August-September 2000

North Sails advertisement highlighting the success of their sails at the 2000 Thistle Midwinters, featuring top sailors and promoting their one-design expertise and customer service.

Announcement that Carol and Trudy Hudson will take over as Secretary-Treasurer from Honey Abramson, effective October 1. The Thistle Class office will be closed during the transition.

Profile of Fleet 13 at Mission Bay Yacht Club, San Diego, featuring the light air sailing conditions, competitive sailors, and the club's recent selection as small boat yacht club of the year. Discusses the growth of the fleet and the annual hosting of Midwinters West.

Message from TCA President Paul Jordan (3755) addressing the upcoming Nationals, discussing challenges facing the class including rising gas prices and the need for leadership development and volunteer recruitment.

Technical history of Thistle centerboard evolution from wooden boards with lead tips through modern fiberglass construction, discussing failures, design improvements, and the development of super boards with better structural integrity.

Personal memoir of sailing with astronaut Pete Conrad in the early 1960s, including the gift of a St. Christopher's medal that Conrad carried to space, and his kindness toward the author's injured son during his recovery.

History of the W.D. Schock boat building company from 1946 to present, focusing on their construction of approximately 300 Thistles from 1959-1974, and the distinctive features of Schock-built boats.

Regatta report for the 2000 Dixie Regatta held at Atlanta Yacht Club on Lake Allatoona with 42 Thistles, featuring a Gilligan's Island theme. Rob Spring won overall, with Kyle Finefrock second and Scott Griffin third. Includes race results and commentary on the competition.

Personal anecdote about a capsize incident during an early spring regatta while sailing boat 3459, with a humorous recounting of the events leading up to the capsize and its aftermath.

Technical article explaining how heeling produces weather helm in Thistles, using force diagrams to illustrate the interaction between aerodynamic and hydrodynamic forces and their effect on boat balance and rudder control.

Call for photo submissions to the Bagpipe magazine for potential color publication, with an October 31 deadline and the winning photo to appear on the Dec/Jan cover.

Announcement of a coaching session to be held at Indianapolis Sailing Club on August 19-20, 2000, featuring lectures, discussions, and short course races to help skippers and crews improve their performance.

Obituary for Bill Brod (3699), a long-time Portland, Oregon fleet member and class supporter who passed away July 5 after a long battle with cancer, remembered for his sailing skills and contributions to the class.

Report on the 2000 Damful Regatta held May 13 at Leatherlips Yacht Club, Columbus, Ohio, with 20 boats competing. Tim Boucher won overall with consistent performance throughout the series, followed by Tom Hubbell and Noel Thurber.

Report on the 2000 Michiana District Championship held June 3-4 at Lake Monroe Sailing Association in Bloomington, Indiana with 25 boats from seven fleets. Bruce King dominated the series with three red chevrons, while Cowan Lake Fleet 65 participated for the first time.

Report on the Great Lakes Interdistricts held at Carlyle Lake in southern Illinois with 25 boats. Despite light air conditions, Bruce King won consistently, with Steve Lavender second and Bryan Jerman third.

Report on the Long Island Sound/New England District Championships held June 10-11 at Cottage Park Yacht Club in Boston, Massachusetts with 23 boats. Paul Jon Patin won overall, Brad Thompson won the LIS championship, and Scott Milnes won the NE championship.

Report on the PNW District Championships held June 3-4 in Seattle with 22 boats. Dane Winchester dominated the regatta with five wins across six races. Other winners included Evert Slijper for the Larry Hanson trophy and Doug Stumberger as novice champion.

Report on the Adirondack Thistle Invitational held June 17-18 on Lake Saratoga in northern New York with almost 30 boats. E. Gesner won the regatta, with conditions varying from moderate to unpredictable. Includes anecdotes about crew attire confusion and wind conditions.

Report on the 9th annual Thoroughbred Regatta held May 13-14 on Cave Run Lake in Morehead, Kentucky with 11 sailors. Ed Spengeman won convincingly across five races, with David Bauer second and Will Lyons third. The regatta memorialized Charlie Jett with a tree and bench.

Report on the Pacific Coast Championships held over Memorial Day weekend at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club in Long Beach, California with 18 Thistles competing for the Althaus Perpetual Trophy. Mike Gillum won the series, with Dane Winchester second and Chris Gedrose third. Detailed description of six-race championship competition.

Report on the Sene-Canoe Regatta held June 10-11 on Seneca Lake in Geneva, New York with 15 Thistles. Doug Kaukeinen won the regatta, with Eric Gesner second and Doc Gates third. Features good winds, excellent hospitality, and anecdotes about sailing conditions.

Report on the 2000 Rob Roy Regatta held May 13 on Swift Creek Reservoir at Greater Richmond Sailing Association in Richmond, Virginia with 9 boats. Bruce Gosse won two of three races and the regatta, with Michael Parramore second and Doug Watson third. Features discussion of variable weather conditions.

Classified advertisements section featuring boats for sale, equipment and services, including used Thistles and miscellaneous sailing equipment and accessories.