October/November 1993

President Krafft reflects on the successful 1993 Nationals at Oak Harbor, highlighting strong participation and positive fleet conditions. He expresses gratitude to committee members and race organizers, and shares optimism about the future of the Thistle Class despite economic challenges facing boat builders.

DeLorenzo discusses efforts to promote fleet growth and development, drawing on ideas from a yearbook concept that emphasizes diverse sailing experiences. He suggests publishing a yearly fleet-focused issue of the Bagpipe and gathering fleet reporting data to showcase activities across the Class.

Molitor honors Bob Gregory, a beloved Class member who died in 1983, by recounting ten years of the Bob Gregory Award tradition. The article describes the award's creation, its evolution, and a new development where Gregory's children are preparing his old boat for sailing.

Valla reflects on concluding his two-year tenure as Bagpipe editor. He expresses gratitude to the many contributors, particularly to Honey Abramson, the outgoing Secretary-Treasurer, whose support has been invaluable in maintaining the magazine's quality and coherence.

Gillum, the incoming Bagpipe editor, addresses the Thistle community. He thanks committee members and colleagues who supported the 1993 Nationals, acknowledges the Race Committee's efforts, and solicits article contributions and regatta reports for future issues of the magazine.

Gowans recounts a harrowing cross-country trailering trip from Oak Harbor to Columbia, South Carolina where a trailer failure caused a Thistle to break loose and nearly crash into following vehicles. The article emphasizes the importance of pre-trip trailer maintenance and preparedness for emergencies.

Event announcement and registration information for the 1994 Midwinters West regatta hosted by Thistle Fleet 13 and Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, scheduled for January 13-16, 1994.

Macheski describes a unique opportunity for Nyack Boat Club members to participate in the filming of a Disney movie at Sterling Lake, including sailing in scenes with actor Robert Redford. The article chronicles the selection process, boat preparations, and the experience of being part of a major film production.

Official meeting minutes from the Thistle Class Association's annual meeting covering officer reports, flotation proposals, and various committee discussions regarding boat safety and Class operations.

Graul provides detailed instructions for repurposing an old Thistle mast into useful items, featuring innovative projects like a floor lamp, desk organizer, and decorative pieces made from the mast materials.

Detailed minutes from the Thistle Class Association Governing Board meeting covering flotation requirements for wooden boats, trophy discussions, referendum results, and discussions of measurement and structural issues.

Mortimore covers the 1993 Nationals championship held at Oak Harbor, describing the challenging sailing conditions, particularly the wind patterns and water conditions. Draheim's victory is detailed with analysis of racing tactics and conditions.

Photo gallery and captions celebrating the top finishers in the 1993 Nationals championship, including winners and their crews.

Photo gallery of various trophy winners and honorees from the 1993 Nationals and associated events.

Tompkins reports on the Niagara Frontier Fall Regatta hosted at Seneca Lake with challenging wind and racing conditions. The regatta featured eager sailors and included social events with wine and sailing-related entertainment.

Graul reports on the 1993 Lake Michigan District Championship at Sturgeon Bay where Jerry Ruffolo of Kenosha won the event. The article covers the competition format and outcomes of the race committee's work.

Herndon reports on the 55th annual Mid-States Regatta at Island Bay Yacht Club where Dave Valla won with stellar finishes. The article describes the light-to-medium wind conditions and social activities surrounding the event.

The Howells describe the first Sail Bear Charity Regatta at Big Bear Lake in Southern California where 57 Thistles participated. The event featured challenging racing conditions and was designed to promote sailing on the lake while supporting a charitable cause.

Bernd covers the Atlantic Coast Championships held over three days with challenging racing conditions including strong winds and competitive racing. The event included social activities and sponsorship from North Sails and Atlantic Amber Ale.

Bernd reports on the Long Island Districts held at Sayville Yacht Club with three races featuring excellent conditions and competitively sailed events with strong finishes by several skippers.

Kingshill reports on the eighth consecutive Founders Day Regatta at New Castle where eight club-owned Thistles participated in a fun event commemorating the founding of the New Castle Sailing Club on the Delaware River.

Jett provides a humorous perspective from the back of the fleet during the Cave Run Thoroughbred Regatta at Cave Run Lake in Kentucky. The article describes the challenging sailing conditions and experiences of newer and less competitive sailors.

Collection of classified advertisements for Thistle boats for sale, parts, services, and merchandise. Includes listings for various Thistle models with descriptions of condition, equipment, and contact information.