August/September 2008

A retrospective on the development of Thistle aluminum masts from the 1960s onward. Glover discusses how the original wooden masts were replaced with aluminum designs, the engineering challenges faced, and how design changes over time have affected mast strength and durability.

Race results from the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club SCAL Thistle District 2008 championship. Seven races were sailed with Stu Robertson winning first place.

A former Thistle racer describes his transition to big boat distance racing and the skills transferable from competitive Thistle sailing. He discusses sled driving in offshore ocean races like the Transpac and how Thistle experience provides a unique advantage.

A detailed photo essay documenting the restoration and rebuilding of Thistle hull #875, including structural repairs, centerboard wing modifications, jib tension system installation, and various finishing work to get the boat ready for racing.

A technical article detailing the design and installation of an improved jib barber hauler system for racing Thistles. Covers the history of barber haulers, design philosophy, hardware specifications, and the benefits observed in racing conditions.

Various boat parts vendors and services advertised in the issue including Jibmaster cleats, Rooke Sails boat covers, Thistle Parts hardware and rail replacement kits, Riddle Boatworks restoration services, and Annapolis Performance sailing supplies.

The 54th Great Lakes Interdistrict Championship at Seneca Yacht Club on Seneca Lake, New York on June 28-29 attracted 64 boats, the largest Thistle event ever on that lake. Blair Dryden won the overall championship with exceptional consistency. The event featured favorable sailing conditions and was proclaimed "Bill Wilson Day."

Lake Erie Districts held May 31-June 1 at Sandusky Sailing Club featured 23 boats racing in strong wind conditions. Kyle Finefrock dominated the competition winning the championship. Junior team from Cleveland Yacht Club reported on their experience learning to sail in heavy air.

The Berlin Invitational Regatta on June 14-15 featured varied weather conditions with thunderstorms on Friday and oscillating winds on Saturday. Nicole Shedden won first place, Jack Finefrock took second, and Andy Gunkier third. The regatta included four races and a festive dinner with square dancing.

Eleven northwest Thistles competed in the inaugural Seattle NOOD (National Offshore One-Design) Regatta on May 16-18. After weeks of cold, rainy weather, the event featured warm May sunshine and steady, moderate southerly winds. Gretchen Kaiser won overall with 22 points after the discard.

The Thistle Delta Districts on May 3 at Lake Livingston, Texas featured early strong winds that surprised competitors. Five boats competed with Jim Kincaid winning the championship after close competition throughout the day.

The 2008 Pacific Northwest District Championship at Fern Ridge Reservoir near Eugene, Oregon on June 28-29 was won by local expert Evert Slipfer. The lake was the site of Nationals in 1969, 2002 and 2007. Light southerly winds required windward-leeward courses throughout the weekend.

Island Bay Yacht Club in Springfield, Illinois hosted three regattas in one on June 21-22: a JY-15 and Thistle Invitational, the Lake Michigan districts, and the Mid-America districts. IBYC's race committee successfully managed two fleets on a single course. Craig Koschalk won the overall championship.

The Florida Districts held on Saturday, May 3 at The Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville featured five races in light winds of 3-10 knots. Chris Klotz won the championship, with Robby Brown in second and Matias Heinrich in third.

The Senecanoe Regatta at Rochester Canoe Club on May 31-June 1 was attended by Scott Finefrock and crew. Despite challenges including a ripped spinnaker, missed start, and a capsize, the team finished all races with help from the supportive regatta community.

Long Island Sound District Championship held on May 31-June 1 saw 14 boats compete with winners and top finishers detailed in the results table. Various clubs participated including LHYC, NSC, and others.

The Bagpipe calendar lists upcoming Thistle Class regattas and events from August through October 2008, including national championships, district events, and special regattas across the country with dates, locations, and contact information.

The New Jersey District Championship was held at Lake Nockamixon, PA on June 14-15, 2008 with 19 competitors including a record 12 boats from the host fleet. Lloyd Kitchin III won the event with four first place finishes. The regatta featured light air on Saturday and stronger winds on Sunday.

Beth Sullivan shares her transition from kitchen volunteer at Berlin Yacht Club's Sail Camp to learning to sail on a Thistle. She describes the skills she's learned, the support from mentors Ron Fiedler and Barry Leven, and her pride in completing races despite having only two months of sailing experience.

Editor John Duckworth encourages contributors to submit regatta reports and suggests best practices for getting material into the Bagpipe. He highlights the Pymatuning regatta as an example of excellent coverage and mentions this is his 20th issue as editor. He also notes his father Ed is featured on the cover for his 80th birthday.