May - July 2022

President Howell reflects on the gifts received from the Thistle Class community, including time from volunteers, knowledge and experience shared among members, and financial contributions that strengthen the class.

The Measurement Team has reorganized Chief Measurement Rulings and Specifications for improved clarity and accessibility without changing intent or detail. Updates will require a 2/3 majority vote at the annual meeting.

Nicole Shedden provides research-backed guidance on safe and harmful silver polish products for cleaning TCA trophies, recommending specific brands and warning against harsh chemicals that damage both trophies and health.

Information about two voting items for the TCA Annual Meeting in Jacksonville: a revised constitution and updated specifications and CMR's. Details voting procedures, required majorities, and amendment availability online.

Obituary for Jack Russell (1926-2022), a 59-year Thistle sailor whose decision in 1963 to buy a Thistle instead of a couch led to generations of family sailing and introduced countless other sailors to the class.

A racing rules quiz scenario involving two boats at a mark, with P tacking in the zone and S protesting. The scenario tests understanding of rules 16.1, 18.3, 18.2, 14, and 43.1.

Update on the Clean Class Initiative encouraging Thistle regattas to achieve Sailors for the Sea Clean Regatta certifications. Reports 26 regattas achieved certification in 2021, including Platinum at the Nationals, and seeks Clean Class Coordinators for 2022.

Comprehensive checklist for traveling to Thistle regattas, organized by category including personal supplies, boat parts, planning, travel and yard, car items, sails and hardware, safety, and on-boat items.

Comprehensive report on the 50th Annual MidWinters West regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, including race reports, junior sailor perspectives, match racing event, scenic side trips, and complete results from championship and presidents' divisions.

Report on the 65th MidWinters East at St. Petersburg Yacht Club with various race conditions, award details, and comprehensive race-by-race accounts. Paul Abdullah won for the third time with consistent sailing despite limited wind and a Grand Prix Indy Car Race causing venue challenges.

Feature highlighting young Thistle sailors who upgraded their boats and how their older boats became stepping stones for other new sailors. Includes stories from Tim Vining, Darby Reddaway, Scott Meyer, and Seth Rosenthal about boat transitions.

Promotional article inviting Thistle sailors to stay in the Southeast after Nationals in Jacksonville and sail the Dixie regatta one week later at Lake Allatoona near Atlanta, celebrating intergenerational sailing traditions.