February/March 2002

The Seattle Fleet Regatta was held on Puget Sound as the first race in the 2001 Pacific Northwest District circuit. Fourteen Thistles competed in challenging conditions with shifting winds. Terry Lettenmaier won the series with Pat Schirmer in second and Dane Winchester in third.

Fleet 79 hosted the 39th annual Old Goat Regatta on Lake Lanier in September 2001, attracting 31 Thistles from eight states—the largest turnout in recent memory. Greg Griffin won the regatta with impressive consistency despite difficult shifting conditions across two days of racing.

The 2002 Thistle Nationals will be held at Eugene Yacht Club in Oregon from July 28 to August 2. The event promises great racing with predictable thermal winds, a true Thistle-style club and facilities, warm fresh water, and excellent weather.

The President discusses the upcoming Midwinters events and the Coach TCA program, emphasizing the class's tradition of sharing knowledge and voluntary coaching. He also highlights the work being done to prepare for the 2002 Nationals in Eugene, Oregon.

A comprehensive memo about floatation requirements in Thistle boats, examining the history of floatation specs, recent proposals to increase minimums from 750 lbs to 1000 lbs, and the practical considerations around crew safety and boat performance. The Chief Measurer's committee is studying whether to recommend increased floatation requirements.

A reprint from the May-June 1969 Bagpipe describing wind patterns and sailing conditions at Fern Ridge Reservoir in Oregon, the site of the 2002 Nationals. The article explains typical summer wind patterns and special conditions sailors should expect.

A detailed how-to article describing the step-by-step process of building a wooden boom for a Thistle. The article covers material selection, routing the sail groove, lamination, shaping, finishing, and drilling attachment holes.

A report on New Castle Sailing Club's 14th Annual March of Dimes Benefit, which drew 22 boats including 10 Thistles. Erik Grau, Dick Harrison and Bryan Case took the top three places, with all top ten finishers being Thistles. The event raised over $1000 for the March of Dimes.

A comprehensive listing of Thistle Class Association regattas scheduled for April and May 2002 across the United States, organized by date and location, with race committee chair contact information.

An article about improving boat speed in one-design sailing, debunking common sailing myths and providing practical advice for developing speed through proper boat tuning, equipment, and training. Includes discussion of speed measurement tools and the importance of training partners.

A report on the 2001 Niagara Frontier Districts held in July on Lake Ontario with 24 participants. Eric Gesner won all three races demonstrating superior boat handling, with Doug Kaukenien and Bob Bryant finishing second and third. The regatta featured challenging downwind conditions with large waves.

The Portland Traveling Regatta at Yale Lake featured unusually shifty and fluky wind conditions, with 23 boats competing. Dane Winchester won the overall series with impressive consistency on Sunday, while Terry Lettenmaier won Saturday's races but couldn't maintain the lead.

The editor discusses the content of the February/March issue, including articles on boat speed, building a wood boom, and the regatta schedule. The editor also explains the Bagpipe production schedule, the editor transition, and updates on printing procedures.

A column on fleet building and growth, featuring profiles of Thistle communities in Columbus, Tulsa, Florence, and Berlin. The author encourages sharing success stories and strategies for growing participation in the class across different regions.

A report on the wedding of former Thistle Class president Chris Klotz and Antoinette Falk held in St. Petersburg, Florida on January 12, 2002. Several Thistle sailors and past presidents attended the ceremony and reception.

Comprehensive results and report of the 2001 East Coast Fall Series featuring 73 different skippers competing in multiple regattas. John Baker won the overall championship, with Charlie Kreitler in second and Eric Gesner in third. Multiple regatta results included from Annapolis, Delrippit, Lake Hopatcong, and other venues.

A collection of classified advertisements for Thistle boats for sale, miscellaneous sailing equipment, boat covers, and services. Also includes notices about new members and the 2002 Midwinters Invitational.