August/September 2024

Nicole Shedden reports on preparations for the 2024 Nationals at Tom's River Yacht Club and announces Bob White's appointment as Chief Measurer. She details three strategic projects: the newly created Thistle Class Endowment Fund, the Thistle Next Generation boat donation program, and the upcoming Coach TCA training initiative.

Bob White dedicates his Chief Measurer column to Wayne Pignolet and explains the measurement committee's goals of making boats safer, keeping them economical, and upholding the one-design concept. He emphasizes the importance of following proper channels for boat modifications.

Warren Duckworth, 1st VP, describes the Executive Committee's role and the specific responsibilities of each officer position. He encourages members to volunteer and get involved with the class, emphasizing that volunteering strengthens the entire Thistle community.

John Howell provides details on three major TCA strategic initiatives: the Thistle Next Generation program for boat grants and fleet boats, the newly established Thistle Class Endowment Fund with $75,000 raised, and the planned Coach TCA training program.

Aaron Holland, 3rd VP, explains the TCA's Youth Member Regatta Reimbursement Program that pays regatta fees for members under 26 at Gold, Silver, and Blue Chevron events including Nationals and Midwinters.

Mike Ingham reports on the Clean Class Initiative's 2023 metrics showing increasing numbers of certified clean regattas and their environmental impact. The program has become a model for Sailors for the Sea and welcomes new volunteers.

Dan Hesse with Andrew Green and Jordan Roberts won the Niagara Frontier District Championships at Otsego Sailing Club in challenging wind conditions, defeating Aaron Holland and Eric Gesner's teams in a competitive field of 10 boats.

Dan Hesse won the Adirondack Invitational Regatta at Saratoga Lake with a commanding performance, followed by Aaron Holland and Eric Gesner. Light winds on Sunday prevented a full race schedule but conditions were ideal for dining and camaraderie.

Mark Gise won the Governor's Cup at Carolina Sailing Club on Kerr Lake, with Kevin Sheehan and BJ Jones completing the podium. Strong early winds faded Sunday but the regatta showcased family participation and a junior skipper award for Ben Usher.

Mark Hess, with Curtis Hannah and Ike Becker, won the Damfull Regatta at Leatherlips Yacht Club, dealing with variable light wind conditions on Saturday and no racing Sunday. The victory came down to winning races on Saturday despite challenging conditions.

Greg Griffin won the 72nd annual Dixie Regatta at Atlanta Yacht Club's "Sailing with the Stars" themed event with 42 boats participating. The regatta featured family racing, a spirited party atmosphere with dancing, and awards for top performers and best party participants.

Greg Griffin and crew David Sinclair won the 8th Annual Singing River Regatta at Muscle Shoals Sailing Club with good participation from all four Fleet #114 boats. The Cinco de Mayo theme featured fajitas and birthday celebrations amidst challenging weather.

Paul Abdullah won the Bottoms Up Regatta at Jordan Lake with growing participation from outside the Carolinas. Racing was tight throughout with Mark Gise taking first in Carolina Districts scoring. The regatta was registered as a Clean Regatta and drew nearly half competitors under 35 years old.

Ollie Kunz won the Memorial Day Regatta at Eugene Yacht Club in a multi-fleet event with 68 total boats. The Thistle fleet was dominated by Kunz and Grant Gridley competing in challenging variable wind conditions with drizzle and shifting breezes.

Paul Kreitler won the Wet Your Thistle Regatta at Hoover Sailing Club with a dominant performance on an X-course configuration. The race committee switched from windward-leeward to X-course midway through the day due to escalating wind from 10-15 mph gusting to 20-25 mph.

Stanton Smith defended his So Cal District Championship title at Mission Bay Yacht Club in light and lumpy conditions with kelp. The article includes insights on boat speed tuning and tactics in light air, featuring the up-and-coming skipper Alex Fisher.

Kyle Finefrock won the Great Lakes Championship at Sandusky Sailing Club with dominant performances and excellent boat handling in challenging conditions. The regatta featured camping, strong wind gusting to 32 mph, and competitive racing with lead changes throughout.

Chris Klotz provides a comprehensive historical analysis of boom vang development in Thistle class boats from 1945 to modern times, documenting shifts in regulation, enforcement, and sailing practices as the class evolved from Sandy Douglass's original Spartan design.

Bill and Erin Kitchens sailed their Thistle against 12 offshore racers in a pursuit race at Fishing Bay Yacht Club, finishing 4th despite being the only small dinghy competing. The article highlights the Thistle's shallow draft and tactical advantages against larger PHRF-rated boats.