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Nationals & Midwinters Championships

MidWinters West Regatta

Race reports and coverage of the annual MidWinters West regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego.

157 articles · 1946–2026

Mission Bay Yacht Club, San Diego, Cal.
1948 December 1948 p. 1

Report from Mission Bay Y.C. in San Diego on their active summer and fall seasons, including Summer Series, Fire Cracker Series, and S.C.Y.A. Regatta participation. Fleet working toward Christmas Regatta at Newport Harbor. Mentions rumored ocean races to Catalina Island and Coronado Islands.

Mission Bay Y.C., San Diego, California
1949 July 1949 p. 4

Reports from Mission Bay Y.C. in San Diego including Spring Series results with Herb Sinnhoffer's CLASSY LASSIE winning, and coverage of the Coronado Y.C. Regatta where Sinnhoffer also took first place.

Mission Bay Y.C.
1949 June 1949 p. 3

Fleet #13 held the Asher Pier Memorial Race on May 8th with Art Prager winning first place on Amiga. The fleet also organized a mountain breakfast celebration with bacon, eggs, and donuts.

Mission Bay Y.C. San Diego, California
1949 March 1949 p. 2

The winter racing series is in full progress at Mission Bay. Frank Flossie Hanratty in PANCHO #209 leads the pace. The Fragers are in second place with ARICHA #252, while Bob and Nadine Gates with GORDO #210 are third. Two more races remain in the series.

Fleet Thirteen Reports
1950 November, 1950 Lois Pragerp. 2–5

Report from Mission Bay, California covering July-August racing including the David Gleason Memorial Trophy, Southern California Yachting Association Championship Regatta with Hawaiian festivities, and Labor Day activities. Fleet Thirteen elected new officers including Art Prager as Fleet Captain.

FLEET NO. 13 REPORTS
1951 August, 1951 Lois Pragerp. 4–5

Detailed update on Mission Bay, California fleet activities including the Coronado Small Boat Regatta in June, experimental Spring Series, Mission Bay Small Boat Regatta, Firecracker Series in July, Harbor Days festivities, and upcoming August regattas. Reports on various Thistle performances across multiple events and the active participation of local crews.

Fleet 13 Winds Up Three Series
1953 July, 1953 p. 3

Fleet 13 in the Mission Bay, California reports on three racing series with Art Prager winning the Winter series in AMIGA, and Seth Brown winning the Decoration Day series. Race results show various boats and skippers competing in multiple races.

San Diego Fleet 13 Begins Racing Season Early
1953 March 1953 Art Walkerp. 1

Fleet 13 in San Diego has had an exceptional early start to their racing season, with three Thistles already in competition. The fleet is planning ambitious races including a deep-water race twenty miles out to the Coronado Islands. The article notes recent visits from sailors from the East Coast and speculates about their influence on Fleet 13's strong performance.

Westin Top Knocker In G.S.B.Y.R.A.
1954 January 1954 p. 2

Doug Westin was elected president of the Great South Bay Yacht Racing Association, having served as vice president the previous year.

San Francisco Bay Fleet 67 Reports
1956 November - December 1956 Arch Cassinghamp. 7

Fleet report from San Francisco Bay with photo of 40 boats at Alameda Naval Air Station regatta including drifting match racing and results with Emory Wanless winning.

Frisco Bay Fleet Grows Rapidly
1959 March 1959 Gil Smithp. 1–5

A comprehensive report on the rapid growth and development of Fleet 67 in the San Francisco Bay area, which started with just two boats in January 1955 and has grown to twenty-two registered boats. The fleet has become instrumental in pioneering one-design racing in the region and continues to sponsor regattas and expand activities.

West Coast Midwinter Regatta
1961 Mar., Apr., 1961 p. 8

Race results from the West Coast Midwinter Regatta held at Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club in Long Beach, California.

West Coast Midwinter Regatta
1961 March-April 1961 p. 8

Race results from the West Coast Midwinter Regatta held at Cabrillo Yacht Club in Long Beach, California, showing the final standings of boats across three races.

Our Cover
1964 May-June 1964 p. 2

Editorial note about the photograph on the cover showing Art Glasier in True Love leading during the 1963 Southern California District Championship regatta at Long Beach Harbor, which will be sailed June 13-14.

Our Cover
1964 May-June 1964 p. 2

Editor's note about the cover photograph showing Art Glasier leading in the 1963 Labor Day Regatta at Long Beach.

The Cover
1967 May-June 1967 Wm. G. Sebastian (812 & 1411)p. 2

With the Historical Society's Old Fresno County Court House in the background, Phyllis Weaver rights her boat during a race at the Friars Dam Fleet's annual Powder Puff Regatta. The article describes the wind conditions and technique involved in this rescue maneuver.

The Cover
1967 May-June 1967 Wm. G. Sebastian (812 & 1411)p. 2–3

Sebastian describes the cover photo featuring Phyllis Weaver racing at Fleet 66's annual Powder Puff Regatta near Fresno, California. The article explains the historical context of the race series and notes the light air conditions that characterize the area.

Middle States Regatta
1970 Spring 1970 Dan Dees (2646)p. 19

Account of the Middle States Regatta held Labor Day weekend where racing was held with light winds and where various sailors demonstrated good performance.

1973 Mid-Winters West
1972 November-December 1972 p. 8

An announcement for the 1973 Mid-Winters West regatta to be held at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego in January, with details on schedule and venue.

Don Clark Repeats West Coast Midwinters Victory
1973 May-June 1973 Bob Thomas (1622)p. 12

Race report of the 1973 West Coast Mid-Winters at Mission Bay, San Diego, where Don Clark won overall, with results showing strong performances by northern and southern California skippers in multiple divisions.

Sailing Conditions at South Bay San Diego
1974 July-August 1974 p. 13

An analysis of the sailing conditions at South Bay, San Diego, where the 1974 Nationals will be held, discussing wind patterns, currents, and tide considerations written in the voice of Lowell North, an outstanding Thistle sailor.

TOM BECKHAM WINS WEST COAST MIDWINTERS
1974 March-April 1974 Bob Thomas (1422)p. 4–5

Race report of the annual Mission Bay Yacht Club Thistle Mid Winters regatta in San Diego, won by Tom Beckham from Portland, Oregon. Twenty Thistles competed through challenging conditions with broken clouds and temperatures ranging from 11-15 knots.

Sailing Conditions at South Bay San Diego
1974 May-June 1974 Lowell Northp. 11

An analysis of the sailing conditions at South Bay near Coronado, California, where the 1974 Nationals will be held. Lowell North, one of the world's outstanding sailors, describes the wind patterns, tidal flows, and racing characteristics sailors can expect during the championship.

Midwinters West
1974 November - December 1974 p. 7

Announcement for the Thistle Midwinters West gathering at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego on January 24-26, 1975. Features a new sailing seminar format and 6 races with schedule and event details provided.

Midwinters West Announcement
1974 November-December 1974 p. 7

Announcement for the 1975 Midwinters West regatta to be held January 24-26, 1975 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. The event will feature a sailing seminar and incorporate the same format as the 1974 series with both racing and lecture components.

Midwinters West Won by Steigerwald
1975 March-April, 1975 p. 4–5

Chuck Steigerwald and his crew won the prestigious Midwinters West regatta with a dominant performance, placing first in the first two races before winning decisively over the remaining races at the Great Lakes venue. The victory included winning the trophy made by sculptor Joe Carrick.

Midwinters West Won by Steigerwald
1975 March-April, 1975 p. 4

Report on the fourth annual Midwinters West regatta won by Chuck Steigerwald with an eighteen-boat fleet made up of boats from the entire west coast. Includes race results table and commentary on individual performances.

1976 Mid-Winters West
1975 November-December 1975 p. 8

Steigerwald to defend his Mid-Winters West Championship at Mission Bay over the weekend of January 30 - February 1, 1976. The regatta format remains similar to previous years with a two-day sailing seminar on Friday for those making early trips to San Diego, with the overall event featuring multiple races and critique sessions.

1976 Midwinters West
1975 November-December 1975 p. 8

Announcement and details about the 1976 Midwinters West Championship at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, scheduled for January 30 - February 1, 1976, with Steigerwald defending his title and details about the format and schedule.

Dave Ullman Captures Mid-Winters West Honors
1976 March-April 1976 Bob Thomasp. 4–6

Feature article about Dave Ullman's victory at the Mid-Winters West regatta in Mission Bay, San Diego. Detailed account of the racing conditions, key competitors, and tactical performance across five races that led to Ullman's first-place finish.

Dave Ullman Captures Mid-Winters West Honors
1976 March-April 1976 Bob Thomasp. 4–5

Comprehensive report of the Mid-Winters West regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club. Dave Ullman won the regatta with his innovative sailing techniques and boat handling, followed by Skip Kempf and Chuck Steigerwald. The event featured five races in varying wind conditions.

1977 MID-WINTERS WEST PROGRAM
1976 November-December 1976 p. 9

Details for the 1977 Thistle Mid-Winters West regatta held at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. Includes schedule, registration information, measuring procedures, and contact details for charter arrangements.

Mid-Winters West 1977
1976 September-October 1976 p. 3

Announcement of Mid-Winters West event in January 1977 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, with pre-race tuning.

Mid-Winters West: Five Aces Give Dave Ullman The Honors
1977 March-April 1977 Tom Bennett (3445) & Sally Wardwellp. 4–6

Dave Ullman dominated the 1977 Mid-Winters West regatta at Mission Bay with five first-place finishes, earning the title with an impressive sailing record. The event featured 45 Thistlers from across the country in strong competition with varied weather conditions.

Mid-Winters West: Five Aces Give Dave Ullman The Honors
1977 March-April 1977 Tom Bennett (3445) & Sally Wardwellp. 4–5

A detailed account of the Mid-Winters West regatta held in Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Dave Ullman (3485) dominated with five first-place finishes, building on his previous successes in Thistle racing. The article describes the arrival of skippers, wind and weather conditions, and the competitive racing that unfolded.

The Mid-Winters West
1978 April-May 1978 Bob Thomasp. 11–12

Detailed account of the 1978 Mid-Winters West held in California with pleasant weather. Describes four divisions of racing, fleet dynamics, and winners of Championship and Commodore's divisions. Includes race analysis and anecdotes about notable performances.

Mid-Winters West
1978 December 1977 - January 1978 p. 11

Regatta announcement and schedule for the Mid-Winters West Championship held January 26-29, 1978, at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, California, with details on registration, race schedule, and accommodation information.

Mid-Winters West
1978 December 1978 - January 1979 p. 5

Announcement of the Thistle Mid-Winters West regatta scheduled for January 18-21, 1979 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, with details on racing schedule and accommodations.

Race 5, Championship Division Report
1978 October-November 1978 p. 8–9

Fifth race of championship division with 280-degree, 7-knot winds. By now it was late afternoon and the fleet was more than ready to visit CYC beer truck on shore, but the Race Committee sent the President's Division in for the day.

The Mid-Winters West
1979 April-May 1979 Bob Thomas (3489)p. 12–14

Detailed account of the Mid-Winters West regatta at Mission Bay, featuring the triumph of Dave Ullman and the competitive racing conditions that made it a memorable event.

Mid-Winters West
1979 April-May, 1979 Bob Thomas (3289)p. 12–13

A detailed account of the Mid-Winters West regatta held in January at Mission Bay Yacht Club, describing racing conditions and winners in both championship and commodore divisions.

Mid-Winters West
1979 December-January 1979 p. 5

The 18th running of the Thistle Mid-Winters West will be held January 18-21, 1979 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. Three short races will qualify boats for championship and commodores divisions, with details on registration, timing, race format, and contact information.

Mission Bay Yacht Club 11th Mid-Winters West January 28-31
1981 December '81/January '82 p. 16

Event information and entry form for the 11th Mid-Winters West regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club, including welcome message, registration details, measurement requirements, and accommodation information for the four-race, two-race format in the Pacific Ocean.

The Most Fun Regatta: Mid-Winters West - Jan.19-22
1983 October/November 1983 p. 18

Announcement for the 1984 Mid-Winters West regatta to be held at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, California. Includes registration information, measurement requirements, schedule of events, and accommodation details.

Fisher Repeats At Mid-Winters West
1985 April/May 1985 p. 13

Report on the Fourteenth Annual Thistle Mid-Winters West Regatta held in January 1985 at Mission Bay Yacht Club, with Greg Fisher winning and other top competitors including Larry Klein and Mark Reynolds participating.

Thistle Fleet 13 Mid Winters West
1985 October/November 1985 p. 19

Announcement and registration information for the 15th Annual Mid Winters West regatta hosted by Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, January 16-19, 1986, including schedule, fees, and entry requirements.

Thistle Fleet 13 Mid Winters West
1985 October/November 1985 p. 19

Announcement for the 15th Annual Mid Winters West regatta hosted by Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, January 16-19, 1986. Includes schedule of events, registration information, and details for contestants.

1986 Thistle Mid-Winters West
1986 April / May 1986 Robb Spring (1010)p. 8–10

Comprehensive report of the 1986 Mid-Winters West regatta held in San Diego with forty boats from across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California competing in three days of excellent racing with sunny skies and competitive conditions.

The Heat is On in Southern California
1987 October / November 1987 p. 9

Announcement for the 1988 Midwinters West event at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, with schedule and entry information.

An Insider's Look at Midwinters West
1988 April/May 1988 Fred Nagel (1074)p. 14

Nagel provides a narrative account of the 1988 Midwinters West regatta in San Diego, describing the experience of sailing in challenging conditions and the chaos of the week, while expressing appreciation for the organizers and participants who made it a successful and memorable vacation.

Midwinters Earns Its Stripes
1988 April/May 1988 p. 15

Announcement that Midwinters West has been officially designated a silver chevron event by the Thistle Class. Class President Carol Robinson presented the news at the regatta, noting that this equal status with Nationals demonstrates the event's importance to the class.

Early Results 1988 MWW
1988 February-March 1988 p. 7

Race results from the 1988 Midwinter West regatta showing top finishers in the early scoring.

1989 Midwinters West
1988 October/November 1988 p. 13

Advertisement and announcement for the 1989 Midwinters West regatta to be held January 19-22 in San Diego, hosted by the San Diego Area Thistle Fleet and Mission Bay Yacht Club.

The Finish Line: 1989 Midwinters West
1989 June/July 1989 Mike Gillump. 19

A regatta report on the 1989 Midwinters West held at Mission Bay Yacht Club with 38 boats, including details on racing conditions, winner results, and the spirited atmosphere of the event with competitive racing and socializing.

Richmond YC Mid-Winters
1989 June/July 1989 p. 20

A report on the Richmond Yacht Club Mid-Winters Series from November-February 1988, describing competitive racing in cool Bay skies with centerboarders, and noting the performance of top sailors in the series.

Fleet 97 Championship
1990 February/March 1990 Brad Seaberg #3158p. 20

Report on the 1989 Fleet 97 Championship held at Little Grass Valley Lake, California, where Mike Gillum successfully defended his fleet title.

The Finish Line - 1991 Midwinters West Regatta
1991 June/July 1991 p. 16–17

Report on the 1991 Midwinters West Regatta held in California with results from both the Championship and Commodore's divisions. The event attracted 85+ boats from across the West Coast region and featured strong competition and social activities.

SCYA Midwinters
1991 June/July 1991 p. 20

Brief report on the SCYA Midwinters regatta with lumpy seas and varied conditions. Notes the tight competition with three races held but poor attendance with only three boats on the line for at least one race.

1993 Midwinters West
1993 December/January 1993 Unknownp. 17

Promotional announcement for the 1993 Midwinters West regatta to be held January 14-17 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. Includes schedule details, entry information, and registration form for participation.

Laura Captures Shortened Midwinters West
1993 June/July 1993 B. Boyd and M. Lampep. 24

Race report from the 1993 Midwinters West in San Diego describing the challenging weather conditions and the ultimate victory of Laura in difficult racing circumstances.

1994 Midwinters West
1993 October/November 1993 p. 9

Event announcement and registration information for the 1994 Midwinters West regatta hosted by Thistle Fleet 13 and Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, scheduled for January 13-16, 1994.

Pacific Northwest Dominates
1994 April/May 1994 L. Grinnell (Dhruva) (820)p. 22

Report on the Midwinters West held in San Diego where Pacific Northwest sailors dominated both the Championship and President's divisions. Details the competitive fleet and various finishers.

Fleet #97 Roadrunner Series
1994 February/March 1994 Bill Navarre (#1074)p. 14

A report on Fleet 97's 1993 summer roadrunner series which took advantage of picturesque lakes and reservoirs in Northern California, featuring four events with light air sailing and a social atmosphere.

Mission Bay Yacht Club Fall Invitational
1994 February/March 1994 John Weightmanp. 18

A regatta report from the November 13-14 Mission Bay Yacht Club Fall Invitational in San Diego, with boats traveling from as far as Phoenix and Los Angeles, race results, and photos of the winning crews.

Top Results of Midwinters West
1994 February/March 1994 p. 19

A mini-update of results from the Midwinters West regatta with a summary of the top finishers by club and overall points.

Fleet #97 Spring Fling Racing Clinic
1994 June/July 1994 Bill Navarre (1074)p. 13

The first annual Spring Fling Racing Clinic at North Forebay, Oroville, California was a successful instructional event. Featuring on-the-water practice drills and presentations on race strategy, the clinic provided valuable learning opportunities for sailors of all levels looking to improve their racing skills.

Midwinters West '95
1994 October/November 1994 p. 11

Advertisement for Midwinters West regatta in San Diego with promotional messaging and contact information.

Rookie Lessons Learned from '95 Midwinters West
1995 April/May 1995 George Samuels (3442)p. 17

Rookie sailor George Samuels shares eight humorous lessons learned from his first Mid-Winters West regatta, including advice about equipment, weather, and racing etiquette.

The Finish Line: Midwinters West '95
1995 April/May 1995 Ken Obenski (947), Skip Skempff (1347), Paul Hastie (3285), Terry Lettenmaier (3665), Fred Nagel (3662), George Samuels (3442)p. 20–21

Comprehensive report of the 1995 Midwinters West regatta held at Mission Bay with detailed race results, weather conditions, and highlights of top finishers.

From the Editor
1995 February/March 1995 Michael Gillum (926)p. 4–5

Editor reflects on the 1995 Midwinter West regatta, discussing the ideal sailing conditions, various sailing stories from competitors, and acknowledging charter boats used by competitors from different regions for the event.

Editor's Grab Bag
1995 February/March 1995 p. 5

Brief editorial notes highlighting Elmer Richards' class win at Southwest Harbor regatta, and reporting on former editor Larry Haugd's travel experiences in Australia and New Zealand.

1995 MidWinters West Top Five Finishes
1995 February/March 1995 p. 15

Results from the 1995 MidWinters West regatta showing the top finishers in Championship Division and Presidents Division.

1996 Mid Sea Warriors Battle
1996 April/May 1996 George Samuels, Terry Lettenmaier, Will Cummingsp. 10

A detailed report on the Midwinters West regatta held in San Diego, describing challenging racing conditions, competitive divisions, and the social highlights of the event.

Midwinters West Heard at the Bar
1996 April/May 1996 p. 12

Anecdotal snippets and gossip from Midwinters West, featuring colorful commentary about various sailors and their experiences at the regatta.

Highlights of Midwinters West Regattas Past
1996 February/March 1996 p. 16

A historical account of Midwinters West regattas from 1978 to 1995, highlighting notable conditions, winners, and memorable moments across multiple years of the popular annual event held in San Diego.

Mission Bay Fall Invitational
1996 February/March 1996 Will Cummings (3679)p. 20

A report on the Mission Bay Fall Invitational regatta in San Diego featuring a record number of boats, diverse competing fleets, and notable performances by national champion Jack Franco and local competitors.

WINTERS: Fortunate Franco Wins Again!
1997 April/May 1997 Chris Gedrose, Dane Winchester (3676), Brian Bauman (2346)p. 19–21

Comprehensive report on the San Diego Midwinters West regatta, detailing race conditions each day, top finishers including Jack Franco's winning performance, and various notable achievements during the three-day event.

scene: Fun, Fun, Fun in the California Sun!
1997 April/May 1997 Judy Cherryp. 23

Account of the social activities and off-water experiences during the Midwinters West regatta in San Diego, highlighting the camaraderie and entertainment enjoyed by sailors and their families.

Midwinters West Results & Report of First Coach-TCA
1997 April/May 1997 Tom Hubbell (3890)p. 27

Race results from Midwinters West Championship and President's Division races, plus report on the inaugural Coach-TCA training program that taught boat handling and racing skills to participants.

Flathead Lake Regatta
1998 October/November 1998 Wes Hinesp. 28

Report on the Labor Day weekend Flathead Lake Regatta in Montana at North Flathead Yacht Club. The event featured six races in pleasant weather with shifts and light breezes.

Thistle Midwinters West: Championship Division
1999 April/May 1999 by Dennis Lettenmaier (3665)p. 8–10

Detailed report of the Midwinters West championship regatta held in San Diego, January 21-24, with race-by-race analysis. Lettenmaier describes challenging sailing conditions and provides comprehensive race commentary and final standings for the championship and president's divisions.

President's Division
1999 April/May 1999 edited by Ken Obenski (947)p. 11

Report on the President's Division races at Midwinters West. Obenski notes that eighteen competitors faced challenging conditions and provides comprehensive race results and anecdotes about notable performances.

Mission Bay Invitational
1999 December/January 1998/99 Fleet 13p. 28

Account of the Mission Bay Invitational regatta held in San Diego in November. The regatta featured both ocean and bay racing with mixed conditions, and included social activities celebrating the Thistle Class community.

Midwinters West Summary
1999 February/March 1999 p. 6

A brief summary of results from the Midwinters West regatta held in Edenton, NC on May 1-2, showing top finishers in Championship and Presidents divisions.

The Larry Klein Regatta
2000 April/May 2000 Dennis Lettenmaierp. 8–10

Comprehensive report on the Larry Klein Memorial Match Racing Regatta held at Mission Bay Yacht Club the day before Midwinters West. The event features fleet races followed by single-elimination match racing among the top eight boats. Dennis Lettenmaier won the finals against George Szabo.

Regatta Recap
2000 April/May 2000 George Samuelsp. 22–25

Detailed race-by-race account of the 2000 Midwinters West regatta held at Mission Bay Yacht Club, January 28-30. The report includes observations about wind conditions, tactical decisions, notable boat performances, and personal anecdotes about competitors that highlight the essence of Thistle sailing community.

Lessons from President's Division at Midwinters West
2000 April/May 2000 Bill Conerlyp. 25–26

Analysis of the President's Division racing at Midwinters West 2000, where avoiding mistakes proved crucial in light wind, short course racing. The author discusses the strong correlation between final rankings and worst race performance, and shares tactical lessons about hitting corners and crew management.

Midwinters West Results
2000 April/May 2000 p. 27

Detailed race results tables for the Championship Division and President's Division at the 2000 Midwinters West regatta, including all seven races in the Championship Division and four races in the President's Division with final point totals.

Fleet #13 Profile, San Diego, CA
2000 August-September 2000 George Samuelsp. 4–5

Profile of Fleet 13 at Mission Bay Yacht Club, San Diego, featuring the light air sailing conditions, competitive sailors, and the club's recent selection as small boat yacht club of the year. Discusses the growth of the fleet and the annual hosting of Midwinters West.

Hot New Race Committee at MWW
2000 October/November 2000 p. 5

Announcement of Scott McKay as the Principal Race Officer for the 2001 Midwinters West and Larry Klein Memorial Regatta. Scott brings over 35 years of racing experience and a proven track record as regatta organizer for major events.

Editor's Column: West Coast Edition
2001 April/May 2001 Laurie Weitkamp, Terry Lettenmaier, Dennis Lettenmaier (3922)p. 18

The editors explain that this is a West Coast-focused issue featuring Midwinters West and San Francisco Fleet 67, and provide submission guidelines for future regatta articles and photographs.

Midwinters West—President's Division
2001 April/May 2001 Ken Obenski (947)p. 24

Obenski provides a humorous and personal account of racing in the President's Division at Midwinters West, highlighting memorable race moments and the experience of an improving competitor.

Midwinters West—Championship Division
2001 April/May 2001 Mike and Mardi Gillum (3487)p. 26

The Gillums provide a comprehensive report on the Championship Division at Midwinters West, detailing the competition, wind conditions, race results, and congratulating the winners while highlighting standout performances from top competitors.

Midwinters West Championship and President's Division Results
2001 April/May 2001 p. 27

Complete race results for both the Championship Division and President's Division at the 2001 Midwinters West regatta, showing final standings with George Szabo winning the championship and Dean Iwahashi the president's division.

Midwinters West 2002
2002 April/May 2002 Mike Gillump. 23–26

The 35th annual Midwinters West at Mission Bay Yacht Club featured 33 Thistles sailing in exceptional conditions. Greg Fisher won the Championship Division, followed by Mike Gillum in second place. The Larry Klein Memorial match racing event and President's Division races are also covered.

Midwinters West 2002: President's Division
2002 April/May 2002 Mike Bondp. 27–30

The President's Division at Midwinters West featured challenging ocean racing conditions including encounters with migrating whales. Kris Vogelsong won with tight scoring over Mike Poltorak, with multi-leg bay courses testing boat handling skills in the closing races.

Midwinters West 2003 - Championship Division
2003 April-May 2003 p. 4–5

Report on the XXXII Midwinter's West Regatta held in San Diego with 29 boats competing. Picture-perfect weather and competitive sailing provided excellent conditions. Kirsten Cummings won the regatta in the Championship Division, with Mike Ingham and Skip Dieball finishing close behind.

Midwinters West 2003
2003 April-May 2003 p. 4–27

The XXXII Midwinter's West Regatta was held in San Diego with 29 boats competing in excellent sailing conditions. Mike Ingham won the Championship Division in a close battle with Skip Dieball, while Terry Lettenmaier dominated the President's Division.

Midwinters West 2003 - Presidents Division
2003 April-May 2003 Doug Stumbergerp. 5–27

Report on the Presidents Division racing at Midwinters West 2003. Detailed accounts of racing conditions, tactical decisions, and final results with Terry Lettenmaier dominating the fleet across multiple races and conditions.

MWW Scores - Championship Division
2003 April-May 2003 p. 30

Final race results for the Championship Division at the 2003 Midwinters West Regatta, showing Mike Ingham finishing first with 18 points, followed by Skip Dieball at 18.5 points.

MWW Scores - Presidents Division
2003 April-May 2003 p. 30

Final race results for the Presidents Division at the 2003 Midwinters West Regatta, with Terry Lettenmaier dominating the fleet with 8 points across all races.

MWW Scores
2003 April-May 2003 p. 30

Complete race results tables for both Championship and Presidents divisions of the Midwinters West 2003 regatta showing individual boat standings across all six races.

Tijuana Baby: MWW Social Scene
2004 December 2004/January 2005 p. 4–5

A humorous first-person account of the 2005 Midwinters West regatta's social events, including the opening buffet and measurement day activities, the evening potato bar and Mike Ingham's tactics presentation, and the banquet with Emerald River Band and elaborate Tijuana pirate theme party.

Thistle Class 2005 Midwinters West Regatta
2004 December 2004/January 2005 Katherine Ellisp. 8–9

Detailed account of the 2005 Midwinters West regatta at Mission Bay, covering the race committee's decision to hold races in the bay due to dangerous surf conditions, the unique modified-Olympic course used, and the competitive racing across three days in varying wind conditions.

Midwinters West 2004 - Championship Division
2004 February - May 2004 Terry Lettenmaier (3922)p. 4–7

Coverage of the 2004 Midwinters West regatta in San Diego with 31 boats from the West Coast and Ohio. Skip Dieball won the championship division with three first-place finishes Friday, leading throughout the series. The regatta featured variable ocean and bay conditions with light winds and moderate swells on Friday, stronger westerly winds Saturday, and calm conditions Sunday.

Midwinters West 2004 - Presidents Division
2004 February - May 2004 Mark Miller (#3852)p. 8–9

First-hand account of the Presidents Division competition at Midwinters West from a skipper managing crew including school-aged family members. The fleet faced challenging ocean conditions with large swells and variable winds, followed by calm bay conditions. Mike Poltorak won with consistent top finishes while Luke Miller and other younger skippers showed strong performances.

2006 Midwinter's West Championship Report
2006 February/March 2006 Cathleen Higgins, Regatta Chairpersonp. 6–7

The 2006 Midwinter's West regatta held January 27-29 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego featured 13 fleet members competing in challenging ocean racing conditions. The unusual easterly wind shifted the race course south, creating unexpected windy conditions. Greg Fisher ultimately won the championship in his boat 3839, with Craig Koschalk finishing second and Kyle Finefrock third.

Championship Division Series Summary
2006 February/March 2006 p. 7

Results table showing the top finishers in the Championship Division at the 2006 Midwinter's West regatta, with Greg Fisher (3839) winning overall with 13 total points, followed by Craig Koschalk (3994) with 17 points and M. Gillum and others placing throughout the fleet.

Close Competition & Sea Lions make for a Great MWW President's Division Regatta
2006 February/March 2006 p. 8–9

The President's Division races at Midwinter's West offered highly competitive sailing and unexpected wildlife encounters, with sea lions appearing alongside the fleet. The article chronicles multiple races where lead positions changed frequently and describes how Dave Bloomberg, Kirsten Cummings, and John Deermount battled for top honors throughout the weekend.

Presidents' Division Series Summary
2006 February/March 2006 Kirsten Cummings #3679, Doug Stumberger #3955p. 9

A detailed results table showing the final standings of the President's Division fleet at the 2006 Midwinter's West, with D. Bloomberg (3763) winning overall with 13 total points, followed by J. Deermount (3852) with 15 points and K. Cummings (3679) with 16 points.

Racing Clinic at Midwinters West Focuses on Tuning and Tactics
2006 February/March 2006 Doug Stumberger #3702p. 10–11

The 2006 Midwinter's West regatta offered an innovative day-long racing clinic on Wednesday, January 25, led by Thistle experts Greg Fisher and Skip Dieball. The clinic covered tuning techniques, rigging systems for modern boats, and tactical discussions about racing in Mission Bay conditions, with practical demonstrations of different boat setups and their effects on performance.

Over the Transom
2006 February/March 2006 p. 23

A photo section showcasing images from Mid Winter's West regatta in San Diego with photos by John Krimmel showing various boats and competitors in action on the water.

Mission Viejo Spring Invitational
2006 June/July 2006 Rick Quickp. 30

Report on the Lake Mission Viejo Spring Invitational regatta held April 1, 2006, featuring challenging lake sailing conditions with eight boats competing in three races with shifting winds and strategic placement crucial to success.

Larry Klein Memorial and Mid Winters West - Race Reports
2007 February-March 2007 Jesse Gaylordp. 13–14

Comprehensive race report from the Midwinters West regatta held in San Diego at Mission Bay Yacht Club, including tactics discussion, race results, and conditions on the ocean course versus the bay.

MWW - The After Party
2007 February-March 2007 Karl D. Felgerp. 19–20

Social recap of the Midwinters West regatta highlighting the parties, dinners, and off-water activities that made the week memorable for participants.

2008 Larry Klein Memorial Fleet & Match Race Report
2008 April-May 2008 Mike Gillum #3820p. 1–2

Report on the 2008 Larry Klein Memorial Fleet & Match Race held at Mission Bay Yacht Club on February 10, 2008. The race moved to Sunday this year, attracting 24 boats. Mike Ingham dominated the fleet races with 2-1-2 finishes, and then won the match racing final against Mike Gillum in a dramatic finish by less than a boat length.

The Evolution of a Regatta - MWW
2008 April/May 2008 David Bloomberg #3763p. 13

Bloomberg describes the strategic improvements made to Midwinters West in 2008, including shifting dates to after the Super Bowl, changing from Friday-Sunday racing to Wednesday-Saturday, moving to ocean-only racing, and implementing unified fleet starts. These changes boosted participation by 30% and created a more engaging event.

A Whale of a Sail
2008 April/May 2008 Cesar Romero #2919p. 16–17

Romero celebrates the successful 2008 Midwinters West regatta, highlighting the excellent ocean conditions, 9 quality races, memorable wildlife encounters, and outstanding regatta management. He notes that Paul Abdullah won the overall MWW competition and Mike Ingham won the Larry Klein Memorial.

More MWW
2008 April/May 2008 p. 17–20

A collection of observations and testimonials from MWW participants and race reports, including comments on wind conditions, the format changes, hospitality, and various teams' experiences at the regatta.

MWW Top 10 List
2008 April/May 2008 Craig M. Koschalkp. 21

A humorous top-10 list of memorable moments from the 2008 Midwinters West regatta, including encounters with whales, the excellent hospitality at Mission Bay Yacht Club, and the quality of ocean racing.

Fleet 13 Invitational
2008 February/March 2008 p. 12–13

A report on San Diego's Fleet 13 Invitational Regatta which attracted 11 teams. The regatta featured both open ocean sailing with windward-leeward courses and tight bay sailing. Winners were announced with 2-person teams having a distinct advantage in the light conditions.

Mid-Winters West 2009
2009 April/May 2009 p. 14–15

Report on the 2009 Midwinters West regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. Details the qualifying and championship fleet racing across nine races with changing wind conditions including a Pacific front and thunderstorms. Includes complete race results for both fleets.

Larry Klein Memorial Regatta
2009 April/May 2009 Doug Hartp. 16–17

Account of the 15th annual Larry Klein Memorial Regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club featuring match racing following qualifying races. Describes Team Cheese's path to victory with crew members Moni Lampe and Doug Hart, navigating challenging conditions and competitive match racing.

2010 Midwinters West
2010 April/May 2010 By Mike Gillum #3820p. 7–9

A detailed account of the 2010 Midwinters West regatta in San Diego, featuring 28 Thistles racing in challenging winter conditions. The article describes the pre-race activities, daily racing action, and weather patterns, with particular attention to dramatic moments like Karl Felger's quick repairs to fix a jib shackle problem and Craig Koschalk's eventual championship victory. The regatta included practice races, social events, and the inaugural Mount Gay Rum Night.

2011 Thistle Midwinters - The Original - Recession Regatta
2011 December 2010/January 2011 p. 18

Promotional announcement for the 2011 Thistle Midwinters West regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. The event is advertised as extremely affordable with humorously repetitive cost-related descriptors, occurring February 2-5, 2011.

Mid-Winters West
2017 April/May 2017 p. 12–21

Comprehensive coverage of the Mid-Winters West regatta held February 1-5, 2017 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. The event featured eight races in the preliminary series, a double elimination Larry Klein Memorial Match Race, and a split format into Championship and Presidents divisions. Includes individual race reports with tactical analysis from multiple skippers, match racing results, and final standings showing Mike Ingham winning the Championship Division.

Midwinters West
2018 April/May 2018 Will Cummings #3842, Peter Frissell #3905, Dave Sexton #4011p. 12–15

Comprehensive race report from Midwinters West at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, February 1-4, 2018. Includes race narratives, discussion of fog affecting Thursday's races, and detailed results for both Presidents Division and Championship Fleet.

Mid-Winters West 2019
2019 April/May 2019 Compiled by John Howell #3517, with multiple race recapsp. 13–21

Comprehensive coverage of the 2019 Mid-Winters West regatta held January 24-27 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. Multiple race-by-race recaps from Championship and President's Fleet divisions, with results tables and commentary on boat handling, strategy, and sailing conditions.

Larry Klein Memorial Match Racing
2019 April/May 2019 Will Cummings #3842p. 16

Coverage of the Larry Klein Memorial Match Racing held after the conclusion of Mid-Winters West. Sixteen boats competed in a qualifying fleet to select eight finalists. The races were generally predictable without close exciting finishes, but featured the usual pre-race drama at the start.

My Mid-Winters West Story
2019 April/May 2019 Miranda Poltorak, Thistle #3666p. 17

Miranda, a young skipper competing in her first regatta, shares her personal story of purchasing a Thistle and racing at Mid-Winters West. At 24, she was the only female skipper and won the Goldfarb Trophy for youngest skipper. She emphasizes the importance of getting time in the boat and the welcoming Thistle community.

Mid-Winters West: A Family Affair
2019 April/May 2019 Robin Bonner #3077p. 18–20

Robin Bonner recounts her family's experience at Mid-Winters West, which involved careful planning to bring extended family members from the East Coast to San Diego. She describes how the crew rotated throughout the regatta to include family members new to Thistle racing, and shares memorable moments from the regatta.

Midwinters West
2020 December 2019/January 2020 p. 9

Preview and details for the 2020 Midwinters West regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, including practice day, racing schedule, match racing, and previous year's winners.

Strange Days at West Coast SAD Regatta
2021 December 2020 - February 2021 Steve Oliver, #1195p. 17

Lake Washington Sailing Club's Socially Appropriate Distancing regatta was held October 17, 2020, with seven boats racing in light fall air conditions typical of Sacramento. The regatta saw unusual rule technicalities and light winds that tested sailor skills across three races.

MidWinters West
2022 May - July 2022 p. 14–17

Comprehensive report on the 50th Annual MidWinters West regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, including race reports, junior sailor perspectives, match racing event, scenic side trips, and complete results from championship and presidents' divisions.

MidWinters West 2024
2023 October/November 2023 p. 7

Promotional information about the 2024 Mid Winters West regatta scheduled for January 31 - February 4 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, highlighting the all-inclusive pricing, family-friendly environment, and excellent racing conditions.

Mid Winters West
2023 Volume LXXVI, Number 3 - May-July 2023 Grant Gridleyp. 8–10

Gridley recounts his unexpected championship victory at the 2023 Mid Winters West regatta at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. He describes the preparation process, practice sessions, racing conditions, and the final day's dramatic races that culminated in his first-place finish with crew Casey Pruitt and Emily Tan. The report includes championship division race results.

Race 2
2023 Volume LXXVI, Number 3 - May-July 2023 Stan Smithp. 10

Smith describes Race 2 of the Mid Winters West regatta where he and his crew sailed boat #3852, finishing in third place. He recounts the light breeze conditions, a clean start above the fleet on starboard, and how crew member Wayne Pignolet's music in the parking lot led them to duck boat #376 on port.

Larry Klein Memorial Match Race - 2023
2023 Volume LXXVI, Number 3 - May-July 2023 Aaron Hollandp. 12–13

Holland describes the 2023 Larry Klein Memorial Match Race at Mid Winters West, where 13 teams competed in match racing on Mission Bay. He recounts his own final match against Ollie Kunz in dramatic fashion, with a chaotic ending involving rafted boats at the committee boat and ultimately Holland's team crossing the finish line first. The article includes detailed match descriptions and qualifier results.

2024 Southern California Districts
2024 August/September 2024 Mark Ryanp. 21

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.

Mid Winters West Regatta
2024 December/January 2024 p. 8

Regatta preview for Mid Winters West at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, held January 31 - February 4, 2024. The article describes the event as family-friendly and all-inclusive, with boat charters, practice day, and match racing on Sunday.

MidWinters West Championship Report
2024 May - July 2024 Stanton Smith #3852p. 10–12

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.

Mid Winters West
2025 May-July 2025 Paul Cone, #3590; Henry Tuttle, #3590; Philip Gordon, #3933; Wayne Balsiger, #3664; Lori Daily & D Peckp. 8–11

Five articles report on the 2025 Midwinters West regatta held at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego February 5-9. The multi-day event featured ocean racing with nine races over three days in varying conditions from sunny to foggy. Grant Gridley, Claire Siegel-Wilson, and Casey Pruitt won the Championship Division, while Michael Gillum's team won the Presidents Division. Race-by-race accounts highlight different tactics and conditions, including encounters with dolphins and challenging fog.

Mid Winters West Championship
2025 May-July 2025 Paul Cone #3590, and various contributorsp. 8–11

The 2025 Mid Winters West Championship at Mission Bay Yacht Club featured nine races over three days in the Pacific Ocean with varying conditions—sun and dolphins on Wednesday, rain and fog on Thursday, and sun again on Friday. Grant Gridley, Claire Siegel-Wilson, and Casey Pruitt won the championship. Multiple race reports detail individual experiences and tactical lessons learned in ocean racing. The Larry Klein Memorial Match Race was held on a fifth day in the bay.

Mid Winters West Results and Larry Klein Match Race
2025 May-July 2025 p. 11

Complete results table from the 2025 Midwinters West regatta with 28 boats competing in the championship and presidents divisions over nine races. Grant Gridley's team won the championship with 28 points. The Larry Klein Memorial Match Race results show Michael Gillum as champion with match race bracket results.

Midwinters West
2026 May-July 2026 Owen Fretwell, Greg Griffin, Leah Murrayp. 10–13

Coverage of the Midwinters West Championship held in San Diego, January 28 - February 1, 2026. Owen Fretwell reports on the junior team from Mission Bay Yacht Club finishing 7th overall and winning the Larry Klein Memorial Match Race Championship. The report includes individual race accounts, trophy winners, detailed results tables, and commentary on the excellent conditions and high-level race management.