December 2024/January 2025

The president outlines the TCA's commitment to growth through communication, encouraging members to post events on the website and share results. He reflects on the positive family atmosphere at Nationals and the excitement of introducing new generations to Thistle sailing.

A letter discussing the benefits of the Jiffy Reef system for mainsail reefing in Thistles. The author, who has 67 years of experience with Thistles, advocates for this feature as essential for competitive racing, comfort, and safety, particularly for aging sailors or those sailing with a small crew.

The secretary provides instructions for renewing TCA memberships through the ClubSpot online system and explains the process for updating member information. She also reminds members of the three ways to support the class through donations.

The Past President reports on the Governing Board's review of fleet status at Nationals. Thirteen fleets were on probation or suspension, but after individual outreach efforts, most are on track to return to good standing, with Tennessee Valley 45 being suspended and its member becoming unattached.

The 2024 Pacific Coast Championships were held in Stockton, California, on an unusual venue—the San Joaquin River—with tight racing over seven Saturday races. Ollie Kunz, Quanah Green, and Emily Tan won the championship, narrowly edging Darrel Peck and Lori Daily. Sunday racing was cancelled due to gusty southwesterly winds.

An introductory passage about Dave Perry's 2018 presentation on the Racing Rules of Sailing at the Thistle Nationals, with permission to reprint quizzes. The article includes a sample quiz question about two boats approaching a gate mark, with the answer provided on page 19.

The Fall Frontier Regatta at Rochester Canoe Club on September 7-8, 2024, was the first event of the East Coast Fall Series. Despite a grim forecast, 10 teams competed, with Doug Kaukeinen's team winning after excellent breakfasts, lunch, and the RCC's famous roasted turkey dinner.

The Glimmerglass Regatta at Otsego Sailing Club, September 14-15, 2024, defied a forecast of light and variable winds. Despite an early morning when sailors were tempted to play disc golf, seven Thistles enjoyed eight races with excellent conditions. Bill and Carol Wilson dominated the regatta by combining speed with luck.

The Fontelieu Regatta at Cedar Point Yacht Club on September 28-29, 2024, began with high winds on Saturday that forced cancellation, but Sunday brought perfect racing conditions with 3 to 5 races and excellent mark boat management by the race committee.

The LoGerfo Regatta at Nyack Boat Club on October 19-20, 2024, was a tribute to Dr. Paul LoGerfo, a world-renowned medical specialist and champion of the Nyack Thistle fleet. Saturday's two races were followed by the famous Nyack chili dinner; Sunday's race was called early due to dying winds, with the awards presented afterward.

The 2024 East Coast Fall Series was completed successfully across 8 regattas with 158 participants. Three skippers and seven crew qualified, and an additional 16 sailors were one regatta away from qualifying. The series saw 41 races held despite grim fall forecasts, with standout performances from younger sailors Riley Kitchin (age 9) and Arden Murphy (age 14).

The 2024 Lake Erie Fall Series saw strong participation with 18 skippers and 24 crews qualifying over three regattas. The series included multiple regattas with results from Atwood Harvest Moon, Sandusky One Design, CYC Equinox, Mentor Harbor Fall, Crescent Sail Ice Breaker, and North Cape Blow Out events. Youth sailors including Riley Kitchin at age 9 showed exceptional participation.

The 2024 Dornin Memorial Regatta was held on September 14 at Pymatuning Yacht Club under sunny skies with a pleasant southern breeze. PRO John Werley, with assistance from Lightning Fleet 36 members, managed three nice windward-leeward races. Ryan Anstrom with cousins Laura Helwig and Noel Ridge dominated the regatta with an almost perfect series, exemplifying Thistle family sailing.

The Thistle Class Association's 2024 Annual Meeting was held August 6, 2024, in Tom's River, New Jersey. The meeting covered membership reports (559 members as of July 2024), financial updates on the new Endowment Fund, and strategic initiatives including youth programs and boat grants. Officers were elected for 2024-2025.

Advertisement for Rooke Sails, a Thistle cover maker for over 40 years, offering Acrylic Thistle covers made with Sunbrella material with various options and customization features.

The Last Splash Regatta at Hoover Sailing Club on October 19, 2024, concluded the Lake Erie Fall Series with calm, light winds and three races. Jordan Gourash won the event with close competition throughout, and Owen Moes was recognized as the top junior finisher.

The 52nd Bloody Mary Regatta at Western Carolina Sailing Club on October 26-27, 2024, featured sunny and warm Saturday weather with minimal wind, followed by a cold front on Sunday bringing strong northeast breeze. Steve and Shaun Burke won the regatta despite tight competition throughout the fleet.