October/November 1995

President Valla reflects on completing his term as TCA president during the 50th anniversary celebration. He thanks Dr. Tom Hubble for his work on the Nationals qualifications and acknowledges the contributions of Chris Klotz and other past presidents.

Reports on promotional efforts to grow the Thistle class through sailing activity and outreach to college sailors. Highlights success in getting new class members and recruiting college sailing teams.

Lloyd Kitchen addresses ongoing discussions about the use of exotic materials in Thistle construction, particularly carbon fiber poles for spinnakers. He reports allowing carbon fiber spinnaker poles while restricting their use to avoid performance advantages.

The outgoing editor discusses his tenure and thanks those who contributed. He also introduces the new editors, Patty and Andy Lawrence, and discusses the challenges and rewards of the editorship.

Official minutes of the Thistle Class Association Governing Board meeting held on August 6, 1995, at the Cleveland Yacht Club during the 50th anniversary Nationals. Topics include boat builder relationships, exotic materials discussion, and budgetary concerns.

Official minutes of the Thistle Class Association Annual Meeting on August 8, 1995, at the Cleveland Yacht Club. Reports from officers, financial updates, and elections for the coming year are included.

Obituary for Bill Fricker, a dedicated Thistle sailor and community figure who passed away in August 1995. Recalls his contributions to sailing and his passion for the Thistle class.

Report on the annual Damful Regatta hosted by Thistle Fleet 21 at Leatherliips Yacht Club in Columbus, Ohio. Features race results and descriptions of three races sailed in good conditions.

Report on the New Jersey District Championship held at Richmond County Yacht Club in Staten Island, New York on June 22. Highlights competitive racing in light to moderate winds and notes several strong finishers.

Regatta report from Seattle-Tacoma Thistle sailors who gathered at John Wayne Marina in July for Sequim Bay races. Details competitive sailing and social interactions among sailors from different regions.

TCA President Dave Valla won the SuperSail Regatta at Winnetka Yacht Club's 50th anniversary event in July. The regatta featured 14 boats competing under varied conditions with multiple races held.

Report on the 8th Annual Sail-A-Thon Charity Regatta held at New Castle Sailing Club, Delaware on July 22nd. Twenty-three boats participated in three races held under the Portsmouth Handicap Scoring System.

Chris Gedrose won the High Sierra Regatta in California, ending a 10-year drought. The race featured three days of competition with varied wind conditions and close competition.

Report on the Pacific Coast Championships held in San Diego Bay. Defending champion Dean Iwahashi found his way around and won again. Fred Nagel provides race analysis and notes the competitive sailing throughout the regatta.

Narrative account of the 50th Anniversary Nationals in Cleveland featuring various sailor families and multi-generational participation. Highlights include generational sailing combinations and special celebrations.

Collection of letters and notes from Thistle sailors expressing gratitude for the successful 50th anniversary celebration and Nationals event in Cleveland. Messages thank organizers, highlight memorable moments, and praise the sailing and hospitality.

Description of the social events and festivities that occurred during the 50th anniversary celebration at Cleveland, including parties, fireworks, and bagpipers.

Report on Jack Franco's winning performance at the 50th anniversary Thistle National Championships held at Cleveland Yacht Club. Franco won the championship division with consistent strong finishes.

Complete race results table for the 1995 Thistle National Championships Championship Division held in Cleveland. Lists 50 finishers with their final point totals across all races.

Complete race results table for the 1995 Thistle National Championships President's Division held in Cleveland. Lists 75 finishers with their final point totals.

Report on the 10th Annual Founders Day Regatta held August 26, 1995, at New Castle Sailing Club. Describes the history of the event and racing competition among club-owned and drawn boats.

Report on the Labor Day Regatta held at Lake Maumelle, Little Rock, Arkansas with Fleet 146. Describes three races sailed in light to non-existent breeze on Saturday with better wind on Sunday.

Combined section of classified advertisements including boats for sale, sailing equipment, services, and miscellaneous items. Includes listings for Thistles in various conditions and sailing-related products and services.