December/January 1997

Incoming TCA President Mike Gillum reflects on his role models in TCA leadership and acknowledges the officers and volunteers who make the organization work, welcoming 1997 as the 52nd year of the Thistle Class Association.

New Growth and Promotion VP Ron Schauble outlines his background with the Thistle Class and introduces a new structure with multiple committees to support fleet growth, crewing coordination, youth racing promotion, and increased internet presence nationwide.

Editor Patty Lawrence reflects on what makes the Thistle Class exceptional, featuring stories of members helping John Norton through cancer treatment and Bill McNally opening his home to fellow Thistlers at the Minnesota regatta.

Three letters from Thistlers: Jack Finefrock thanks organizers of the Toucan Duet event, a reader discusses boat preservation efforts, and Lou Renner thanks Doug for creating the Toucan Duet regatta.

A profile of Rod Glover, a longtime Thistle contributor who has served in numerous leadership roles including president, national race chair, and Olympic sailing program developer. The article traces his 35+ years of involvement with the class.

Promotional page for the 1997 Midwinters East regatta scheduled for March 2-7 at St. Petersburg Yacht Club in Florida, featuring detailed schedule of races, social events, and registration information.

John Norton shares his personal story of being diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia and undergoing a bone marrow transplant, crediting the Thistle community and fellow sailors for their support during his illness.

Nationals co-chair Margaret McAllister describes the planning underway for the 1997 Nationals in San Diego, held August 2-8 at Coronado Yacht Club, detailing the exceptional weather, accommodations, and social programming being organized.

Rod Glover provides a historical perspective on the class's discussion about allowing new wooden hull construction, reviewing past debates and decisions about WEST technology and fiberglass competition.

List of new members welcomed to the Thistle Class Association by fleet, including members from Lake Erie West, Long Island Sound, Lake Michigan, Michiana, Mid America, Northern California, and Southern California fleets.

Contact list of TCA District Governors representing all regional districts including Atlantic Coast, Central Atlantic, Delta, Florida, Lake Erie East/West, Lake Michigan, Long Island Sound, Michiana, Mid America, New England, New Jersey, Niagra Frontier, Northern California, Pacific Northwest, South Atlantic, and Southern California.

Allan Gowans describes the inaugural 1996 Toucan Duet regatta at Erie Yacht Club, a new husband-wife championship concept featuring two-handed teams. The article includes event details, participant results, and discussion of making it an annual tradition.

A comprehensive Q&A roundtable with nine top Nationals competitors discussing their preparation, racing strategy, boat setup, mental approach, and performance at the 1996 Nationals regatta.

Technical article by Doug Laber describing how to build an inexpensive, simple cradle for storing and maintaining a Thistle, featuring detailed materials list and construction diagrams.

Ron Schauble provides guidance on how to participate in local boat shows as an opportunity to promote the Thistle Class, attract new members, and display boats to the public.

Three teenage Thistle sailors from Miami set an all-time club record speed at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club's annual Elliott Key Rendezvous, breaking the previous record by over 11 minutes on a 15-nautical mile course.

Justin Busbey reports on the Blowhard Regatta at Cowan Lake in Cincinnati, where Art Zur Muhlen won with consistent seconds, followed by John Bright and Bruce Busbey in third place.

Steve Lavender of Winnetka, Illinois dominates Sturgeon Bay's Fall Thistle Regatta with consistent first-place finishes in light winds, aided by crew including Carl Aavik and Angela Canda.

Bruce Busbey recounts his trip to Minnesota for the Fuzzy Fish Regatta, describing the camaraderie with local fleet members and the memorable sailing experience on a northern lake.

Mike Ingram wins the 29th annual Glimmerglass Regatta at Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York with consistent first-place finishes, followed by strong performances from other top competitors.

After a six-year hiatus, the Fair Haven Yacht Club welcomes Thistle sailors back for their annual regatta, with Charlie Murphy taking first place in conditions that shifted throughout the weekend.

Neal Deaves of Louisville won the Fleet 16's Annual High Water Regatta on Lake Monroe, sailing single-handed with four races in light air on the rescheduled September event.

Classified listings for boat sales, miscellaneous items including sails, boat covers, photography services, and advertising information for the Bagpipe magazine.

Promotional page for the new COACH TCA program launching at 1997 MidWinters East in St. Petersburg, Florida, featuring coaching from top Thistle sailors and daily learning activities.