June/July 1999

President Lawrence discusses sailing as a unique family sport where children and parents can participate equally, highlighting the importance of women's and junior nationals, and emphasizing family crew opportunities and inclusive participation.

Schauble offers practical marketing strategies for promoting Thistles during summer season, including developing standard responses to common questions, creating promotional materials for prospects, and organizing follow-up systems to convert interest into actual boat purchases.

Hudson explains the often-unrecognized work of race committee members, regatta staff, and volunteers who organize Thistle events, highlighting various awards that recognize their contributions and emphasizing that regatta success depends on behind-the-scenes efforts.

Financial report for the Thistle Class Association for fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, showing revenues of $65,902 and expenses of $75,791, resulting in a deficit of $9,889.

List of new Thistle Class Association members for the reporting period, including their names, districts, fleet assignments, and boat numbers.

Profile of Charley Jett, a legendary Thistle sailor from Kentucky who has significantly shaped the class through fleet development, regatta promotion, and mentorship, particularly in the Cave Run area and throughout the Thistle circuit.

Detailed report of the St. Pete Laser regatta disaster and subsequent Midwinters East competition, describing challenging weather conditions including sewage contamination, shifting winds, and variable course management that tested competitor skills throughout the week.

Complete race results table for the Thistle Midwinters East regatta held February 28 - March 5, 1999 at St. Petersburg Yacht Club, featuring 60 competitors across divisions with low point scoring and tie-breaker rules.

Photo presentation of trophy winners from the 1999 Midwinters East regatta, featuring championship division, top Florida fleet competitors, B division winners, and special awards recipients.

Description of the social events and activities at Midwinters East, including food, entertainment, and family participation, with highlight on the Tuesday night musicale and various recreational activities offered to attendees.

Profile of Pete Milnes' Darlene Clark Award for exemplifying fun, fellowship and family spirit within the Thistle Class, highlighting his contributions to the social fabric of Midwinters East and the broader Thistle community.

Tribute to Jan MacLean for the Ted Tolson Award recognizing her outstanding contributions to Midwinters East through photography, writing, and volunteer work organizing regatta activities and recognizing participants.

Discussion thread from Thistle Class list-serve examining practical solutions for transporting Thistles to regattas, comparing various tow vehicles and trailers with their respective advantages and disadvantages for different sailing situations.

Comprehensive technical guide to selecting and maintaining tow vehicles and trailers for Thistles, covering vehicle power requirements, transmission types, cooling systems, brake selection, weight distribution, and trailer specifications to ensure safe and reliable boat transportation.

Information and registration details for the 1999 Thistle National Championships held in Edenton, North Carolina on July 31-August 6, including divisions, participation requirements, crew arrangements, and childcare services.

Report of the Damful Regatta held at Leatherips Yacht Club in Columbus in May, where Kit Holzaepfel demonstrated competitive sailing skills with excellent starts and consistent finishes despite challenging conditions and wind variations.

Report of the Seattle Rendezvous regatta held in the Pacific Northwest, describing close racing competition between Balsiger, Tucker, and Lettenmaier with variable wind conditions and strategic tactical decisions determining the outcomes of multiple races.

Classified advertisements and boat listings for Thistle Class sailboats, equipment, and services including complete boats for sale, parts, sails, and professional services.