October/November 1997

Outgoing president Mike Gillum thanks the many people who helped make his year successful, particularly his wife Mardi. He praises the dedication of class officers and thanks Honey Abramson as Secretary-Treasurer. He congratulates Tom Hubbell as the incoming president and Patty Lawrence as First Vice President.

Recognition of Thistle Class members for their contributions and service to the class during 1997, organized by membership category.

Ron Schauble discusses the momentum and growth in the Thistle class, including new fleet additions and the increase in web presence and inquiries. He encourages participation in regattas at all levels and highlights the importance of making sailing accessible and fun for all.

Listing of new Thistle Class members joining from various regions in 1997.

Editor Patty Lawrence reflects on her first issue and the privilege of editing the Bagpipe. She thanks contributors and acknowledges the transition to new editors John and Carol Hudson, expressing confidence in their capabilities.

Profile of John Hudson as the new editor of the Bagpipe, detailing his sailing background and family involvement in the Thistle class spanning multiple generations.

Collection of announcements and reminders for Thistle class members, including important dates for 1998, information about fleet meetings, and details on sending contributions to the Bagpipe.

Profile of Bill and Jan MacLean, long-time Thistle sailors who have been instrumental in the class's development, highlighting their sailing accomplishments, contributions, and family involvement spanning decades.

Photo captions and brief descriptions of moments and activities from Nationals event social gatherings and racing.

Technical article on sail setup and usage of the Fisher Cut North main sail for Thistle racing, including details on how to adjust the sail for different wind and water conditions.

Article warning potential wooden Thistle boat buyers about the pitfalls and costs of owning and restoring wooden boats, with advice on measurement rules and avoiding non-compliant boats.

Regatta report from the Fern Ridge Lake Memorial Day regatta in Eugene, Oregon, describing challenging weather conditions with hail, heavy winds, and dramatic weather changes during the racing.

Obituary notices for two Thistle Class members, George Dornin and Bill Calhoun.

Photo feature introducing new skippers (children) to the Thistle Class Association.

Advertisement for a new jibsheet cleat product designed specifically for Thistle Class sailing.

Humorous poem in the style of "The Night Before Christmas," but told from the perspective of a Thistle sailor with a red hull racing against white boats.

Humorous short story about a fictional WWII cargo ship's crew building and using a Thistle sailboat, discovering the ship's carpenter's hidden boat design skills and the therapeutic value of sailing.

Results table from the 1997 Thistle National Championships held in San Diego, showing final standings and scores for all competitors across seven races.

Report on the 1997 Thistle National Championships' President's Division racing in San Diego, describing daily wind conditions and highlights from three days of racing.

Narrative account of the 1997 Thistle National Championships in San Diego, describing the overall experience, racing highlights, social activities, and the sense of camaraderie among fleet members.

Thank you message and listing of sponsors who supported the 1997 Thistle National Championships in San Diego.

Results from the 1997 Women's National Championship and Junior National Championship, including standings and a song written for the event.

Photographic display of prize winners and award recipients from the 1997 Thistle National Championships, showing finishers in various divisions and special categories.

Minutes from the Thistle Class Association Annual Meeting held in San Diego, including officer reports, financial updates, and class business discussions.

Minutes from the Thistle Class Governing Board meeting held before the Annual Meeting, covering financial reports, administrative updates, and policy discussions.

Technical article on how to straighten bent aluminum Thistle masts using hydraulic jacks and proper support techniques.

Report from the Niagara Frontier District Championship held at Otsego Sailing Club, with race results and trophy winner information.

Report from the 1997 Thistle Great Lakes Regatta held at Seneca Yacht Club near Geneva, New York, with description of racing conditions and social events.

Complete results table from the 1997 Great Lakes Championship regatta showing final standings across five races.

Report from the Long Island Sound District Championship with analysis of weather challenges and race committee decisions.

Report from New Jersey District races held on Lake Nockamixon, describing competitive sailing conditions and results.

Report from the 40th Admiral Farragut Regatta at Concord Yacht Club, describing racing conditions and social activities.

Report from the 25th annual Winnetka Super Sail Regatta held with perfect sailing conditions and festive evening events.

Report from New Castle Sailing Club's Delaware Sail-A-Thon charity regatta held on the Delaware River.

Collection of classified advertisements and listings for Thistle boats, parts, equipment, and services.