February/March 1999

The president discusses winter sailing activities and new initiatives for the Thistle Class, including youth sailing promotion, a new Youth Sailing Committee, and a how-to notebook for new sailors. Key focuses include involvement with community organizations and preparation for upcoming national events.

An analysis of energy levels among Thistle sailors across different ages and fitness levels. The article discusses how an 'energy matrix' concept can help explain performance variations and suggests fleet-building strategies to keep sailors engaged.

An editorial addressing water safety concerns, discussing flotation devices, weather preparation, and preparations for an unexpected incident. The article highlights recent discussions on the list-serve about safety equipment and introduces additional resources on water safety.

A brief summary of results from the Midwinters West regatta held in Edenton, NC on May 1-2, showing top finishers in Championship and Presidents divisions.

Discussion of promotional materials available from the Thistle Class, including reprinted guides from the 1970s and an available collection of promotional brochures for fleet promotion.

A list of new Thistle Class members from various fleets across the United States, including boat numbers and fleet assignments.

A quiz feature asking readers to identify a person in a photograph. This issue shows an old salt casting a critical eye on the shore of his main, with the answer on page 19.

Comprehensive accommodations guide for the 1999 Thistle Nationals in Edenton, NC, listing bed and breakfast inns, motels, and camping options in the area with contact information and rates.

An overview of activities and facilities being prepared by the Edenton-Chowan Parks and Recreation Department for the 1999 Thistle Nationals, including youth activities, sports programs, and family amenities.

An invitation to participate in the 1999 Women's and Junior's Nationals in Edenton, North Carolina on July 31, 1999. The article discusses logistics for participation, encourages new sailors to join, and announces changes to race format and organization.

A comprehensive list-serve discussion on flotation systems in Thistles, covering hull flotation, personal flotation devices (PFDs), proper use and advantages of inflatable jackets, and key safety lessons learned from boating incidents.

A detailed account of a severe thunderstorm at Westport Yacht Club where Thistles were caught in dangerous conditions. The article provides practical guidance on decision-making in severe weather, proper procedures for dealing with squalls, and strategies for anchoring, rescuing, and recovering from emergencies.

A comprehensive guide to understanding capsizing in modern Thistles, examining how the introduction of flotation has changed recovery procedures and techniques. The article discusses attitudes toward capsizing, historical changes in design, and practical recovery methods.

A directory listing of district governors and their contact information for the Thistle Class Association, organized by geographic region across North America.

A reminder that Class Secretary Honey Abramson must receive correct registration by July 1, 1999 for sailors competing in the Nationals, and that skippers must have dues paid.

The answer to the photo quiz identifying Walt Stubner as a former National Champion and aerodynamicist instrumental in the development of the "super main."

A report on the thirty-first Glimmerglass Regatta held on Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York, where Eric Gesner won all five races. The article includes race results and commentary on wind conditions and competing sailors.

A report on the 1998 Pacific Northwest Districts regatta held at Yale Reservoir in Cougar, Washington, featuring eighty degree temperatures and diverse fleet of competitive boats. The article includes details on race conditions and winners.

A report on the 20th Grand Annual Regatta of the Cave Run Sailing Association held in October at Cave Run Lake in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The article describes the event atmosphere and includes race results.

A report on the Old Goats Yacht Racing Association Regatta, open to skippers over fifty years old, held at the Hoover Yacht Club in Columbus, Ohio. The article describes the race format and results.

A report on the Octoberfest regatta held by the Small Boat Racing Association at Santa Cruz Yacht Club, featuring Thistle and other small boat classes. The article describes race conditions and results.

A collection of classified advertisements and boat listings for Thistle sailboats and related equipment, including sales, refurbished boats, and miscellaneous items for the Thistle Class community.