April/May 2009

President Smith reflects on declining regatta participation due to economic downturn and crew shortages. He advocates for recession-busting pricing strategies and emphasizes the importance of developing crew and attending more Thistle Class events nationwide.

Poltorak presents the 2009 growth and promotion campaign focusing on crew training and recruitment strategies. He outlines four key ideas for growing local fleets and emphasizes the Thistle Class's unique traditions that bind owners to their boats.

Correction to the 2009 Thistle Class calendar regarding a Portland regatta at Vancouver Lake.

Editor Kevin Arrow thanks contributors to the Bagpipe and highlights John Krimmel's photography skills and Gerry Christman's achievement at Mid Winters East with coaching support from Tom Hubbell.

Chief Measurer Pollak details the measurement items required for the 2009 Nationals at Cedar Point Yacht Club, covering hull weight, mast specifications, sail measurements, and safety equipment requirements. He also previews a potential amendment regarding floating tack slugs.

Comprehensive overview of the 2009 Nationals at Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, Connecticut from August 1-7. Describes the club's history, world-class facilities, experienced race management, expected racing conditions, accommodations, and social activities planned for the week.

A lighthearted character profile of four-time national champion Lloyd Kitchin by his daughter and son-in-law. Details his unique personality traits, sailing philosophy, family relationships, and memorable quirks both on and off the water.

Report on the 2009 Midwinters West regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. Details the qualifying and championship fleet racing across nine races with changing wind conditions including a Pacific front and thunderstorms. Includes complete race results for both fleets.

Account of the 15th annual Larry Klein Memorial Regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club featuring match racing following qualifying races. Describes Team Cheese's path to victory with crew members Moni Lampe and Doug Hart, navigating challenging conditions and competitive match racing.

Report on the 2008 East Coast Fall Series results. Four-time National Champion Brent Barbehenn won for a record seventh time with a 91.3% winning percentage. John Baker and Dave Hansen took second and third place respectively, with joy Martin earning the crew trophy.

Report on the Fall Frontier Regatta at Rochester Canoe Club on Lake Ontario with 24 boats competing. Challenging light air and lumpy lake conditions on Saturday contrasted with excellent 12-15 knot breezes on Sunday for five total races.

Report on the 2008 Horrocks-Palmer-Alvarez Regatta at Great South Bay in Sayville, New York. Four-time National Champion Brent Barbehenn achieved a perfect score with four race wins, while the regatta had lower participation due to concerns about navigating through New York City.

Report on the 2008 Fontelieu Invitational at Cedar Point Yacht Club featuring light to medium winds on Saturday and high winds on Sunday with strong current affecting racing. Highlights the famous FLIP CUP competition and party atmosphere at Cedar Point.

Report on the Goetz Memorial regatta at Lake Hopatcong with light wind conditions on both days. Brent Barbehenn won in light air while Lloyd and Brian Kitchin dominated the Heather Bowl, mentioned at the end.

Report on the Kayaderosseras Kup at Saratoga Lake with 24 boats racing in gusty, shifty westerly winds. Dave Hansen of Vermont won with consistent sailing, while Scott Latham's team won the spectacular flying death roll award.

Report on the Oyster Roast regatta at Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis, a Fall Series event with 32 boats. Describes steady Saturday wind conditions and drifting Sunday winds, with local Thistlers and adventurous crew enjoying the famous oyster feast and Annapolis social scene.

John Hudson recounts how he acquired a commercial oyster shucker's knife at a museum tag sale in Schenectady and has used it for decades to open oysters at the Oyster Roast regatta.

Steve Gruver's personal account of the LoGerfo Memorial at Nyack Boat Club featuring five races over two days with challenging winds ranging from 12-20 knots. Details his boat's performance and close racing battles with John Baker, including anecdotes about crewing and post-race celebrations.

Report on the Heather Bowl at Red Dragon Canoe Club near Philadelphia. Describes the Halloween costume party on Saturday night and challenging Sunday wind conditions racing on the Delaware River. Lloyd and Brian Kitchin dominated the regatta while Team Hansen finished second in the ECFS standings.

Final standings and statistics for the 2008 East Coast Fall Series including top skipper and crew results with Cox-Sprague scoring percentages.

Practical maintenance tips for Thistle trailers covering bearing care, lug bolts, hub caps, hitch receiver rattle, and neighbor recommendations. Arrow shares lessons from past trailer failures and provides resource links.

Brief section featuring short anecdotal pieces about Thistle Class activities, including Stu Robertson's creative boogie board rescue of his spinnaker at Midwinters West and a traveling Thistle mast adventure.