August/September 2022

President Howell discusses the Thistle Class's recent experiments with new event formats, including moving Nationals to May in the Southeast Region and holding Women's and Juniors' Nationals as a separate two-day event. He explains that while attendance expectations weren't fully met, the Class has learned valuable lessons and is exploring additional innovations, such as relocating the 2023 MWE Regatta to Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club.

Hubbell reflects on his 55-year journey in Thistle racing, starting as a Sea Scout and progressing to competitive racing. He describes how losing sight of the pure joy of sailing led him to reassess his priorities after a conversation with Charlie Steigerwald, reminding him that the fundamental point of Thistle sailing is simply enjoying being on the water.

Shedden highlights the importance of local fleet sailing alongside regatta circuit participation. She showcases examples of active fleets like Fleet 66 in Illinois, Fleet 48 near Atlanta, Fleet 31 in Pennsylvania, and others that are successfully growing participation through regular races, youth programs, and family-friendly activities.

A comprehensive listing of Thistle Class regattas and championships scheduled for August through November 2022, including District events, regional championships, and the 2023 Nationals preview. Includes contact information and previous year winners.

Official minutes from the Thistle Class Association Governing Board meeting held in Jacksonville on May 15, 2022, during the Nationals. Documents officer reports, fleet charter actions, voting on constitutional amendments, and motions regarding past national champions' qualification for future Nationals.

The Chief Measurer discusses the Measurement Committee's efforts to simplify mast bend control systems in Thistles. Current methods using shims and diamond wires are complicated; the committee is exploring alternative designs and seeks input from engineers and machinists who might help develop improvements.

Official minutes from the Thistle Class Association Annual Meeting held at the 2022 Nationals in Jacksonville on May 18, 2022. Covers officer reports, membership updates, amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, fleet charter actions, and election of new officers.

Advertising section featuring Rooke Sails Acrylic Thistle boat covers with multiple design options and customization features, and Beacon Composites offering new Thistle sailboats with various rigging options and pricing.

Report from the Singing River Regatta held at Muscle Shoals Sailing Club in Killen, Alabama on April 9-10. The regatta was moved to early April due to Nationals scheduling, which created challenging weather conditions on Saturday but excellent racing on Sunday with steady winds. Loy Vaughan won with three bullets.

A comprehensive report on the 2022 Dixie Regatta at Atlanta Yacht Club over Memorial Day weekend. The regatta featured 41 boats celebrating multi-generational Thistle families. Bryce Dryden won the championship after a dramatic final race. The event included a Junior Dixie, family heritage celebrations, and social events centered on a Jimmy Buffett theme.

A first-person account by Bryce Dryden, the 2022 Dixie champion, describing the dramatic final race against Steve and Shawn Burke. The race showcased exceptional tactics, with Dryden's team finding a crucial left puff on the final run that allowed them to overtake the Burkes and secure the regatta victory.

Comprehensive report on the 2022 Thistle National Championships held at Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville, May 14-20. Forty-nine boats competed with skippers ranging from 23 to 74 years old. Paul Abdullah and crew won the championship. The report includes articles on individual races, the awards banquet, and detailed results.

Description of the Minton Award, presented annually to a Thistler who has served the class exceptionally. The 2022 recipient was Joy Martin, recognized for her role as the unofficial ambassador of the Thistle Class, her efforts to connect sailors across regions, and her exceptional contributions to the Class over five years as an executive committee member.

Description of a new tradition started at the 2022 Nationals, featuring an "In Memoriam" segment to honor Thistle Class members who have passed away in the past year or two. Fifteen names were submitted and remembered during the awards banquet, reflecting on the diverse community that makes up the Class.

Report on the 2022 Women's and Juniors' Nationals held at Crescent Sail Yacht Club in Grosse Pointe, Michigan on July 18-19. Tony Sgrazzutti won the Juniors' event with a perfect score, describing the challenges of heavy boat compensation, tactical sailing, and his team's dominant performance through four races.

Standards and guidelines for implementing clean regatta practices as part of the Sailors for the Sea program. Covers 20 criteria organized into five categories: elimination of single-use items, community involvement, responsible waste management, environmental stewardship, and green boating.