August/September 1992

North Sails advertisement featuring Greg Fisher and Ched Proctor as dedicated competitive Thistlers who share their sailing knowledge. The company offers two proven winning sail designs and emphasizes personal service for Thistle sailors.

MacLean discusses TCA's progress with new boat builders and Thistlers, promotional successes, and upcoming major regattas including the 1993 Nationals in Oak Harbor and 1995 50th Anniversary Nationals. He emphasizes family participation and the importance of Captains and District Governors in communication.

Gowans discusses promotion ideas for the Thistle class, including calendar sales and creative marketing approaches. He shares a story about refurbishing an old boat and running a regatta at Lake Erie, encouraging creative promotion from fleet members.

Editor Valla discusses editorial goals for the Bagpipe magazine, including the popular Dozen Series column. He notes plans for the 50th Thistle Anniversary and 1995 Nationals, encouraging member participation in content ideas.

A listing of new Thistle class members organized by region, welcoming them to the association across multiple fleets and districts.

Information about upcoming October regattas, including the Crescent Sail Yacht Club's annual icebreaker on Lake St. Clair and the Mint Julep Cup at Louisville. Details about past winners, lodging, and participation opportunities are provided.

Jerman provides a comprehensive system for evaluating used Thistle boats, with detailed scoring matrices for hull, spars, foils, rudder, and other components. The system helps buyers determine realistic values and assess potential refurbishment costs.

Dryden argues that physical fitness is important for Thistle sailing success but emphasizes that sailing requires different strengths than other sports. He provides specific exercises tailored to improve sailing performance and offers practical training advice.

Mortimore promotes Oak Harbor, Washington as the host location for the 1993 Nationals, highlighting the beautiful scenery, sailing conditions, and local attractions including the San Juan Islands, cultural venues, and outdoor activities.

Jett reports on the Thoroughbred Regatta held at Cave Run Lake in Kentucky where 12 Thistle skippers competed. The weather was threatening initially but cleared for good racing with three races completed and different winners.

Lawrence reports on the Mohican Rendezvous held in June at Charles Mills Reservoir in Ohio. Fleet 23 members hosted an excellent regatta with good food and racing, with Lawrence and Jones competing closely throughout.

Gillum reports on the West Coast Interdistrics held at Long Beach where 22 Thistlers converged for close racing with teams competing for first position throughout.

Kingshill reports on the Plymouth Handicap Regatta where 20 boats answered the call by New Castle Sailing Club to compete for five trophies. Light winds and a competitive course provided keen racing for the seven classes.

Arrow reports on the Lake Michigan district regatta held on Lake Springfield where 17 boats participated. Conditions started light but improved, with close racing and several position changes throughout the day.

Wilde provides a brief report on the Fourth of July weekend sailing series at Otsego Sailing Club where he placed first, with various other competitors finishing in the top positions.

Hudson reports on the Adirondack Invitational at Saratoga Lake where 26 Thistlers from multiple regions competed over two days with tight competition resulting in awards for top finishers.

Glover reports on the Central Southern Interdistrics held at Rush Creek Yacht Club in Dallas where Bill Draheim won with two first places using good tactics and boat handling against other top competitors.

Pollard reports on the Holiday-in-Dixie Regatta at Shreveport where 85 boats competed. James Moffett and crew dominated the racing, winning the regatta with multiple wins, while other strong competitors finished close behind.

Molitor reports on the 1992 Dixie Regatta held at Atlanta where Loy Vaughan won after strong competition. The regatta is a traditional Southern sailing event with a focus on fleet participation and camaraderie.

Lawrence reports on the Cowan Lake Great Pond Championship where 20 boats competed with cool temperatures and good wind. Clover won the championship with consistent performances, followed by Lawrence and Millholland.

Pollard reports on the Delta Districts held at Shreveport Yacht Club with excellent racing and competition. The event featured an informal "Ask the Experts" session where race leaders explained their strategies.

Mortimore provides a humorous account of the Desert Regatta held at Ice Harbor Reservoir, with amusing anecdotes about capsizes, protests, and unconventional racing on a remote lake.

Winslow reports on the Battle Creek Sprints where seven Thistles competed in light winds with close racing. The event featured excellent food and was won by Valla with Harvey and Gehlhausen finishing close behind.

Gehlhausen reports on the Highwater Regatta at Lake Monroe where 24 Thistlers gathered for a well-hosted event. Multiple fleets contributed to organizing and supporting the regatta with excellent participation.

Classified advertisements and boat for sale listings from Thistle class members, including used boats, parts, and services. Includes information on back issue photocopying, association addressing services, and various boat-related products and sales.