Fleet Season Reports & Interclass Results

The annual election of officers was held at Toledo Yacht Club on September 14 with 25 members and 7 fleets represented. C.B. Seifert was elected National President for 1947, with other officers including I.L. Carron as Vice President and G.K. Douglass as Commodore.

The Thistle fleet from Watkins Lake visited Pontiac Y.C. on a stormy day during which a September Florida hurricane tail-end produced 15+ mph winds and 60-mile gusts. Lightning sailors challenged the Thistles to race despite poor conditions; 21 Lightnings and 6 Thistles participated. The Thistles fared better overall, with only one failing to finish, while nearly all but six of the Lightnings encountered trouble.

Early reports highlight secretary elections across three major fleets: John Bohannan for Sandusky, William H. Schwalbert for Toledo, and I.L. Carron for Detroit. The article encourages all fleets to organize and hold elections before the February deadline, with details about each fleet's plans for the racing season.

Short news items from various Thistle communities, including Bob Laughlin's sailing performance at Vermilion, news from the Lagoons, and L.H. Waldrip's home-built Thistle boat project. References to preparations for the 1947 Nationals and the upcoming Cleveland meeting.

The Mohican Sailing Club at Mifflin Lake near Mansfield, Ohio will have five new Douglass and McLeod boats ready for next season, thanks to Frank Bisemann's sponsorship. Frank Jansson demonstrated promise in testing BETTY J TOO (No. 188) at the Edgewater Frostbite competition.

During the Lightning class Nationals at Toledo, Jack Snell challenged 12 of the hottest Lightning skippers to race three Thistles. The Thistles dominated the race, building a nine-minute margin at the first mark and extending it to fourteen minutes at the second mark before the Lightnings gave up.

Secretary W. J. Stauffer of K.L.I.C. reported on the Klinger Lake fleet, which consisted of three Thistles this season with more expected next year. Fred Crapo's ICE WILLIE is the fleet patriarch, John Kirsch sails JAGAR, and Russ Fetter owns CREAM PIE. Fetter won the season championship while Kirsch's JAGAR won the Club Handicap Series. Both Fetter and Kirsch used different sail materials, with plans to switch to nylon next year.

Lake Onondaga Thistles engage in chaotic racing due to poor communication between the fleet and race committee. The day consists mostly of confusion about starting signals, capsizing boats, losing gear, and other mishaps. Ryan's Ghost leads the standings despite the pandemonium.

Fleet organization meeting held October 15, 1948, with William Heintz elected Fleet Captain and Frank P. Greenman as Fleet Secretary. Reports on regatta at Prides Inn, Irvington, Virginia on November 13-14 with five Thistle boats competing. Fleet covers Western Shore of Chesapeake Bay with eighteen boats total.

Announcement of the 1949 fleet officers elected at Toledo Yacht Club: Bill Miller as Fleet Captain, Buss Seyfang as Fleet Treasurer, and Jack Snell as Fleet Secretary.

The O.I.C.Y.A. Regatta was held June 19-20 at Chippewa Lake with a dozen Thistles participating in three races. Sandy Douglass won with 3.5 points, followed by Harvey Bunch and Dr. Harry Spangenberg.

Two Thistles competing at the Annapolis Y.C. Regatta (July 10-11) won first place in the handicap class race because no time correction rules were applied. George Gail's WAVE and J.W. Wilkinson's BUNNY tied in points against Lightnings and Chesapeake sailboats.

New Sound Thistles are dominating Long Island Sound races with their speed. Willard Lenz's No. 78 is leading the pack, with Rising's WHISTLE, Kittelle's POOCH, and Beck's KITTEN also showing strong performances in the fleet.

Tony Herrmann's STICKERS and Sandy Douglass's FIANCE demonstrated the superiority of Thistles over other sailboat classes at the L.M.Y.A. Regatta at Macatava, Mich. over July 4th weekend. The Thistles outperformed larger boats in three races across different wind conditions.

The Mentor Harbor Y.C. fleet held time-trial races on May 16th with four of their seven boats competing. Dr. George Sackett won the first race with son Jack, followed by Jim Nicoll and Larry Waldrip. Nicoll won the second race, with several newcomers to the fleet showing promise in their 1948 campaign.

Harvey Busch has regained his position as fleet leader at Edgewater Y.C. with recent wins in NAN TOO No. 52, while Emery Kamps maintains a strong points lead in NATURE BOY No. 180. Competition for the club championship promises to be close.

Race report from March 13, 1949 where Thistles and Suicides raced against Crickets in Miami. The Thistles placed second overall on a point score basis. Results show the top-five finishers with detailed scoring across three heats.

At Mission Bay Y.C. in San Diego, California, a Skimmer-Thistle skipper competition was held over two weekends with boats drawn randomly. The Skimmer skippers finished 10 points ahead of the Thistle skippers.

The Potomac River Sailing Association started its Spring Series on May 1st with races continuing for six Sundays. Six Thistles participated in the first two races with more expected for remaining races. Frank Greenman's GARTHA #335 leads narrowly over Frank Marquardt's WHITE SHADOW #336 and Prentice Edrington's NOEL #337.

A detailed report of a challenge match between Thistles and Lightnings held on September 30th at Lavallette, New Jersey, which resulted in a complete victory for the Thistles. Seven Thistles competed against seven Lightnings in two races with an 8-knot breeze, with the Thistles demonstrating superior sailing ability.

Report of the Third Annual Coconut Grove Sailing Club Regatta held November 4th in Miami, where Thistles dominated a mixed fleet of Lightnings, Crickets, and Suicides. George Koster in BABE (35) won the overall series and first place trophy, with John Hanafourde in GAY GAL (331) taking second place.

A letter from David P. Shay, Secretary of the Lightning Class Central Atlantic District, issued a challenge to the Thistle Class on behalf of Lightning Fleet #34. The Lightnings claim superiority over Thistles and propose racing to prove it, offering to race from trailer starts to demonstrate the Thistle's purported advantage.

Gordon K. Douglas, responding to the Lightning Fleet #34 challenge, accepts the match and proposes races on Barnegat Bay. He emphasizes the Thistle's versatility and superiority under all wind conditions, and suggests a three-race series to allow for varied weather conditions and fair testing of both classes.

Report of the match races between Lightning Fleet #34 and Thistle Class held on September 30th at Lavalette Yacht Club. Thistles won decisively in a clean sweep over seven-boat teams of each class. The races were referred to the official Yachting publications and motor boating magazines.

The special Ladies' Race for Thistles was held again this year, with Peggy Snell commanding THIS'LL DO to first place, followed by Ruth Cowgill in TICKLE and Dolores "Sis" Gibbs in HIGH LIFE. The race provided an entertaining demonstration of sailing skill from the female members of the fleet.

Cleveland Yachting Club activities including completed Spring and Summer series races at Rocky City and notes about members' achievements. Highlights include John Lovett and Chuck Williams' tied performance in the Williams' Trophy Series, Fred and Kay Best's trip to England, Dan Moulton's appointment as Beer-Fund Treasurer, and updates on various boat projects and restorations.

Fleet 3 held its election meeting on January 14th and elected new officers including Augie Kuemmel as Fleet Captain. The fleet undertook an innovative sail measurement program where all member sails were measured on the clubhouse floor and owners provided with specifications to ensure accurate measurements for the season.

Fleet 8 held its annual Christmas meeting at Mentor Harbor Yacht Club on December 16th. Elections resulted in Dar Bates as Fleet Captain, D. S. Bates as Fleet Secretary, and D. Sutherland Bates as Fleet Treasurer. The 1950 race standings show Julia B with Black at the helm leading the fleet.

Fleet 16 is based at South Shore Yacht Club on Turkeyfoot Lake near Akron, Ohio. During 1950, the fleet held 19 races with Bill Wagner finishing first with 51-1/4 points, followed by Dr. Walter Keitzer in LUCKY 7 with 45-1/2 points, and Ray Allen in KATHLEEN with 34-1/2 points.

The Mohiem THISTLE Fleet had an excellent season under Fleet Captain Lee Forup. TAXI CAB (skipped by Walter Burghardt Jr.) won the fleet championship, with MY BABY (Bob Fletcher) second and BETTY J TOO (Harold Dysart) third.

Report on the joint meeting of Chesapeake, Baltimore, and Washington Fleets held on December 15th. Fifty-four people attended to hear about the Class progress in the region, with 45 boats now active and strong representation at THISTLE Nationals.

Report on Fleet 34 (North Chesapeake Bay) activities for 1950. The fleet scheduled 14 races and participated in 11 outside regattas. The final standings table shows the top seven boats and their skippers.

Jim Parshall reports on Fleet 11 at Watkins Lake, Pontiac, Michigan. During 1950, the Watkins Lake Yachting Association held 17 official races. Jim Parshall won the Zannoth Trophy while Don Zannoth won the former Thistle Trophy. The fleet participated in various regattas including Interlake, Oakland County, and Regional events.

A report from Pittsburgh Thistle Fleet No. 40 describing the 1951 racing season with eight races and various activities, inviting Thistlers to participate in a 1952 sailboat regatta at Pittsburgh.

A report from Jim McGregor about the Fleet No. 26 at Shreveport, Louisiana, describing the 1951 racing season, fleet activities, and plans for future development.

Brief race report noting that Doc Adrian Spitz won the fleet championship for Fleet 49 in the Great South Bay.

Fleet report from Leatherlips Yacht Club describing their completed racing season with multiple race series including a perpetual trophy.

A report on Cleveland THISTLE fleet activities for 1951, listing the fleet champion and winners from various racing series and updates on new fleet additions.

Report on the strong season performance of Kiser Lake Fleet 51, noting their racing record and noting which boats competed well in various races.

Feature article reporting on THISTLE class boats achieving top performance at Boston-area racing events. Includes detailed account of Quincy Bay Race Weeks where four THISTLE entries dominated light-air conditions, along with practical advice on swamping procedures and recovery techniques.

Report from the Great South Bay THISTLE fleet announcing their participation in the Babylon regatta on July 4-6. The fleet now has THISTLERS to their feet, with results showing competitive racing.

Fleet 17 reports on activities including a new trophy engraved for Queen Elizabeth's Coronation presented by Commander Harry Hewlett. Details racing results from a memorial day race to Cameron Cove.

Fleet 48 sent four boats and ten skippers with families to Savannah Regatta, representing the only Thistles in attendance. Participants learned about tidal sailing and ocean conditions.

Fleet 34 reports 100 percent attendance at three completed regattas but notes final standings cannot yet be given. Mentions Harry Schultz working to reinstate the fleet at Edgewater and opportunities to purchase used Thistle boats.

Fleet 35 in Huntington, N.Y. held its annual election in November, electing Dave Thurston as Fleet Captain and another member as Secretary.

Fleet 3 in Sandusky, Ohio has implemented a novel scoring system with multiple series and scoring based on best finishes rather than cumulative results, making racing more interesting.

The Red Dragon Canoe Club at Edgewater Park, N.J., hosted a seasonal handicap event where Bill Miner's Thistle, Splash, won the competition against various other boat types.

The newly formed Knoxville and Oak Ridge fleet at the Concord Club has elected a new newsletter captain. The fleet is enthusiastically beginning racing activities as part of the TVA System. They plan competitive regattas and are organizing races for multiple boat classes.

Discussion of handicapping methods for Thistle racing. It has been established as a rule of thumb that a Thistle will beat a Lightning by 1 to 2 minutes per mile and will have to give a 100 foot head start to make a competitive race.

Potomac Fleet 17's new correspondent reports on the start of racing season with local Potomac fleet activities and plans. The article describes weather conditions and early race results.

The South Atlantic district achieves 100% dues collection for the first time in T.C.A. history, comprising 34 boats owned by 30 skippers across two fleets, with credit going to fleet organizers Jack O'Shea and Jack Beacham in Atlanta and Don Hansjutt in Knoxville.

An article advocating for increased television coverage of Thistler racing and sailing. The writer argues that TV exposure provides glamour and novelty that would appeal to viewers and help promote the sport. Local TV stations are beginning to produce educational sports programs, and sailing could benefit significantly from such promotion.

Jack Meyer of the Flying Scots Thistle Fleet in Nyack, New York, won the Larchmont Trophy by sailing Kelpe to a clear victory in the 56th Annual Larchmont Regatta in July. Meyer commanded a fleet of twelve Thistles in various races on Long Island Sound.

Fleet 21 (Columbus, Ohio) elected Dave Minton as Fleet Captain and re-elected Clyde Gump as Fleet Secretary. Several new boat acquisitions are expected for the upcoming season.

Fleet 1 (Rocky River, Ohio) completed 28 of 30 scheduled races during 1953, covering approximately 2,300 miles collectively. The season culminated in a celebration at the home of Charlie Williams, with various series winners crowned and the Marksnappper retained as Fleet Captain and Secretary.

Fleet 39 of Manhasset Bay held its fall meeting and elected Hartmut Kallman as Commodore and Bill Halpert as secretary for 1954, with plans to increase racing activity by recruiting new members.

Fleet 48 held its December meeting to elect officers for the coming year, with Jack O'Shea re-elected as captain, Jim Ness as secretary, and another member as treasurer.

The Great South Bay Yacht Racing Association has chosen Thistles for the Area D NAYRU Mallory Cup eliminations. Thistles will also be used for semi-finals in the Florida district at Sarasota.

Bill Johnson won the Royal Gaboon Steeplechase for the second straight year on May 8, sailing from St. Petersburg to Sarasota. Thistles dominated the fleet, taking five of the first six places.

Detroit River Fleet No. 2 announces its 1954 racing schedule across multiple yacht clubs. Fleet champion will be determined by races held throughout the season, with North American Point scoring on the best six of the first nine races.

Fleet 29 of the Seneca Yacht Club in Geneva, New York reports on a successful sailing season with multiple race series, noting that De Wilson's Penguin and Arthur Arms' other achievements are contributing to the club's competitive success.

Fleet No. 1 held its annual meeting in late September and elected new officers. The fleet saw strong racing throughout the season with champions crowned in various series competitions.

A mixed fleet regatta at the Paducah, Kentucky Sailing Club in September featured various boat types including Penguins, Snipes, and Lightnings. Sam Caldwell won the Commodore's Cup and led the regatta with his successful sailing.

Dave Allwyn of Fleet 46 won the championship, with Roger Waite taking second and Chuck Wright third. The fleet represents Niagara Frontier District and has had a successful season.

Report on the third One-of-a-Kind Series regatta held at Riverside, Connecticut on September 19, 1954, where a Thistle skippered by Howard Boston, Sandy Douglass, and the editor finished second on corrected time. The article compares the performance of various racing classes including the 5-0-5, Buccaneer, Dominion, and A Scow against the Thistle.

Report on Lester C. Haeckel's Thistle 445 winning the Vail Cup Race at the 48th Annual Regatta of the Ephraim Yacht Club in a handicap race open to boats under 35 feet, competing against 23 Sea Gulls and one Highlander.

Howard Boston sailing his Monsawee took second place in corrected time in the One-Of-A-Kind Series at Hiverulle, Connecticut. The four-race handicap event was won by a British built 5-0-5 sailed by Eric Oliver, with Harry Sindle and Sandy Douglass serving as Boston's crew.

During the 1954 National Championships, one boat owner discovered his anchored Thistle was missing after a boat dragged and was lifted ashore. He retrieved it from a nearby trail and alerted authorities. The incident highlights the hazards of securing boats during a regatta.

Fleet 50 reports on racing activities at Coney Island, including an Invitation Regatta with forty-three boats competing against a strong adverse tide. The fleet finished the season with Bert Bachman and Tom Mahon taking top honors in their respective series.

Fleet No. 8 from Mentor Harbor, Ohio reports an enjoyable 1954 season with race results from the Season Championship, Fall Summer Series, Fall Series, and Mentor Harbor Yacht Club Regatta, with various trophy winners listed.

Fleet No. 33 of Huntington, Long Island reports a successful 1954 season with 20 races sailed. Tom Buermann finished first overall, with races won at Memorial Day Series, Fourth of July, and Labor Day events. Detailed fleet standings and new officers for 1955 are listed.

The Commodore Decatur Yacht Club Thistle Fleet of Decatur, Illinois, has been granted a new Fleet Charter No. 66. Active members include Dale Zimmer as Fleet Captain and Bob Biller as District Secretary. The new fleet will host the Lake Michigan District Championship on August 6th and 7th.

Short item noting that Bill Nexen and Neil Patzer sailed their Thistle to victory in the Fifth Harvest Moon Regatta at Atwood Lake Yacht Club, adding another trophy to their impressive collection earned this season.

A report on Fleet 2's Annual Icebreaker Series held on the Detroit River, which concluded the 1955 racing season. The article details the conditions, winner Warner Giles from the University of Colorado, and provides comprehensive race standings showing competitive performances across three races.

Photo essay featuring action shots of the Thistle fleet racing at the 1956 National Championships, showcasing various boats competing in the fifth race with detailed captions identifying participating sailors and their positions.

Summer 1957 racing report for Thistle Fleet 36, with 13 boats participating. The series results showed Doug Gibb winning the championship. Race results and standings are included.

Report on the 1956 racing season for Thistle Fleet 22 with very competitive, sharp racing. The club held weekly races and inter-district competition, with 14 races counting for the season championship.

Bill Bruch, a Navy helicopter pilot, sailed Wave No. 918 to victory over a fleet of 27 Thistles at Newport Harbor in California. The series featured challenging wind conditions and was sponsored by the Newport Harbor Thistle Fleet.

Bill Mangold with Louis Schowe and Don Rowe as crew won the 10th Annual Gaboon Race for a battered old schooner. The race was a 40-mile old Royal Gaboon with multiple class entries and showcased various sailing skills.

Report on Fleet 49 Championship racing held over July 4th and Labor Day weekends, including competitive sailing at Babylon and Bellport with 17 Thistles competing in heavy wind conditions.

Report on Fleet Two's annual Icebreaker Series held on Detroit River October 13, 1957, with Howard Boston capturing three first places and excellent weather conditions.

Complete race results from Sandusky Sailing Club 1957 season including Sunday and Wednesday series, plus special trophy races.

Annual report for Thistle Fleet No. 31 from Cowan Lake at Clarksville, Ohio. Fleet report covering race participation, officials, membership changes, and various racing activities throughout the 1956 season including participation in regional regattas.

Annual report for Thistle Fleet No. 1 providing a summary of the 1956 racing season results, trophy awards, and fleet leadership elections. Report includes competitive standings for various series races and notes on boat acquisitions and fleet growth.

Fleet 45 report from Concord Y. C., Ft. Loudoun Lake, Knoxville, Tennessee. Report describes the fleet's racing activities including regatta participation at various locations and competitive experiences with other fleet boats.

Report on Fleet 51's participation in 22 races at the Kiser Lake Sailing Club regatta near Dayton, Ohio from May 27 to September 30, 1956, with details on the fleet champion and race conditions.

Detailed annual report of Racine Fleet No. 6, covering fleet expansion, racing series with trophy competition, participation in regional events, and handicap system for rating skippers.

Annual report of Shreveport Fleet No. 26 covering participation in 24 regular races with detailed fleet statistics and season organization.

Report on Fleet 38's successful 1956 sailing season at Atwood Yacht Club featuring boat 740 skipper Gary Spahr winning the Pennant Series and championship races.

Report on the Newport Harbor Thistle Fleet Team's victory in a team race competition against International Fourteen dinghies at the Balboa Yacht Club with detailed race results.

Report on Fleet 63's 1956 sailing season at Lake Massabesic featuring competitive heats and challenges, with plans for expanded activities and fleet growth.

Report on Seneca Yacht Club Fleet 29's 1956 sailing season with detailed race results from championship, Saturday, Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and long distance race series.

Report on Fleet 58 at Diamond Lake Yacht Club near South Bend, Indiana, highlighting six Thistles racing and the 1957 championship won by Bill Borough, with guest participation from other fleets.

Report on Fleet 83 at Buckeye Lake Yacht Club near Columbus, Ohio, in their first year as an active Thistle fleet, featuring John Ranft as Fleet Champion and a full season of racing series and regattas.

Race results from the 1957 Atwood Yacht Club racing season, showing standings across multiple series including Commodores Race, Summer Series, Crew Race, Championship Series, and Harvest Moon Regatta.

Report on the Fleet 80 Fall Regatta held October 18-19 at Lake Guntersville Yacht Club near Guntersville, Alabama. The event tested the skills of skippers in challenging conditions over two races.

Report on Fleet 54's 1957 Eskimo Series campaign, noting the success of Ed Walsh and other sailors, the emergence of Sam Harris as a competitive sailor, and reflection on a tough season affected by weather.

Announcement of new officers elected for Fleet 69 for the 1957 season, noting the long history of leadership and growth prospects for the fleet.

Fleet #11 at Watkins Lake held regular weekly races from Memorial Day through September 1957, divided into spring and summer series with a final sailoff. Though consisting of only six boats, the fleet achieved nearly 100% attendance and concluded the season with an annual banquet.

Comprehensive report on Fleet 36's 1957 racing season covering summer races, boat developments, spinnaker usage trends, and seasonal activities with detailed discussion of racing conditions and participant experiences.

Milford, Connecticut's Fleet 32 reports a competitive season with seven races needed to qualify from ten scheduled. Participation in various regattas has increased, and the fleet maintains an active membership with regular competitions.

Leatherlips Yacht Club Fleet reports strong participation throughout the year with results from multiple racing series. The fleet held its annual winter meeting in January at Dr. Spangenberg's home and held an invitational regatta in June.

Fleet news announcing new officers elected at Balboa Fleet 68's annual meeting and reporting the 1958 Fleet Championship results with John Daniell as Champion.

Continuation of Fleet 67 race information describing fall and winter series races at various venues and invitations for Thistles to participate in the events.

A Hawaiian Maritime Day race featuring various boat classes saw elapsed-time results with Thistles and other classes competing. The race included interesting official elapsed-times comparisons showing how Thistles performed relative to larger boat classes.

An account of a disabled Thistle that lost its mast during a race at Palo Alto, California, and was towed to safety by a competitor in a gracious display of sportsmanship.

Vaughn Kelly emerged as the top skipper for Thistle Fleet No. 82 at Battle Creek, Michigan during 1959, which was the fleet's most active season with races every weekend and four regattas. The Goguac Invitational was a major event drawing boats from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

Ben Weil won the Fleet 34 championship for 1959, finishing ahead of eight other fleet competitors in a season spanning thirty races over six months. Chuck Wiley finished second and Wendall Johnson third, with other competitors following.

A report on the active 1959 sailing and racing season for Thistle Fleet No. 82 at Goguac Yacht Club in Battle Creek, Michigan, which held races and social events throughout the year.

News of Ned Weil winning the Fleet 34 championship for 1959 in his final duty as Fleet 34 Official Scorer, with race results and commentary on the competitive season.

Nine boats and several sharks raced in a recent Catalina Island cruise. Lynn Babcock sailed an anti-shark campaign. Dick Turner was first to finish under sail in seven hours, reaching Avalon. Most of the fleet sailed high on both the outgoing and return journey. The article details various boats' performances and mentions whimsical incidents from the race.

Harold and Peter Dobson captured the Fleet 39 Championship for their third consecutive year, with rival entries battling for victory. A 33% increase over the 1960 season is expected in upcoming competitions.

Fleet 82 of the Gaguac Yacht Club at Battle Creek had an active 1959 racing season with two races each weekend interspersed with regular week-end racing. Vaughn Kelly won the Gaguac Invitational regatta, contributing to a very successful season for the fleet.

Bob Kaiser, a newcomer to the ranks, won first place at Kentucky Lake and walked away with the Thistle trophy as well as an adjusted time basis. This Cup was originally started by a competitor competing for the trophy to keep all Thistles saluting Bob Kaiser for bringing credit to the Thistle Class Association.

For his final duty as Fleet 34 Official Scorer for 1959, new Fleet Captain Hal Weil handed over to new Fleet Captain Hal Weil (480) bundled over new Fleet regulations which shows fleet championship competition for the season just past. The Winner: Ben Weil (480).

The South Atlantic publication reports on two southern regattas. In a Mobile to Dauphin Island race, one Thistle finished second. In Nashville, a fleet of Thistles competed and several placed well against other classes.

Pete Bordes swept the three weekend Spring Series races at Milford, Connecticut, with excellent winds and competition. His "Maid of Pligh" finished with a perfect score of four victories under the best-four-out-of-six scoring system.

Thistles were given a friendly welcome to Pymatuning as they arrived for the club's thirtieth annual Thistle Lightning Invitational regatta. Fleet 31 hosted incoming yachtsmen in a party, and Frank Russell proved first place finishes against competing skippers.

The Concho Yacht Club celebrated the Fourth of July with a three-day regatta. Going west on a surprise visit, three new members of the Highland Lakes Thistle fleet opened Fleet 91's sailing season with boats fresh from the workshop.

Fleet No. 98 of the Corinthian Y.C. in Cape Nay, New Jersey, had a successful inaugural season with 21 races. Eight Thistles participated along with 4 other classes totaling 110 boats. The Coast Guard Receiving Center has become very active in the racing program. Results show winners in various series including the Corinthian Series and Commodores Regatta.

Fleet No. 98 of the Corinthian Y.C. of Cape May, N.J., had a successful first season with 21 races sailed. Three races were held as an invitational regatta on August 5-6, and the Thistle Class has 4 active boats with expectations for growth by the 1962 season. The U.S. Coast Guard has become very active in the racing program.

In a notable victory over the Race Committee, Thistle 949 sailed by Ev and Meg Harrell beat the official race boat in an upwind competition, proving that Thistles can outperform even official boats.

When it comes to winning you just can't beat a Thistle. If you have doubts, read appeal No. 84 of the NAYRE. This appeal is the cause of Thistle 949 vs. The Race Committee—and who else—the Thistle won! By and Meg Harrell can be proud as no. 949 takes its rightful place in his-tory alongside with other boats such as Endeavor II, Ranger, etc., who and it couldn't be done?

The Cowan Lake regatta on June 24-25, 1961 featured 54 Thistles competing in heavy air with numerous capsizes and swamps, showcasing a new triangular course design that guaranteed plenty of sailing action despite challenging conditions.

Fifty-four Thistles sailed in a Cowan Lake regatta, with Marlin Abramson (924) and Rich Peake (1272) each having a first and second going into the third race. A new experimental course setting was used, with instructions given for a triangular course and a finish line set one lap later.

Nineteen Thistles competed at the annual Ohio Inter-Club Yacht Association Regatta held June 17-18 at the Mohican Sailing Club in Mansfield, Ohio, with Marlin Abramson winning overall and the class demonstrating strong competitive performance.

Thirteen Thistles found new sailing with 78 other class boats at the annual Ohio Inter-Club Yachting Association Regatta held June 17-18 at the Michawakan Sailing Club in Mansfield, Ohio. Marlin Abramson (924) picked up enough wind to wrap up the regatta with 2 to win. Bill Condon (230) won the first race to find fresh wind in the hard sea. The first race Saturday morning saw a starboard course.

A brief incident report about Thistle No. 1 which was still moored during the 2nd race of the Lake Erie District's Harold Kiota who mortally sailed his PAUKIE into it and sank. Bob DeRue won the Erie District Champ after squeezing out Jim Miller by 3/4 of a point.

Fleet 96, newly formed in 1960 at the IVY Club on Peoria Lake, Illinois, established its first annual Cleve Slauson Memorial Regatta. Bob Kaiser won first place in the Thistle division.

A brief article from the Charlotte News reporting that a Thistle won first place in a local sailing competition on Lake Wylie. The article mentions sixteen boats of various classes participated.

News brief reporting that Thistle No. 1495 was first to cross the finish line at a lake regatta sponsored by the Catawba Yacht Club, sailed by Bill Calhoun and crewed by Dan Young.

Report on the Erie One-Of-A-Kind regatta where a Thistle sailed by John Proctor earned third place honors against several other sailing classes. The event featured challenging competition across multiple classes with handicap ratings.

A report of the Erie One-Of-A-Kind regatta where a Thistle placed third overall. The article notes this is a significant achievement as the Thistle competed successfully against other boat classes. A race results table shows the standings of various boat classes.

Feature article describing an epic challenge between the Cowan and Leatherlips fleets near Cincinnati, featuring dramatic racing and a close competition won by the Cowan fleet. The article emphasizes the competitive spirit and the spectacle of racing the world's largest Thistle fleet.

A report of a challenge race at Cowan Lake involving the world's largest Thistle fleet. The exuberant Thistles of Fleet 21 faced visiting boats in back-to-back races. The article describes the competitive nature of the event and the final results, with Cowan winning the overall contest.

A report of Thistle racing in Shreveport, Louisiana. Fourteen Thistles from the best fleet participated in the 101 boats entered in the Shreveport Sailing Club and Boat Association regatta held on Crass Lake, May 19 and 18. The article describes the sailing conditions and placement of competitors.

Fleet 68 of Newport Harbor announces their 1963 racing schedule with races scheduled for fall and winter months. Includes 1962 season standings showing Pfirrnman in first place with 175 points.

Peter Bordes sailing MAID OF PLIGH won the 17th Thistle National Championship at Staten Island with three Gold Chevrons and five races total. The article provides detailed accounts of each race, wind conditions, and competitor performances, highlighting the dramatic competition and excellent seamanship displayed throughout the five-race series.

Peter Bordes wins the 17th Thistle National Championship sailing MAID OF FLIGHT (603) with a 15.5-point lead over Walt Stubner. The championship was held at Staten Island with 67 boats competing. The article details five races with varying wind conditions and describes Bordes' winning tactics throughout the series.

Thistle Fleet #102 held races in the Virginia Sailing Regatta on July 28 and 29, with a total of 96 boats entered including three Thistles. Results show Henry Reichle winning the series with multiple first-place finishes. The article includes detailed narrative of race conditions and fleet performance.

Thistle Fleet #102 raced in the Virginia Sailing Regatta on July 28-29, 1962 at Portsmouth Yacht Club. Results from three races with various skippers and finishes.

With eight firsts in nine races, Matt Coneys compiled a near-perfect .967 percentage to dethrone Harold Dobson as Fleet 39 champion. It was not until the last day of the series that Matt broke his silence and scared some of the fleet membership in his almost 20-boat fleet.

With 8 firsts in the 9 races he sailed in the fleet-wide Spring series, Coneyes compiled a near perfect .257 average for Harold Dobson and the perennial fleet champions. Last year saw Matt broke his skin, scoring a 1 out of 32 boats and winning a .382 percentage.

Fleets 68 and 84 competed at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club Winter Regatta in late January. Two races were held in cool 5-knot southwest breezes, with Art Glasier from Fleet 84 winning the series and Bob Smith from Fleet 68 placing second.

Fleet 102 enjoyed the hospitality of the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club's 19th annual sailing regatta on August 31-September 1 with nine Thistles competing in excellent wind conditions. Joel Epstein led the way with consistent performance throughout.

Fleet 102 enjoyed the hospitality of the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club's 19th annual sailing regatta on August 31st and September 1st, with Joel Epstein leading the way in strong winds.

Bruno Markeliunas of Blauveldt, New York won the Thistle fleet championship at Long Island Sound District for the second time in six years, defeating strong competitors in a scheduled three-race regatta that had to be adjusted due to weather conditions.

Announcement of a Thistle Fleet 41 meeting to discuss upgrading racing performance and expanding skipper participation in local and national races. Includes detailed information about proposed race divisions and structure.

Race report of Thistle competition at Lake Erie with Walsh winning the event. Details sailing conditions, race results, and competitor performances.

A race report of the Old Smuggler Stern's Fleet #49 Championship Series where Doug Westin describes the close competition and the best five-out-of-six Great South Bay fleet championship series.

A report on Thistle fleet activity in the Tennessee Valley Authority region, documenting the Pickwick Lake event that attracted 27 boats and the results of the competition.

An announcement that Peter Bordes, a two-time Thistle National Champion, will represent the Thistle Class at a One-of-a-Kind regatta sponsored by Yachting Magazine. The event will be held at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club in March 1966, with Bordes expected to perform well in the competition.

Announcement of Peter Bordes' entry into the One-of-a-Kind regatta sponsored by Yachting Magazine. Describes the event as featuring high-quality one-design racing, with Peter Bordes representing the Thistle Class in the competition.

Race report noting that during a prestigious light-air regatta on Tampa Bay, the Thistle continued to demonstrate competitive excellence with a third-place finish in the 33-boat centerboard class. The boat tested in the one-of-a-kind Regatta on March 21-23 was beaten by only two boats, both with similar International 14 and Highlander specifications.

Thistle racing is fun and Fair Haven set out to prove it at the 14 Thistles that arrived at Lake Ontario for the First Annual Fair Haven Fun Affair with high winds Friday night and early Saturday morning.

Bob Shaw recounts his participation in a Heavy Weather, One-of-a-Kind regatta in San Francisco Bay in June 1967, where he sailed his Thistle in challenging conditions. The detailed narrative describes the race strategy, tactical decisions, and unexpected challenges including handling a mast break and crew management.

Announcement of available films showing Thistle racing and class activities, available for loan to clubs and organizations. Lists films from 1946 to 1968 covering various regattas and locations.

Report of the Eighth Annual Erie Yacht Club regatta on June 7th and 8th, featuring fifty-seven Thistles in six other classes with various weather conditions and competitive sailing.

Race results from the Fleet Championship regatta held June 3-4-10-11, 1973, documenting competitor placements and race finishes.

A comprehensive account of the OOAK Regatta held in April 1974 at Newport Beach, California, which tested Thistle boats in racing against similar single-design classes. The regatta featured various race formats and challenging conditions, demonstrating the Thistle's competitive capabilities.

John Foster describes the 1974 OOAK (One-of-a-Kind) Regatta held off Newport Beach, California, where 68 Thistles competed in five divisions. The regatta featured excellent racing conditions and demonstrated the competitive strength and versatility of the Thistle class, with notable performances from various competitors and the introduction of new boat configurations.

Announcement that the Thistle Class has been accepted by the BBYRA (Bay Area Yacht Racing Association) of New Jersey for participation in the 1975 Bay Series as a provisional class, with details about the series schedule and participating clubs.

A nostalgic account of early Thistle racing experiences from 1948-1961, including memorable races, challenging conditions, championship events, and the evolution of competitive Thistle sailing during that era.

A comprehensive listing of Thistle racing records from 1982, documenting victories across multiple championship divisions and regional competitions. The Van Zandt sailmaker victory list highlights the dominance of Van Zandt sails in competitive Thistle racing.

Report on the Sixth Annual Potomac River Lightning-Thistle Challenge held July 8, 1984 between Thistle and Lightning one-design classes. John Majane won the Challenge keeper trophy despite intense competition, with detailed race results and commentary on the competitive nature of the event.

Report on the annual Lightning versus Thistle challenge held on the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., where the Lightnings dominated with a fleet average of 25 1/2 points versus 32 points for the Thistles, resulting in 19 Lightning boats winning over 18 Thistle boats.

A race report from the 1987 Niagara Frontier District Championship where Lightning class boats dominated the weather, with John Fenno taking first place and John Baker taking second in what became a lightning-dominated regatta.

Bob Prochko reports on the 9th Annual Potomac River Lightning Thistle Challenge, a multi-race event featuring both Lightning and Thistle boats competing at Washington Marina.

A report on the 10th Annual Potomac River Lightning-Thistle Challenge from August 20-21, 1988, where Thistles competed against Lightning-class sailboats, with strategy and results from the racing.

Report on the annual Potomac River Lightning-Thistle challenge race held on August 26, 1990 in Washington DC. The Thistles finished first with winners Steve Nearing and Lucy Baker, followed by analysis of race tactics and results.

Account of newcomer Dave Hansen's participation in the 1991 Pacific Coast Interdistricts regatta, describing his first Thistle racing experience in California.

Report on the 52nd annual One Design Regatta at Fishing Bay Yacht Club where six Thistles participated. Webb won convincingly with two bullets in the first two races, while Kitchens demonstrated tight tactical racing to win the overall event.

Race report describing Thistles defeating Lightnings at the Potomac River Challenge, with detailed race results table showing skipper performance across three races with windward and leeward legs.

Announcement of Thistle Class participation in the American Sail Advancement Program Sail Expo in Atlantic City, seeking volunteers to staff the booth and promote the class at this February event.

The Thistle Class President reflects on the 51st year of the class and highlights the fun, camaraderie, and adventures that Thistle racing brings, particularly noting events in Florida and the South Atlantic regions.

Three teenage Thistle sailors from Miami set an all-time club record speed at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club's annual Elliott Key Rendezvous, breaking the previous record by over 11 minutes on a 15-nautical mile course.

Larry Smith reports on the Lake Pleasant Regatta in Arizona where eleven Thistles competed in variable wind conditions. Will Cummings 3679 won the event with strong finishes, while visiting California boats also performed well in the competitive regatta.

Saunders reports on the first Seaford Thistle Challenge held in Virginia, where Bill Harris from Annapolis dominated the competition with strong performances throughout the weekend.

Report on Fleet 34's annual Oyster Roast Regatta and party held October 9-10 at Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis. Twenty-two Thistles competed despite challenging Saturday light air and Sunday heavy rain conditions. Brent Barbehenn won the regatta with consistent performance across five races, followed by Eric Gesner and Scott Milnes.

Vandenberg reports on the Carlyle mixed class regatta in September where 11 Thistles competed among 250 total boats. Jack Finefrock won with a dominant performance, with Kevin Arrow and Chris La Beede finishing second and third. The article notes the Thistle fleet's impressive performance against supposedly faster boats.

Two Thistles fell victim to severe March 9th windstorms: Mark Weider's boat 3510 suffered significant damage while being towed on Interstate 390 in New York but will recover, while Bill and Faye Whalen's boat 3120 was crushed by a fallen tulip tree and is beyond repair.

Photo report of the January Frost Bite series of the Thistle fleet racing at Carolina Sailing Club in Raleigh, NC in mixed fleet racing. Includes photos by Dave Batchelor and Charles Murphy of Carolina Sailing Club members racing Thistles.

President Lischer discusses the sailing season and the Thistle's unique ability to travel on circuits across the country. He highlights the upcoming North Cape Nationals and improvements to race committee options, including the trapezoid course, and introduces the inaugural raffle for Thistle #4000.

Description of the San Diego Thistle Racing Academy monthly training sessions that have successfully introduced over 40 new sailors to Thistle racing through structured instruction on boat handling, rigging, and practice races.

Gillum provides a detailed narrative of the Larry Klein Memorial Fleet Race on February 10, 2008, describing the shifting wind conditions, competition between top sailors, and the match race finals between Mike Ingham and Mike Gillum, with Ingham ultimately prevailing in a close finish.

Janney describes his first experience competing in a Thistle regatta with a hastily-prepared boat that required immediate measurement certification. He details his struggles with boat setup, particularly mast bend issues, but celebrated strong performance in the Larry Klein Memorial match racing.

A celebratory list of reasons why the Thistle Class is exceptional, drawn from observations at the 2008 Pensacola Nationals. Highlights include competitive excellence, exceptional sportsmanship with zero boat-on-boat protests among 59 boats, the presence of heritage wooden boats and multi-generation families, strong community bonds, and exemplary seamanship during severe weather.

Craig Smith lists 12 reasons why the Thistle Class is exceptional, based on observations from the 2008 Pensacola Nationals. These include awesome competition with exciting lead changes, exceptional sportsmanship with no boat-on-boat protests in 59 boats and 14 starts, heritage with six wooden boats and 29 third-generation sailors competing, and a strong sense of community and patriotism among members.

Fleet 65 (Cowan Lake) reports on their annual meeting and announces that 9 of their 16 boats have committed to attending the 2010 Thistle Nationals, representing 56% fleet participation. The fleet also highlights the Michiana District Regatta Series challenge initiated by District Governor Martin James, which encourages skippers to participate in at least three regattas. The article describes Fleet 65's strong sense of community and culture of fun sailing.

The 17th annual Lumberjack Regatta sponsored by the Rotary Club was held August 29-30, 2015 at Tupper Lake, New York. Nineteen Thistles from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Vermont participated. Three races were completed Saturday with light to moderate winds, followed by a cookout. Sunday's races were cancelled due to light winds by noon, though conditions improved later. Eric Gesner won first place, John Baker second, and Steve Gruver third.

Twelve participants competed in a six-race series on May 13, 2017, at Hoover Sailing Club under shifty wind conditions. The article humorously chronicles the racing experience through a song parody set to the tune of "Volcano" by Jimmy Buffet, describing the challenges of the shifting north winds and the social aspects of the regatta.

The May 12, 2018 Wet Your Thistle Regatta at Hoover Sailing Club featured 13 boats racing 7 races in good breeze that varied throughout the day. Tom Hubbell's team won with Betsy and John Yingling, followed by Jesse and Nicole Shedden with Kyle Finefrock, and Steve Lavender's team in third.

Two fleet updates during the COVID pandemic. Fleet #61 in Seattle was allowed back on the water in mid-July for two-handed races and has enjoyed practicing light-air spinnaker handling with family members. Fleet #120 at Berlin Yacht Club in Ohio was able to enjoy regular Wednesday and Sunday races and added new member Allen Roth with Thistle #1330. Eight Thistlers participated in single-handed races with other boat types.

Report on the BAD Regatta held on May 8, 2021 at Hoover Sailing Club with 15 Thistles competing. Held under COVID-19 precautions with unpredictable wind conditions causing six different race winners. The Hubbell-Yingling team won overall, while the Shedden family team finished second despite challenging conditions.

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.

Report on the Hoover Sailing Club's Spring "Wet Your Thistle" regatta held May 10, 2025. Variable light wind conditions challenged the race committee, with the Shedden and McNitt teams demonstrating superior wind reading to finish 1st and 2nd. The regatta emphasized the social aspects of sailing.