June/July 2011

Advertisements and classifieds including marine insurance, Thistle covers by Rooke Sails, and information about upcoming regional events.

Kitchin celebrates the arrival of summer sailing season and encourages fleet members to take advantage of the season by organizing expert roundtables, tactical clinics, and involving junior sailors in fleet racing to improve competition and community.

Pollak addresses questions about jibe lines (also called Jesus lines or mid-boom sheeting), discussing whether they are permitted under the class rules. He concludes they are not shown on the Official Plans and cannot be permitted under present rules, though fleets can submit amendments if they wish to allow them.

Comprehensive coverage of the 37th Annual Orange Peel Regatta held March 25-27, 2011 at The Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville. Includes social highlights, detailed race reports, and final standings with Mike Ingham winning the regatta.

Interview with sail designer Garth Reynolds covering the design process for Thistle sails, including use of DESMAN and SPIRAL software, panel layout, laser cutting, and Advanced Sail Analyzer technology to optimize sail shape and trim.

Report on the 2011 Thistle Midwinters East regatta held March 5-11 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Greg Griffin won with a 4-point cushion over his brother Scott. Includes details of racing conditions, social events, and reflections from first-time attendee Ben Weible.

Dave Deptula describes the restoration of Thistle hull #16, one of the original 20 hulls built in 1946, tracking its history from the West Coast to Oregon and then through its winter refit as a racing boat renamed "Between the Sheets."

First-time attendee Ben Weible reflects on his experience at Midwinters East, describing the camaraderie, learning opportunities, convenient location, and hospitality that make the regatta a memorable rite of passage for Thistle sailors.

Report on the 6th annual Thistle Southern Circuit, which combines results from the Midwinters East and Orange Peel regattas. Mike Ingham won the Skipper Division while Jeff Eiber won the Open Division, showcasing the circuit's growth and the commitment of sailors to both events.

Skip Dieball provides practical guidance on conducting two-boat testing to measure boat speed and sail setup differences. Covers weather selection, rig tuning, crew weight management, boat alignment, debriefing, and the value of coaching for maximizing test session productivity.

Detailed account of Scott Dalin's restoration of a 1965 W.D. Schock Thistle #2239 over five months to prepare for the 2011 Midwinters West in San Diego. Covers structural repairs, paint work, varnishing, rigging, and the collaborative effort that brought the boat from neglected condition to racing readiness.

Complete notice of race and registration information for the 2011 Thistle National Championship held July 30 - August 5 at Pensacola Yacht Club. Includes race rules, schedule, measurement requirements, and entry forms with event details.