April/May 1993

President Krafft discusses the upcoming sailing season and emphasizes safety precautions for cold water sailing, including the buddy system, checking flotation, and offering assistance to boats in trouble. He highlights Midwinters East and the Thistle Class participation in the 1993 Nationals.

DeLorenzo highlights the selection of Peter Dickinson as the Growth and Promotion Award winner and discusses strategies for growing the fleet through activities, participation in fleet events, fleet newsletters, sailing with other skippers, and understanding that winning is secondary to the social experience of one-design sailing.

Chris Klotz reports on the Midwinters East Regatta, noting technical issues with masts and equipment. He discusses broken masts, forestay failures, and other problems encountered, along with recommendations for maintenance and repair including vang adjustments, boom positioning, and proper centerboard handling.

Editor Dave Valla reflects on the successful 1993 regattas, including Midwinters West and Midwinters East. He notes plans for the 50th anniversary celebration and 1995 Nationals, and solicits reader feedback. He also discusses an important notice about measurement certificates needed for Nationals qualification.

Minutes from the TCA Board of Governors meeting at St. Petersburg Yacht Club covering topics including brochure development, video production, advertising strategy, TCA insurance updates, site selections for 1994 and 1995 Nationals, US Sailing participation, and various rule changes and policy decisions.

Charlie Krafft recounts the Thistle Class's successful participation in the American Sail Advancement Program's ASAP Sail Expo '93 in Atlantic City. The event attracted thousands, including the Thistle Class booth with Mark Miller's boat display and the McGrath Thistle video, which received positive feedback from various one-design classes.

Peter Dickinson discusses strategies for growing Thistle fleets, including getting boats R&D'd and TCA Dues-Paid, reaching out to inactive boat owners, involvement of local fleets, and the importance of personal commitment by Fleet Captains and involved members to achieve meaningful growth.

James Poirson recounts his first year of Thistle racing, beginning with the challenge of learning technical details and fleet practices. He shares his competitive experience at multiple races, technical lessons learned, racing objectives, and his overall growth as a new skipper in the Thistle Class.

An ex-Whistler retired to the Pacific Northwest provides suggestions for Thistlers planning to attend the 1993 Nationals at Oak Harbor. The article describes attractions in the Whidbey Island area, including South Whidbey, Deception Pass State Park, and nearby cruising and vacation opportunities.

Sharon Bernd announces that Westport, Connecticut will host the 1993 Atlantic Coast Championships at Cedar Point Yacht Club on July 16-18. She describes Cedar Point's excellent facilities and reputation as a breeding ground for Thistle national champions and invites sailors to participate in the regatta.

Detailed report of Chief Measurer Chris Klotz on Green Book changes and revisions approved at the 1992 Nationals. Covers constitutional articles, official measurements, parts and materials specifications, and builder approval processes for Thistle boats.

Summary of significant US Sailing rule changes effective April 1, 1993, including changes to mast abeam definition, individual recall procedures, banned substances, contact between yachts, serious damage rules, and setting and sheeting sails.

Doug Laber describes how micro adjusters with dual hole spacing can provide fine control over shroud tension and rig adjustment, enabling more precise tuning than traditional methods. He includes photos and technical explanation of how the vernier effect works.

Clint Chamberlain details a cruising adventure aboard his Thistle on the Potomac River in June 1968, including detailed log entries of the journey with observations about sailing conditions, navigation, fishing, meals, and encounters with other boats.

Classified advertisements and marketplace listings including Thistle boats for sale, boat-building and repair services, sails and equipment for sale, and various used Thistle listings with prices and contact information.