October/November 2011

Collection of advertisements and product listings for Thistle sailing equipment, services, and apparel including sails, boat covers, rigging components, marine insurance, boat repairs, and custom apparel.

Growth and Promotion chair Kyle Finefrock outlines the 2012 focus on the Perpetual Fund and website redesign. He emphasizes retaining current members as the primary growth strategy and announces two initiatives: the TCA Perpetual Fund to promote new boat purchase and membership, which received its first $1,000 donation at Nationals, and a redesigned class website to serve as a resource for members and prospects.

Chief Measurer Chris Pollak discusses the reversal of his initial ruling against jibe lines, following discussion with the Executive Committee and Governing Board at Nationals. Jibe lines are now permitted for initiating or controlling a jibe but not for trimming or pumping the mainsail, pending formal approval. Pollak emphasizes reliance on the honor system for compliance.

Newly elected President Mike Poltorak introduces himself as a long-time California sailor who has been racing his first Thistle since 1989. He emphasizes the need for improved communication among district governors, fleet captains, and members, and promotes the upcoming Thistle Midwinters West and 2012 Nationals.

Outgoing President Lloyd Kitchin thanks the class officers, regatta organizers, race officials, and competitors for their outstanding support and performance during his term. He expresses gratitude to the volunteer coaches, Nationals organizers, and the executive committee for their dedication to the Thistle Class.

Meeting minutes from July 31, 2011 at Pensacola Yacht Club covering officer reports, new business regarding one-fleet format for Nationals, gybe line legalization, builder approvals, and officer elections for the upcoming term. Notable decisions include approval of jibe lines and provisional permission for new builder Downing Nightingale.

Junior sailor Conor Ruppen recounts his experience racing at the I-LYA Junior Bay week regatta at Put-in-Bay, Ohio with almost 150 junior sailors competing. He describes the excellent racing conditions, coaching from Ernie Dieball, and his team's second-place finish. Ruppen emphasizes the camaraderie among junior competitors and the unique opportunity to race against peers.

Mid-fleet sailor Dan Russell describes how the decision to race as one fleet at Nationals, instead of splitting into two divisions, proved beneficial for his team. He details the specific improvements made through the week, including boat speed optimization, mark rounding tactics, wind reading, and advice from top sailors, culminating in a top 30 finish.

Obituary of Theodore "Ted" Fontelieu Jr., a longtime Thistle sailor and class leader who passed away on September 5, 2011, at age 85. Ted was known for his championship sailing achievements, service as Chief Measurer and class president, and dedication to Cedar Point Yacht Club.

Detailed recaps of all six races sailed at the 2011 Thistle Nationals in Pensacola written by top competitors. The recaps describe wind conditions, tactical decisions, mark roundings, and the performances of leading boats. Skip Dieball's team demonstrated strong boat handling and tactical execution throughout the regatta.

Humorous account of Mike Ingham's boat catching fire at Nationals when he burned the ends of his newly-installed jibe line to stop fraying. The fire spread to the hiking strap padding and nearly destroyed the boat and main sail. Ingham's boat was subsequently nicknamed with several fire-related monikers throughout the regatta.

List of award winners in the 2011 Thistle Nationals Championship Division and Championship awards, recognizing the top ten finishers and their trophy names.

Results of the President's Division (for less experienced sailors), Women's Division, and Junior Division at the 2011 Nationals, showing top finishers in each category.

Report on the 2011 Pacific Coast Championship held July 23-24 at Eugene Yacht Club in Oregon with 22 boats from Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada competing. Team Gillum won the championship with #1010, while Team O'Bryan finished third with #2069. The article includes a fascinating history of boat #2069, including its tragic past and current restoration.

Jim Beard reports on the 2011 Great Lakes Championship held at Pymatuning Yacht Club on July 9-10, where 59 boats competed in challenging conditions. Skip Dieball and crew won the championship, with Mike Ingham placing second and Craig Koschalk third. Three races were completed on Saturday as thermal winds materialized from Lake Erie.

Chris Murphy provides a lighthearted list of ten highlights from the Atlantic Coast Championship held at Niantic Bay Yacht Club. Highlights include a new venue, great racing conditions, fireworks, and the friendships made during the event.

Report on the 2011 Doldrums Regatta held at Fort Walton Yacht Club as part of the Southeastern Spring Series. The event featured four races with Team Cordero taking the title. The article explains the history of the Doldrums event and the accommodations made for Thistle competitors.

Interview between Kyle Finefrock and newly crowned National Champion Skip Dieball discussing public relations and growth promotion strategies for the Thistle Class. Skip emphasizes the importance of leveraging social media, creating a more accessible class website, coordinating press coverage, and maintaining a YouTube channel.

Complete results of the 2011 Thistle Nationals with 54 boats scored across 6 races. Skip Dieball's #1234 won the championship, Mike Ingham's #3969 placed second, and Allan Terhune's #3839 placed third.

Results of the Women's Division and Junior Division races at the 2011 Nationals, showcasing female and junior sailors competing in their respective categories.

Outgoing Bagpipe Editor Kevin Arrow thanks the photographers, contributors, and class members who made his three years as editor possible. He introduces Mark Reddaway and John Duckworth as the new editors and expresses gratitude to Cindy Geiss for her design and layout work.

Calendar of upcoming Thistle Class regattas and events from October 2011 through July 2012, including Midwinters West/East, Nationals, and various regional championships and one-design invitationals.