May/June 2021

President Hubbell urges rejection of a Fleet 53 amendment proposal that would restrict the Thistle Class Association's jurisdiction to only chevron events. He argues that the current broad jurisdiction is necessary for the Class to publish the Bagpipe, promote youth sailing, maintain internet presence, and conduct non-chevron activities safely under liability insurance.

1st VP John Howell reflects on reentry into normal social activities after vaccination, contrasting cautious dinner gatherings with a more reckless regatta in Florida. He advocates for resuming sailing with careful COVID protocols and shares Dave Perry's Code of Ethics as a framework for respectful conduct as the Thistle community reunites.

2nd VP Warren Duckworth describes the Thistle Class Forum launch, including technical challenges with email notifications and subscription settings. He advocates for the Forum as a platform to increase transparency, encourage member discussion on proposed amendments, and foster engagement across the Class.

3rd VP Alison Gillum celebrates the successful fundraising campaign for the Growth and Promotion Fund, raising $20,000 matched by an anonymous donor for a total of $40,000. She describes the emotional experience of the final fundraising push and outlines plans to use the funds for coaching, chevron event sponsorships, marketing, and fleet support.

A racing rules question about course shortening at a windward mark, presenting Quiz 55 from Dave Perry's collection. The quiz tests understanding of when a boat finishes and the proper procedures for course shortening signals.

A comprehensive calendar of Thistle Class regattas and events scheduled from May 2021 through March 2022, including regional championships, district events, national championships, and special events with locations and contact information.

An interview with legendary sailor Ed Adams, who recently joined the Thistle Class after winning multiple Snipe and Star championships. The article discusses his transition from other one-design classes to Thistles, observations about the welcoming Thistle culture, tuning approaches, and comparison to other boats.

An announcement for the 75th Anniversary Thistle Nationals to be held July 31-August 6, 2021 at Cleveland Yachting Club. The article outlines the event schedule, COVID-19 protocols including vaccination/testing requirements, housing accommodations, day camp options, and a detailed daily race and social event schedule.

A detailed guide to teaching new sailors to sail Thistles in a single day, developed during the pandemic for social distancing compliance. Steve Bauer describes the step-by-step progression from understanding wind direction with a flagpole, to boat handling basics, launching, and solo sailing, highlighting Fleet 48's success as the fastest growing fleet in the country.

A photo feature showcasing Larry Liggett's Thistle #821, nicknamed 'Hot Ruddered Bum', with photography by Larry Liggett and Georgiana Silk. The article appears in the issue's cover feature highlighting the distinctive boat.

Cairn Krafft describes Fleet 34's adoption of the Sailors for the Sea Clean Regatta program starting in 2017, outlining the best practices implemented for their Oyster Roast and Labor Day Blue Crab regattas. She includes practical examples of waste reduction, water conservation, and environmental stewardship efforts that other fleets can replicate.

Scott Pakenham reports on Newport Fleet 169's status with six regular sailors expanding to nine, acquisition of potential new boats including a Fox hull and a Woodie for loaner use, and upcoming events including Monday evening racing, the Newport Regatta, and the Newport Dinghy Regatta.

Chris Bollengier recounts his first year sailing Thistles after purchasing boat #3607 in January 2020. Despite pandemic disruptions, rig problems, crew mishaps, and learning curves, he and his family found the Thistle community welcoming and the boat itself thoroughly enjoyable to sail with both family and experienced crew.

Dick Brust chronicles 62 years in Thistle sailing starting with his 1956 discovery of sailing and 1960 purchase of his first boat. He describes the evolution of Thistle racing on the West Coast, introduction of jiffy reefing for two-handed sailing, and his philosophy of winning through participation with friends and family.

Christopher Dornin commemorates his brother Jay Dornin and crew members Kris and Richard Nagy who died in a tragic Thistle accident on July 5, 1967 during the Northern California Districts at Monterey Bay. The article details the accident investigation, notes it as the first known racing fatality in Thistle history, and emphasizes the Class's commitment to safety improvements.

Minutes from the March 2, 2021 Thistle Class Association Governing Board meeting via Zoom, documenting officer reports on Bagpipe publication, website/forum updates, Growth and Promotion Fund success, Beacon Composites builder approval, strategic initiatives, and membership numbers, along with bylaws amendments and attachment details.

Fleet 53's proposal to amend the Thistle Class Association Constitution and Bylaws to clarify and revise jurisdiction and sanctioned event definitions. The amendment distinguishes between chevron (sanctioned) and non-chevron (independent/autonomous) events, with detailed rationale and pro/con arguments from the membership.