Thistle Fleet 155
Local Contacts
Kevin Sheehan - kevin@hatteras.com
John Norton - jnorton@moneymailer.com
David Morris - david.m.morris@gsk.com
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Why do we sail Thistles?

Great Boat		Great Fleet
Perfect Lake Boat If it's blowing, Thistles move like everyone else is standing still. In 3 knots of wind, Thistles are still moving while everyone else really is standing still. Why? Because it was designed that way with lots of sail area and a lightweight hull. Inexpensive & Available There are lots of great used Thistles around for $2,000 to $3,000. New Thistles are around $20,000. If you're thinking about a boat, contact someone in the Fleet. We'd be happy to get you out to try one. We'll help you locate a boat and tell you what to look for. People Notice Let's face it, some boats have it and some boats don't. If you own a Thistle, expect people to come up and admire it. Wood or Fiberglass Thistle number 1 was built in 1946. In the mid 60s, they switched over to fiberglass. You can decide if you want a "woodie" or fiberglass. The fiberglass hulls have a nice amount of wood trim too (Teak or Mahogany). The wood rails and grates on a Thistle are one of the reasons why the older fiberglass hulls stay stiff and competitive.		Great Local Racing If you own a Thistle, welcome to the world of one design sailboat racing. There's no one that owns a Thistle for a year that doesn't become a faster, more confident sailor and racer. It's in our blood to share information and make everyone in the fleet faster. Regional & National Racing The Thistle Fleet in the Raleigh area enjoys an active racing schedule, from events with top-notch local competition to regattas drawing leading skippers and crew from the Southeast. Great Family Boat There are lots of Thistles that race with the kids or just go out with the family and have a good time. Looking to Crew? We're always looking for new crew to train up. Get on the email list and contact someone!

Thistle History

From their start on the Great Lakes in 1945, Thistles are now raced in more than 100 active fleets from coast to coast. The national Thistle Class Association is regularly recognized as one of the strongest and best organized one-design groups in the country. Owners have proven their great loyalty to the Thistle, as many of our top sailors represent the second or third generation of Thistle families.

Thistles are raced in three fleets in the Carolina District, from North Carolina to South Carolina. The Triangle Fleet is one of the fastest growing fleets, with members participating in many regattas up and down the east coast.

The strength of the Fleet lies, of course, with the Thistle itself. This large lightweight planing dinghy out performs most in drifters, and is a real experience planing flat-out, with spinnaker flying, on a heavy-air reach. This makes the boat an ideal choice for inland lakes and wind conditions found in the area.

The Thistle (www.thistleclass.com) is a strict one-design class, and it can truly be said that old and new boats perform evenly. The 50 plus year old Thistle #1 won the National Championship in 1990, followed by a 15 year old boat, with a new boat in third place.

The Fleet's events range from the annual Midwinter Championship in St. Petersburg, through a series of local and interdistrict spring, summer and fall regattas.

If you are interested in a new boat, used boat, a chance to crew, or simply a ride, call or email John Norton or call 919-968-1223.