February/March 2006

Craig Smith outlines strategies for recruiting new Thistle sailors, emphasizing the importance of finding current sailors who will make good skippers and identifying non-sailors who could transition into the sport. He discusses how each fleet's location and demographics determine recruitment opportunities, and advocates for involving youth sailors through local programs and university partnerships.

Product advertisements and business listings included throughout the issue for sailing equipment, services, and event announcements.

The 2006 Midwinter's West regatta held January 27-29 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego featured 13 fleet members competing in challenging ocean racing conditions. The unusual easterly wind shifted the race course south, creating unexpected windy conditions. Greg Fisher ultimately won the championship in his boat 3839, with Craig Koschalk finishing second and Kyle Finefrock third.

Results table showing the top finishers in the Championship Division at the 2006 Midwinter's West regatta, with Greg Fisher (3839) winning overall with 13 total points, followed by Craig Koschalk (3994) with 17 points and M. Gillum and others placing throughout the fleet.

The President's Division races at Midwinter's West offered highly competitive sailing and unexpected wildlife encounters, with sea lions appearing alongside the fleet. The article chronicles multiple races where lead positions changed frequently and describes how Dave Bloomberg, Kirsten Cummings, and John Deermount battled for top honors throughout the weekend.

A detailed results table showing the final standings of the President's Division fleet at the 2006 Midwinter's West, with D. Bloomberg (3763) winning overall with 13 total points, followed by J. Deermount (3852) with 15 points and K. Cummings (3679) with 16 points.

The 2006 Midwinter's West regatta offered an innovative day-long racing clinic on Wednesday, January 25, led by Thistle experts Greg Fisher and Skip Dieball. The clinic covered tuning techniques, rigging systems for modern boats, and tactical discussions about racing in Mission Bay conditions, with practical demonstrations of different boat setups and their effects on performance.

A humorous account of the Great Pumpkin regatta held in Alabama, the fourth race in the South East Fall Series. The fleet experienced some mishaps during the first race but recovered to have fun with excellent hospitality, good food, and friendly competition at Birmingham Sailing Club on Lake Logan Martin.

A question-and-answer column featuring advice from two experienced Thistle sailors. Topics covered include sailing flat with proper weight trim and control, techniques for managing boat speed downwind, and strategies for optimizing performance in different wind conditions.

A detailed report of the 2005 Hoover Fall Regatta held in Ohio featuring 27 Thistles competing in challenging lake conditions. The regatta tested sailors' skills with capsizes, wind shifts, and competitive racing, with Skip Dieball and Surge Vanderhorst ultimately claiming first place honors.

A detailed technical article examining Skip Dieball's rigging setup on his new Thistle #3995, covering the main sheet system, jib sheet configuration, vang system, and other performance-tuned control lines. Includes photos of the rigging details and biographical information about Skip Dieball.

An invitation to the 2006 Thistle Great Lakes Championship to be held at Buffalo Canoe Club in Crystal Beach, Ontario, Canada, June 24-25, 2006.

A collection of creative sailing-themed songs and poems, including "THISTLE RACIN' on the COWAN" and "Dangerous When Wet," celebrating Thistle culture and humor.

The editor's column discussing the arrival of spring season, upcoming regattas, and calling for articles and contributions from readers about their sailing experiences and adventures.

An obituary for Polly Stahl Patzer (1926-2005), a longtime member of the Thistle community and mother of Susan Myers, Margaret Patzer, and William Patzer. The obituary describes her life, her family, and her involvement with the Baltimore Thistle fleet.

An informative article about hypothermia prevention and treatment for sailors, covering proper clothing, equipment, and what to do if exposed to cold water while sailing.

A photo section showcasing images from Mid Winter's West regatta in San Diego with photos by John Krimmel showing various boats and competitors in action on the water.