August/September 2023

President Howell reflects on his tenure leading the Thistle Class Association, expressing gratitude for his Executive Committee, personal advisors, and family support during challenging times. He affirms confidence in the class's future leadership and strength.

The 1st VP announces three major 2024 championship events: Nationals at Tom's River Yacht Club in New Jersey, Midwinters West at Mission Bay in San Diego, and Midwinters East at Fort Walton. She discusses venue challenges and strategies for securing future regatta sites.

Fleet 169 announces plans for the second Newport Women's Regatta in August, with details on logistics including morning briefing, windward-leeward racing, and social events on Saturday and Sunday.

Report on the Singing River Regatta held May 6-7, 2023, at Muscle Shoals Sailing Club in Alabama. Van Rogers won with consistent performance, highlighted by a Cinco de Mayo celebration and strong participation from visiting sailors.

Report on the Great Lakes Championship held June 10-11, 2023, at Seneca Yacht Club in New York. Aaron Holland's team won the regatta, with competitive racing in challenging wind shifts and an evening of entertainment featuring live music and fireworks.

Report on the Dixie Regatta held Memorial Day weekend at Atlanta Yacht Club with a German biergarten theme. Greg Griffin won overall with four National Champions competing; Junior Dixie featured several young sailors, and festivities included costumes, German food, and dancing.

Guidelines for implementing sustainability practices at Thistle regattas through Sailors for the Sea's Clean Regatta program, featuring 20 best practices for reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible boating.

Race results from the 2023 Michiana Districts and Great Pond Regatta held at Wilmington, Ohio, showing 12 teams racing six races with Mark Hess taking the overall win.

Advertisements and classifieds including Rooke Sails covers with pricing, North Sails promotional ads, Beacon Composites boat design service, and Sea Bags sail trade and recycling program.

Report on the Kitchin Memorial Regatta held May 20-21, 2023, combined with NJ and LIS District Championships at Lake Hopatcong. Pat Flinn won with consistent sailing, and young sailors including Brian Kitchin with his children competed in the event.

Report on the Adirondack Invitational held June 17-18, 2023, at Saratoga Lake Sailing Club. Aaron Holland won with consistent sailing and smart decisions, while Scott Meyer impressed in his first regatta back after parental leave.

Report on the Berlin Invitational Regatta held June 17, 2023, at Berlin Yacht Club in Ohio. Eight boats competed in seven one-lap races and one two-lap race, with Jack Finefrock winning overall.

Report on the Pacific Northwest Thistle District Championships held June 17-18, 2023, at Vancouver Lake Sailing Club. Jacob Posner won the districts championship and family trophy in varied wind conditions following a Friday clinic led by five-time Nationals Champion Greg Fisher.