May - July 2024

Outlines excitement from attending Midwinters regattas and the upcoming summer sailing season. Covers governing board meeting highlights including free youth memberships for 2024, progress on 2025 Nationals scheduling, and establishment of a TCA Endowment Committee to ensure long-term financial stability.

Explains the four pathways for skippers to qualify for the 2024 Nationals at Tom's River Yacht Club in New Jersey, including racing at districts, meeting alternative qualification requirements, winning Junior Nationals, or receiving a special exception for extraordinary circumstances.

Details an issue at the 2023 Flathead Nationals where competitors arrived with non-compliant electronic compasses. Provides a comprehensive review of current compass rules and evaluates popular digital compass models, approving some and rejecting others based on class compliance.

An obituary for Wayne Pignolet, Chief Measurer and long-time Thistle sailor who passed away on April 13, 2024. He served the class both formally and informally, was deeply loved by his family, and was known for his willingness to help others.

A comprehensive listing of Thistle racing events and regattas scheduled from May through November 2024, organized chronologically with locations, contact information, and previous winners.

A detailed account of the 2024 MidWinters West Championship held at Mission Bay Yacht Club in January/February. With 37 teams competing, the article covers racing conditions, key moments, and the overall victory of Wayne Pignolet's team with his sister Elaina and brother Jerry.

A humorous and detailed account of the 2024 Midwinters East at Fort Walton Yacht Club in March. Jon Duffett describes the regatta's challenges (postponements, disc golf, arcade), memorable moments, and the top finishers, with Team Crime Scene (Paul & Marie Abdullah) securing the decisive victory.

A historical article from 1948 on optimizing Thistle boat speed through sail trim and centerboard adjustment, republished with modern commentary from experienced sailors comparing historical techniques to contemporary practices.

Tribute to Scott Latham, a former UPI reporter who discovered sailing later in life and restored a 1959 Thistle (#1329) to racing condition. Includes remembrances from friends about his competitive spirit, authenticity, and memorable personality, including anecdotes from crew members.

A humorous reflection on boat preparation and tuning, chronicling Scott's discovery of a poorly-tuned mast after purchasing a new-to-him Thistle and his subsequent struggles and apologies to crew members who unknowingly sailed the boat when it was not optimally set up.

A comprehensive tribute to Tom Beckham, a legendary figure in Pacific Northwest Thistle sailing who was instrumental in building the Willamette Sailing Club and organizing the PNW District. Includes multiple remembrances from friends and colleagues highlighting his generosity, leadership, and commitment to the sport.

An obituary for Mark Stephen Foster, a civil engineer and dedicated sailor who passed away on November 9, 2023, at age 66. He was known for his professional contributions to marine infrastructure and his passion for sailing with family members.

A humorous account of how a Thistle emblem came to be painted on a water tower at Flathead Lake, Montana during the 1984 Nationals. The story reveals Mark Foster's role in leading the daring nighttime painting expedition and includes historical context about how the local community eventually embraced the emblem.