February/March 2017

McBride thanks the volunteers who made 2016 a successful year, highlighting the efforts of those who organized the Eugene Nationals, the split Midwinters events, and the East Coast Fall Series. He encourages class members to get involved with organizational activities beyond racing.

Martin profiles Cesar Romero from Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, who entered the Thistle class as an adult after competitive backgrounds in cycling, swimming, and running. Romero shares strategies for growing the West Coast fleet including fleet academies, targeting retirees, and inclusive community engagement.

Zurinskas challenges Thistle fleets to organize local outreach programs beyond competitive racing, including US Sailing First Sail sessions, junior family sailing days, and adult sailing classes. She advocates for growing the sport at the grassroots level and suggests the Class Association recognize and reward clubs that take these initiatives.

Tribute to Paul Nelson, Second Vice President and Webmaster of the Thistle Class Association and a Portland fleet pillar. Nelson was known for restoring wooden Thistles, his photography work, and his generosity to the Thistle community. Multiple testimonials describe his impact on the class.

Martin describes the split Midwinter format with Sarasota Sailing Squadron hosting February 26-28 and St. Petersburg Yacht Club hosting March 1-3. She details facilities, race management, local attractions, and encourages participation with special youth discounts.

Technical article on executing smooth mark roundings using heel, trim, and helm. Ingham explains how to balance these elements for efficient turns, with specific guidance for the Thistle's large mainsail and small jib, and advice on practicing and feeling helm feedback.

Details about the 2017 Thistle National Championship at Chautauqua Lake in Mayville, New York (July 22-28). Includes information on housing options, day camps for children, key dates and race schedule, and regional attractions in Chautauqua County.

Report on the September 10-11 Fall Frontier Regatta at Rochester Canoe Club with 6 races and variable breeze conditions. Brown describes the racing tactics, highlights including her team's performances, and the post-race social gathering.

Report on the September 17-18 Horrocks Regatta at Sayville Yacht Club with six boats competing in tight racing. Murphy highlights the excellent club facilities, tight competition, and Steve Gruver's dominant performance after winning the ACCs.

Report on the September 24-25 Goetz Regatta at Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club with 24 boats competing in challenging conditions. Ridder describes the difficult lake characteristics and competitive racing that came down to the final races.

Report on the October 1-2 Fontelieu Invitational at Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, Connecticut with 21 boats competing in lumpy conditions. Joyce details the challenging weather and racing conditions across both days.

Report on the October 8-9 Oyster Roast at Severn Sailing Association with 28 boats competing in rainy conditions. Krafft describes the weather challenges, tight racing, and the famous oyster roast social event with fire-steamed oysters and appetizers.

Alternate perspective on the Oyster Roast Regatta from Brian Kitchin's viewpoint, focusing on the competitive racing throughout the weekend and the exceptional hospitality provided by SSA.

Report on the October 15-16 Kayaderosseras Kup at Saratoga Lake Sailing Club with 33 boats competing. Ridder describes the beautiful fall weather conditions and tight racing that was decided in the final races.

Report on the October 22-23 LoGerfo Memorial Regatta at Nyak Boat Club where high winds forced cancellation of racing both days. The fleet gathered for meals and hospitality instead.

Report on the October 29-30 Heather Bowl at Red Dragon Canoe Club, the final event of the East Coast Fall Series with 12 boats competing. Gruver describes the challenging river conditions with current and shallow water, the competitive racing, and the costume contest party.

Summary statistics for the 2016 East Coast Fall Series showing overall results for skippers and crew. Steve Gruver won the series with 90.16% Cox Sprague Score, followed by Aaron Holland and Jared Ridder, with 86 skippers and 196 crew participating across 8 events.

Interview with 16-year-old junior sailor Ian Moran from Edgewater Yacht Club on Lake Erie, winner of the Junior Skipper Award at the 2016 Lake Erie Fall Series. Moran discusses his introduction to Thistles, his multi-boat sailing experience, and his goals for the class.

Report on the 45th annual Great Pumpkin Regatta at Birmingham Sailing Club on October 15-16 with 33 boats. Dickey describes the pleasant sailing conditions and competition, and the traditional pumpkin bowling event held at the awards ceremony.

Advertisement for JibMaster jibsheet cleats in various configurations and pricing, including T-track options and shipping.

Photo column featuring reader-submitted images of Thistle sailing with the caption "Mysterious things happen when you get a woodie!" Photos credited to various sailors.