October/November 2018

President Hudson reflects on the 20-year history of the Lumberjack Regatta at Tupper Lake, New York, hosted by Elmer and Susan Richards. The regatta exemplifies the Thistle class character—competitive sailors working together as a team at a venue with minimal infrastructure, and positively impacting the local community.

Craig Smith announces his retirement from the Secretary/Treasurer position after 4 years, welcoming Joy Martin as his successor. He looks forward to returning to competitive racing with friends and continuing to contribute to the class through articles and growth initiatives.

Joy Martin discusses her transition from 1st VP to Secretary/Treasurer, inspired by predecessors Honey Abramson, Patty Lawrence, and Craig Smith. She shares her career transition and commitment to serving the class with the same dedication and work ethic.

Howell reports on the class strategic planning work underway, which surveyed 186 fleet members to identify priorities. Three main categories emerged: Sustainability (boat supply, organizational efficiency), Expose-Experience-Expand (marketing, growth), and Continuously Evolve (maintaining class culture). Marketing and an endowment are the most popular initiatives.

Official minutes from the Governing Board meeting held on July 29, 2018 at Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, Connecticut. Covers officer reports, 2019 Nationals planning, measurement issues, membership status, and other governance matters.

Official calendar of Thistle Class Association events for fall 2018 through summer 2019, including regional regattas (Fall Blow-out, Oyster Roast, Johnson Memorial, etc.), Midwinters East and West, and the 2019 Nationals in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Official minutes from the Annual Meeting held on August 2, 2018 at Cedar Point Yacht Club. Covers officer reports, 2019 Nationals site confirmation in Sandpoint Idaho, bylaw amendments, fleet charter status, and election of officers.

Wayne Pignolet introduces Sandpoint, Idaho as the 2019 Nationals host location (July 21-26). The resort town offers beautiful scenery with mountains, lakes, and nearby attractions. The sailing venue at City Beach on Lake Pend Oreille is picturesque and walkable, with hotels, lodging, and family activities nearby.

Wayne Balsiger provides a detailed trip planning guide for traveling to the 2019 Nationals in Sandpoint, Idaho, including route suggestions via I-90, scenic attractions, camping tips, fly fishing opportunities, and useful travel tools and apps.

Howell shares his experience attending new regattas at Great Lakes (Seneca Lake) and ACC's (Lake Champlain) in 2018. He encourages class members to venture beyond their comfort zones to experience new venues, meet new people, and sail with different crews, enriching their Thistle sailing experience.

The Damful Regatta at Leatherlips Yacht Club in May 2018 featured six Thistles in a historic moment when past National Champion Bobby White's restored #124 returned to racing. The regatta included four windy afternoon races on Saturday and three lighter wind races on Sunday, with Kit Holzaepfel and Noel Thurber winning the event.

Collection of classified advertisements and marketplace listings for Thistle Class boats, equipment, covers, and related sailing gear. Includes advertisements from sail makers, boat cover manufacturers, and boat sale listings.

The 2018 Atlantic Coast Championship at Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh was organized by Anne and Dave Hansen. Despite light and variable winds forecast, the RC managed five great races. Dan Hesse and his team won the championship, with strong performances from Brent Barbehenn and Deirdre Santos-Kaukeinen's teams in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Brad Russell recounts his spring series racing in the Southeast, competing in five major regattas (Orange Peel, Singing River, Bottom's Up, Dixie Brown Jug, and SEC). Working with consistent crew member Joe Hart, Russell's team improved their boat speed and fleet management throughout the series, ultimately winning the overall championship by 0.5% over Greg Griffin.

The 2018 Thistle Nationals were held at Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, Connecticut from July 28 to August 3. Brad Russell (#3993 Afflicted) won the Championship Division with crew Joe Hart and Terra Berlinski, finishing with 27 points. David Dellenbaugh came second with 32 points, and Dan Hesse in third with 40 points. The regatta featured seven races across variable wind conditions.

The Presidents Division at the 2018 Nationals featured Doug Kitchin winning with a dominant performance, followed by Warren Duckworth in second. Multiple race reports detail the varied wind conditions and competitive sailing throughout the week-long championship.

The 2018 Women's and Junior Nationals were held at Cedar Point Yacht Club in conjunction with the main Nationals. Becca Dellenbaugh won the Women's Nationals, while Simon Curtis-Ginsberg won the Junior Nationals. The events featured small fleets competing in challenging light wind conditions.