August/September 1994

The President reflects on time management and shares memories from past sailing experiences at Pensacola. He discusses the importance of cherishing moments with family on the water and reminisces about early Thistle sailing and iconic sailors from the past.

Loren Hoffman reports on the Thistle Class's 50th anniversary and congratulates new members joining the association. He highlights recent press coverage and the efforts to recruit Thistlers, noting growth in membership and successful outreach efforts including an article in Sailing World magazine.

A listing of new Thistle Class members by district and region, welcoming sailors from various geographic areas into the association.

Announcement of a service operated by the Thistle Class Association to help buyers and sellers locate used boats, supplementing the Bagpipe's classified ads with current market information.

Editor Michael Gillum discusses the challenges of publishing the Bagpipe while preparing for the 1994 Nationals, encourages readers to consider the restoration and maintenance of their Thistles, and acknowledges errors in previous issues while highlighting the need for articles on boat builders and fiberglass restoration.

Birth announcements for new arrivals in the Thistle sailing community, including congratulations from the TCA and fleet communities.

A collection of miscellaneous sailing-related items including notes on boat refurbishing, new Thistle builds, and fleet news items.

Reader letters to the editor discussing Thistle history, sailing equipment repairs, and boat maintenance advice.

Ron Schauble describes how a declining Thistle fleet in Kansas City was successfully regenerated through strategic planning, marketing, and community engagement. He outlines seven key rules that helped grow membership from zero to seven boats and attracted new sailors to the sport.

A column of letters to the Turtle mascot answering sailors' questions about Thistle sailing, offering advice on training young sailors and dealing with sailing mishaps.

Phil Davis provides a detailed account of a dangerous capsize incident at a Thistle regatta in Pasco, Washington, where poor weather conditions and inadequate rescue preparations led to a harrowing situation. He emphasizes the importance of race committee preparedness and crew safety practices.

Janet Tabor recounts a dramatic rescue operation during the Desert Regatta where her crew assisted another capsized Thistle, demonstrating the importance of preparedness and seamanship in emergency situations on the water.

Dhruva reports on the District Championships held in open Pacific waters, where Fred Nagel won the regatta with strong performances across all races, and welcomes new sailors including George Samuels to the District.

Richard Bartz reports on the Damful Regatta at Leatherlisp Yacht Club in Ohio where Kit Holzaepfel achieved consistent results and won the regatta, with special awards given to multiple winning teams and special categories.

Nancy Molitor provides a detailed account of the 1994 Dixie Regatta held in Atlanta, featuring competitive racing, camaraderie among sailors, and the crowning of Dave Valla as regatta winner with full results and highlights.

Charley Jett describes the Third Annual Thoroughbred Regatta held at Cave Run Lake in Kentucky where fourteen Thistles competed in beautiful weather, with Jim Baker dominating the finish line and multiple sailors sharing in the success.

Mark Gehlhausen reports on the annual Thistle Fleet 161 Highwater Regatta held at Lake Monroe in Bloomington, Indiana, where fourteen boats participated in perfect sailing conditions and completed multiple races.

Howard J. Kingshill describes the 14th Annual Separation Day Regatta held at New Castle, Delaware, where eight Thistle fleets competed in windy conditions with Brent Barbehenn taking top honors in the visitor category.

Bill Navarre reports on the 1994 NCAL District Championships held at Lake Almanor, California, where multiple races were completed in challenging mountain lake conditions with Kris Vogelsong and crew taking top honors.

David Hudson reports on the Adirondack Thistle Invitational held at Saratoga Lake, where Eric Gesner and crew won the event with strong performances across difficult weather conditions that tested all competitors.

Dave Dellenbaugh provides a comprehensive checklist of essential items and equipment that sailors should carry on their Thistle boats for racing and safety, reprinted from his publication Speed and Smarts.

Robert Royce describes the Great Pond Championship held at Cowan Lake in Ohio where Lawrence (Andy Lawrence) won the event with strong performances throughout, with detailed race results and competitor highlights.

Paul Reeder reports on the 1994 Pacific Northwest Districts Regatta hosted by Thistle Fleet #168 and the Columbia Basin Sailing Club, describing challenging weather conditions and competitive racing over multiple days.

A feature article on the Bagatelle event held at Cleveland Yachting Club, which moved from its traditional July dates to June to accommodate other district events. The article highlights the exciting racing and participation of new Thistle owners joining the fleet.

John Norton reports on the 1994 Long Island Sound District Championships held in July where husband-and-wife teams dominated the competition, with David Dellenbaugh taking top honors in favorable wind conditions.

A comprehensive section of classified advertisements and boat listings for sale, including miscellaneous equipment, boat covers, trailers, and services related to Thistle sailing.