February-March 2001

Announcement of the second annual Bagpipe photo contest for the 2001 sailing season. Editors invite readers to submit photos of Thistle boats and sailors with a deadline in October 2001, with the prize being a future Bagpipe cover.

A detailed account of sailing a Thistle solo down the Hudson River from Albany to Nyack in July 2000. The author describes challenges including current management, light winds, strong winds, sleeping arrangements aboard the boat, and encounters with helpful sailors and river hazards over the 101 nautical mile journey.

President's column discussing the importance of winter planning for the class and fleet. Addresses updates to the Green Book (constitution, bylaws), an inquiry about producing new wooden Thistles, fleet-level planning, and encouragement for members to attend the 2001 Nationals at Macatawa Bay.

Chief Measurer discusses an inquiry from wooden boat builder Brion Reiff about producing plywood Thistles using modern adhesives. Outlines proposed standards for wood hull construction to ensure one-design control and uniformity, including specifications for hull lay-up, fixture requirements, and measurement procedures.

Feature article about sailing Thistles in the Arizona desert at Lake Pleasant during the Arizona Yacht Club's Invitational regatta. Describes the unique challenges of desert sailing including shifting winds, the lake's changing water levels, competing boats, and the crew's experience racing in unfamiliar conditions while encountering wildlife and navigating the colorful landscape.

Comprehensive educational article about sailing rules and protest procedures, focusing on redress mechanisms. Explains the four criteria for writing rules, different types of protest committee hearings, the concept of standing, and detailed redress procedures with concrete examples of when redress should and should not be granted.

Technical article comparing the three distinct Thistle sail designs offered by North Sails: the Northwest cut, the Ched cut, and the Greg cut. Includes detailed specifications on sail construction, visual differences, and input from top sailors on how to sail each design in various wind conditions.

Profile of Georgia Lomax, new Bagpipe staff member who provides final editing of all articles. Highlights her background as a librarian and newspaper reporter, her sailing experience on Flathead Lake in Montana, and her active role in the Seattle Thistle fleet.

Brief thank you note from Honey Abramson expressing appreciation for her retirement gift presented at the 2000 Sayville Nationals, and acknowledging the wonderful relationships she has made through her years in the Thistle class.

Announcement for the Indianapolis Sailing Club's 8-Ball Regatta scheduled for April 21-22. Highlights racing format, social activities, camping facilities, childcare, and special junior teams incentives.

Historical anecdote from the 1950s Nationals in Connecticut about champion sailor Sandy Douglass who received new sails from sailmaker Howard Boston that unexpectedly performed poorly, causing him to trail in the fleet. Douglass returned to his old sails and returned to winning form.

Report on the 2000 Lake Erie Thistle Fall Series featuring seven regattas held from September through October. Tom Hubbell won the overall series, with Jack Finefrock and other top sailors excelling at various events on reservoirs across Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Race report from the Kayaderosseras Cup East Coast Fall Series event held August 26-27 at Saratoga Lake Sailing Club. Nineteen boats participated in five well-run races, with Chris Murphy winning the series, followed by Eric Gesner and John Baker. The report includes race-by-race details and concludes with complete results.

Race report from the second annual Lumberjack Regatta at Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks, August 19-20. Fourteen Thistles participated in challenging gusty and shifty conditions over five races. Eric Gesner won the regatta, Charlie Murphy finished second, and Elmer Richards placed third.

Comprehensive overview of the 2000 East Coast Fall Series, a nine-regatta championship held from August through October. Reports on 79 total teams competing, average attendance of 16+ boats per regatta, innovative race management techniques, varied conditions, strong hospitality, and memorable social events. Includes complete series summary table and entertaining superlatives.

Race report from the Fontelieu Invitational held September 30 - October 1 at Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, Connecticut. Nineteen Thistles competed in predominantly light wind conditions on Sunday after Saturday's races were cancelled. Chris Pollak won the regatta with John Baker second and Dave Foster third.

Race report from the 21st annual Delripett Regatta held October 21-22 on the Delaware River at New Castle Sailing Club. Fourteen Thistles from six states competed in variable wind and current conditions. Chris Murphy (3921) won the regatta, Charlie Murphy finished second, and Chris Annand took third.

Race report from the Sint-Sinck Regatta held October 14-15 at Shattemuc Yacht Club on the Hudson River. Eighteen Thistles from five states competed in light, variable wind conditions. Chris Murphy dominated Saturday racing with three races completed, while Sunday was largely abandoned due to insufficient wind.

Summary table of all nine East Coast Fall Series regattas with dates, locations, wind conditions, number of races, boat counts, and top five finishers. Includes superlatives recognizing memorable characters and incidents from the series.

Classified advertisements section featuring boats for sale, sails, and miscellaneous equipment. Includes listings for three Thistle boats and various used sails and gear available to Thistle class members.