusiasm and participation in Thistle activities through consistent planning, marketing, and fun.

The editor praises the organization of the 1998 Nationals at Racine Yacht Club, noting excellent facilities and services. Hudson also highlights improvements to the Bagpipe, including online submissions and expanded media presence, and thanks retiring President Tom Hubbell for his guidance.

Pete Milnes expresses gratitude to the Thistle community for their support during his recent surgery and hospitalization. He thanks numerous friends for sending well wishes, prayers, and visits during his recovery.

The Class announces a new shared skippering option for Midwinters events, allowing multiple skippers to share one boat. This initiative was tested at Midwinters East and will expand for the 1999 events.

Coach-TCA sailing course continues at Midwinters East with on-shore and afloat instruction for advanced beginner to mid-fleet sailors. The course provides immersion training with daily talks and demonstrations.

Minutes from the August 10, 1998 Governing Board meeting at Racine, covering rule changes, new builders, measurement discussions, and class governance issues including women's sailing and starting solutions.

Minutes from the August 11, 1998 Annual Meeting covering membership, finances, fleet operations, new officers, and future Nationals planning.

Discussion from the Thistle ListServ about compass systems for detecting lifts and headers. Topics covered include tactical vs. traditional compasses, digital compass options, and concerns about technical aids in racing.

A profile of the Duckworth family's extensive involvement in Thistle sailing over 45 years. The article chronicles Ed and Katie Duckworth's introduction to the class, their multiple boats, family members' participation, and significant contributions to racing and community.

Technical article explaining how to use a compass with a simple one-number system for consistent boat handling. Miller describes the "magic number" method that allows crews to remember just one number to track upwind progress and course changes.

Comprehensive report of the 1998 Nationals at Racine Yacht Club covering registration, race conditions throughout the week, social events, and detailed results. The article chronicles each day's racing and wind conditions.

Report on the Presidents Division at 1998 Nationals describing challenging race conditions and David Foster's victory with Dale Hinman and Dave Valla.

Complete race results table for the 1998 Thistle National Championship and Presidents Division showing placement by boat number and cumulative scores.

Results table for the 1998 Thistle Women's National Championship and Junior National Championship.

Report on the Great Lakes Championship held at Crescent Sail Yacht Club in July. Ched Proctor demonstrated consistency throughout the regatta with strong boat handling in varying wind conditions.

Report on the Labor Day weekend Flathead Lake Regatta in Montana at North Flathead Yacht Club. The event featured six races in pleasant weather with shifts and light breezes.

Detailed report of the second annual Kayaderosseras Cup regatta held in late August at Saratoga Lake Sailing Club. The event featured challenging conditions with wind shifts and several memorable moments from racing and social activities.

Collection of classified advertisements for Thistle boats, equipment, services, and crew-related items. Includes listings for boats for sale, parts and supplies, repair services, and various Thistle-related products and services.