Hull Construction & Materials

Letters to the editor covering topics including boom arrangements for roller reefing, discussion of board and rudder designs, excerpts from Bill Robinson's column about Thistle design philosophy, and a question about Thistles in Texas. Topics include flexible cable outhauls, board rigidity vs. performance, and the future of Thistle class design.

The editor presents a second design proposal for an official Thistle Class burgee, suggested by Mr. Soderberg. This design will be considered alongside Ron Small's proposal for selection at the Association's Annual Meeting.

Product feature about hand-crafted THISTLE half-model plaques created by Willard Shepard, offering an attractive award option for race committees seeking regatta prizes.

Sandy discusses the importance of maintaining strict one-design standards for THISTLES and argues against modifications. He also raises questions about hiking straps and other equipment modifications that some skippers are experimenting with.

Report on an arrangement with Medina Associates in England to build Thistles for the English and European market. The Executive Committee initially could not approve the arrangement due to By-Laws restrictions on hull construction methods, but Sandy Douglass has requested that the By-Laws be amended to permit the Medina cold-moulded process.

Sandy Douglass argues that the Thistle cannot achieve international class status without TCA approval of three-ply hull construction, which would reduce costs and manufacturing barriers. He discusses the technical merits of different construction methods and concerns about European builders.

The Thistle Class approved new hull specifications allowing the use of laminated plywood construction and synthetic sailcloth in place of traditionally required materials. These changes, voted at a Special Meeting in New York on January 23, will allow British and European builders to construct legal Thistles and provide more flexibility in sail materials.

The Association's membership voted to require retention of keel moldings and centerboard shoes on all Thistles, rejecting a proposal to allow their removal. This ensures uniformity of the structural shape shown on official plans.

Continuation of the editor's discussion covering plastic Thistle hull construction debate, the role of Douglass & McLeod Inc., and various perspectives on experimental designs and fiberglass boat building.

Report on an experimental fiberglass Thistle hull built by Tom Heckel for the Indianapolis Sailing Club. Describes the new boat's characteristics and construction methods, noting differences from traditional wooden hulls.

Opinion piece discussing the possibility of alternate hull materials for Thistles, noting that fiberglass has been conditionally authorized by the Board of Governors for licensing, with emphasis on equal performance standards and careful implementation.

The editor and Governing Board thank readers for their thoughtful feedback on fiberglass construction and aluminum spars. Multiple perspectives are presented on maintaining the Thistle's one-design nature while allowing for technological advancement, with various skippers and fleet members expressing viewpoints on design changes and regulations.

A collection of editorial quotes and opinions from various Thistle sailors and officials regarding the one-design class concept, fiberglass construction, aluminum spars, and the future direction of the Thistle Class.

Discussion of the Governing Board's consideration of fiberglass Thistles for evaluation purposes, noting that one boat is available through Ray McLeod and that clarification of procedures is needed before further decisions can be made.

Chief Measurer George Devlin addresses concerns about proposed modifications to Thistle hulls, discussing the merits of fiberglass construction, aluminum spars, and other technical changes. He seeks member input on the direction of the class design.

Detailed photographic documentation of the experimental fiberglass Thistle under construction in California, showing internal structure modifications including centerboard well and buoyancy tank reinforcements.

The editor's column discussing the revival of Thistle activities in various regions including Atlanta, California, Hawaii, Florida, and especially the Chesapeake Bay area. Discussion of fiberglass boats being tested and reflections on the importance of class unity and membership dues.

An advertisement for accurate two-inch scale Thistle models in white metal, with options for various color schemes. The models include detailed racing tactics and are available in different quantities at different price points.

TCA President Evans Harrell alerts the Thistle class about regulations concerning fiberglass boat construction, noting that neither he nor other officers have made promises about when sailors can legally purchase and race fiberglass or aluminum-mast Thistles. Plans for fiberglass construction materials are pending.

TCA leadership is awaiting final approval decisions on new boat materials and aluminum masts, requiring complete design plans before legal racing is authorized.

The TCA Governing Board will vote on approving a sanctioned Fiberglass Thistle at the Mid-Winter meeting in St. Petersburg. A development committee met in Cincinnati to finalize construction details for fiberglass Thistle models.

The TCA Governing Board is expected to vote on approving a sanctioned Fiberglass Thistle at their Mid-Winter meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida. The decision will determine whether fiberglass construction will be allowed for the class.

Continuation of the fiberglass Thistle decision story, detailing the extensive committee work and planning that went into the fiberglass construction specifications and approval process.

The TCA Governing Board is expected to vote at the Mid-Winter meeting in St. Petersburg on approving a Fiberglass Thistle design. The decision comes after the class approved Fiberglass construction in 1959, and a Development Committee is working on specifications for a fiberglass boat that meets TCA requirements.

Performance report on Fiberglass Thistle No. 1242, which raced in 21 regattas during the year, averaging 105 points overall. Despite the boat being soundly built and well-maintained, its competitive results were mixed across various classes and events.

An editor's column reflecting on the lack of editorial contributions and inviting readers to share their views about the class. The editor discusses the positive evolution of Thistles including the introduction of aluminum masts and modern design, noting the importance of the class philosophy and seeking reader input.

The National Secretary is requesting an old used graphotype for cutting address plates to help with mailing efficiency.

Detailed proposal examining centerboard modifications for Thistle boats based on analysis of championship winners' designs, with recommendations for class-wide improvements to centerboards and rudders.

Editorial discussing the importance and implications of sail plan proposals for the Thistle class. Addresses concerns about cost, standardization, and the balance between maintaining one-design principles and fostering technological innovation.

A comprehensive response by Tom Wilson to criticisms raised by Sandy Douglass regarding the Thistle class's design philosophy. Wilson argues that the class has successfully maintained its one-design principles while adapting to new materials and discusses the importance of balancing expert and non-expert perspectives in class development.

The Bagpipe establishes a new column devoted to Thistle Class Association news. Features information about recognized builders (Elliott's Boatworks, Clearwater; Jim Fillis, San Angelo; Clark Boats, Kent, Washington) and discusses fiberglass centerboard issues affecting fleet maintenance and boat standardization.

Comprehensive article by Tom Wilson addressing criticism of the Thistle Class design philosophy. Discusses the debate between those favoring strict one-design rules versus controlled development, using the 20th Anniversary Regatta as a historical reference point. Argues that the Thistle's success comes from maintaining design consistency while allowing minor improvements, contrasting this with other one-design classes.

Discussion of design issues in the Thistle class, contrasting George O'Day's popular design with the Thistle's features. Notes that while the O'Day design enjoyed success, the Thistle has distinct advantages in setup and performance for competitive racing.

Discussion of the historical use of Cunningham Holes in Thistle design, noting their importance for sail maintenance and their eventual discontinuation as sailcloth technology improved.

A comprehensive examination of mast material choices for Thistle sailboats, comparing wood and aluminum options, discussing performance implications, cost considerations, and class regulations governing mast specifications and design.

Continuation of earlier DNF discussion addressing concerns about boat handling, rules compliance, fleet safety, and the technical aspects of the Thistle's design and performance under various conditions.

Commentary questioning class design philosophy and Cunningham hole proposal, with discussion of sail obsolescence concerns and competitive fairness in the one-design class.

Bailey offers technical arguments against adopting Cunningham holes for the Thistle class, noting that while they work on some boats, they represent an unnecessary complication for the fleet.

Summary of Executive Committee decisions regarding Clark boat construction details, class specifications, and guidelines for future boat construction requirements.

A section featuring letters from readers addressing topics about Thistle sailing practices, boat design decisions, and recommendations for racing protocols and site selection for the Nationals.

Photo essay documenting the construction process of Thistle sailboats at the factory, showing various stages from hull assembly to final finishing and preparation for shipment.

A detailed guide to building half-hull Thistle models from scratch, covering the selection of materials, carving techniques, assembly of components, and finishing processes for creating decorative scale models.

Detailed guide to constructing scale model Thistles from wood. Covers materials, templates, hull carving, lift assembly, rail construction, sanding, and finishing techniques. Provides practical tips on working with various woods and tools.

Comprehensive technical guide to building a Thistle rudder from scratch. Covers material selection, construction techniques, wood selection, gluing methods, profile shaping, finishing, and the glass cloth covering process with detailed measurements and instructions.

Discusses the epoxy saturation method for hull construction and questions whether this manufacturing approach affects price and design of Thistle hulls, referencing Marlin Abramson's comments on the technique.

Response to editorial discussion on epoxy saturation and Thistle hull design, questioning whether manufacturer changes should affect the growth and visual appearance standards of the class.

An announcement of a pioneering project to build glass-reinforced plastic hull Thistles, authorized by the Thistle Class Association. The article outlines the specifications and objectives for constructing six prototype plastic hulls to test durability, performance, and manufacturing feasibility.

A report on the Indianapolis Sailing Club's construction and testing of the ELTSIH-1, an experimental fiberglass Thistle. The article describes the innovative fiberglass construction method and the resulting vessel's unique characteristics, noting its successful performance and potential implications for the class.

A news report on the TCA Governing Board's vote to approve fiberglass as an acceptable construction material for Thistle Class boats. The article recounts the multi-year consideration of fiberglass Thistles and the final approval decision made at the 1959 Annual Meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida.

A summary of Governing Board actions regarding the adoption of official Thistle Class plans and specifications. The piece documents the board's efforts to establish standardized plans for builders and the class's commitment to maintaining design integrity.

A summary of the keel and stem molding discussion from the Annual Meeting, noting that the issue was not resolved but the Governing Board will consider new proposals for enforcement of molding specifications starting at the 1985 Midwinters.

Editor McCutcheon discusses the ongoing issue of keel and stem moldings, noting that the Governing Board rejected three proposed amendments at the annual meeting due to their potential impact on enforcement. He explains the Board's position on specification enforcement and invites members to review a prepared proposal for discussion.

Technical article explaining the issue of keel and stem moldings in Thistle specifications. Describes the controversy over whether moldings should be faired and outlines the proposals for modification.

The new president discusses the challenges facing Thistle construction with current labor-intensive restrictions and limited wood supplies. He explores potential solutions including reinforced plastic substitution, female-mold fiberglass hulls, and modified design approaches to reduce costs while maintaining class integrity.

A lengthy open letter discussing the debate over allowing new wooden Thistles to be built. The author argues for the right to build new wooden Thistles, questioning the class's decision to restrict wooden boat construction and presenting arguments about cost, competitiveness, and the nature of the one-design class.

A detailed letter discussing proposals for allowing new wooden Thistle construction and glass boat modifications. The writer argues that strict class rules should foster growth rather than restrict boats that have aged beyond their years, advocating for more flexible approaches to keeping older boats competitive.

A comprehensive technical commentary on hull construction options for Thistle boats, discussing structural vs. non-structural epoxy and polyester fiber cores, cost-effectiveness, materials like Coremat and Baltek, and addressing design quirks like self-rescue and rigging complexity. Multiple letters from class members are also included discussing their concerns.

A collection of letters from class members discussing various topics including hull construction materials, boat design preferences, and racing philosophy. Contributors include Chris Spens, Dick Brainard, B. Albert Friedman, Henry Clements, and others sharing diverse perspectives on Thistle sailing.

Barbehenn reports on the committee's work to identify and evaluate new hull materials that could be used in Thistle construction. He discusses criteria for candidate materials including stiffness, durability, and builder impact, and describes testing plans for several specimens including fatigue testing.

Carol Robinson addresses the commitment to focus this issue on hull construction and discusses important survey responses and upcoming National meetings in Montana.

Ron Smith provides a comprehensive technical report on sandwich hull construction methods for Thistles, including testing of different materials like fiberglass, baltek, and coremat cores, with specific stiffness data and performance results.

Ben Sevdy discusses the historical perception of Thistles as outdated and argues that the class's history and design are significant factors in its continued appeal compared to newer boat designs.

Doug Laber expresses concerns about proposed changes to Thistle hull construction and questions whether new materials like Coremat or Baltek would provide meaningful benefits while discussing the importance of maintaining class standards.

John Lovett argues that improved sandwich hull construction should be pursued to enhance the longevity and competitiveness of Thistles, comparing stiffness advantages and addressing concerns about weight and costs.

Robbie Thomas announces formation of a nontechnical issues committee to address concerns surrounding proposed hull construction changes and invites responses to an important survey about class direction.

A comprehensive survey questionnaire designed to gather member opinions on hull construction, boat age, competition level, hull materials, and potential new construction methods for Thistle class boats.

Results of 1988 hull construction survey analyzing boat age, materials, competitiveness, and construction methods. Includes pie and bar charts showing the distribution of fiberglass vs. wood hulls and competitive vs. non-competitive boats.

Introduction to the Wooden Boat School located in Brooklin, Maine, describing its location, facilities, curriculum offerings, and the author's personal experience attending.

Tom Gregory responds to Loren Hoffman's Growth and Promotion column by opening a discussion on the possibility of allowing wooden kit boats in the Thistle class. He advocates for wooden boats as a way to attract new members and maintain the class heritage.

Collection of quotes from various Thistle sailors and builders discussing the merits and concerns about fiberglass construction for Thistles.

Photographic essay showing the construction and design of fiberglass Thistles, including interior details, rigging, and external views under sail.

Lloyd Kitchen addresses ongoing discussions about the use of exotic materials in Thistle construction, particularly carbon fiber poles for spinnakers. He reports allowing carbon fiber spinnaker poles while restricting their use to avoid performance advantages.

Multi-part discussion among fleet members about the merits of building new wooden Thistles versus maintaining glass boats, including technical considerations and different perspectives on wooden boat construction.

Chris Klotz addresses concerns about wooden Thistle boat construction, discussing specific issues like design variety, construction costs, appeal to newcomers, and the need for constructive dialogue to address class concerns.

Extended discussion about whether the Thistle Class Association should permit construction of new wooden boats. Multiple perspectives are presented from class members debating the merits, costs, and implications of allowing new wooden Thistle construction.

Conclusion of an internet discussion about whether Thistle should permit new wooden boat construction, with contributions from Bill Connerly, Tom Gregory, and Rob Hoffer presenting different perspectives on the proposal.

Rod Glover provides a historical perspective on the class's discussion about allowing new wooden hull construction, reviewing past debates and decisions about WEST technology and fiberglass competition.

Conerly tells the story of how the Pacific Northwest District acquired molds for Thistle boat construction through the efforts of Grant Noel, and how these molds eventually led to the founding of Northwest One Design. The article explains the lease arrangement between the district and builder, the mold improvements, and the success of boats built from these molds.

Chief Measurer discusses an inquiry from wooden boat builder Brion Reiff about producing plywood Thistles using modern adhesives. Outlines proposed standards for wood hull construction to ensure one-design control and uniformity, including specifications for hull lay-up, fixture requirements, and measurement procedures.

Ron Smith discusses the proposal to allow construction of new wood Thistle hulls using modern adhesives like epoxy. He presents arguments both for and against the proposal, explains the difference between "hot-molded" and "cold-molded" construction methods, and provides technical context for the bylaws amendment proposal.

A detailed how-to article describing the step-by-step process of building a wooden boom for a Thistle. The article covers material selection, routing the sail groove, lamination, shaping, finishing, and drilling attachment holes.

Historical research article about identifying wooden versus fiberglass Thistle hulls, noting the class did not maintain accurate records after approving fiberglass construction in 1961, with a list of skippers and boats in the ambiguous hull number range that may be either wood or glass.

Detailed examination of the new Beacon Composites Thistle #4052, built using infusion and vacuum bag methods from molds acquired from Doug Laber. The article highlights innovative construction techniques including refined beam structure, integrated stern lift points, and nearly invisible tank seams. Alex Venegas is pursuing Thistle builder certification with this boat.

Comprehensive interview with Alex Venegas, the new Beacon Composites Thistle builder, detailing his boat-building process, background in custom yacht construction, and entry into the Thistle Class. The article explains Beacon's vacuum-infusion construction method, CNC-cut rudder production, hardware options, pricing, and Alex's passion for building quality sailboats while racing competitively.

Paul Cone, Second Vice President and chair of the Builder Committee, discusses the committee's work to find new sources for Thistle boat construction. The committee is storing Pacific Northwest and Great Midwest/Beacon Composite molds in dry storage and seeking input from the membership through a survey at thistleclass.com/survey regarding interest in new Thistle boats.

Update on Thistle Class boat molds: the McLaughlin/Northwest One Design molds have been relocated to dry storage with the Eugene fleet, while the Great Midwest/Beacon molds are kept on the East Coast. The committee encourages builders to complete a survey.