The Thistle Fleet
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From the Thistle Class website: The Thistle Class Association is recognized as one of the largest and best one-design class associations in the country.
Thistle fleets are located throughout the US and welcome new and experienced sailors. Fleet members are happy to take new Thistle sailors out sailing and help get new boat owners up to speed. Joining a fleet and crewing is an excellent way to get started in the Thistle. Instructional DVD’s also help sailors get up to speed. The TCA publishes a top-notch magazine, the Bagpipe, which not only reports on all the class news, but often includes rigging and go-fast tips. The class culture makes the Thistle unique. The competitive design and caliber of sailors attracts top sailors. The class also enjoys family camaraderie and often teams are comprised of family members. The Thistle is ideal for junior sailors and many regattas encourage youth participation with reduced fees for junior members. |
The Thistle Fleet Regatta Cup
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Past Winners
2019 - Diana Young-Paiva 2018 - 2017 - Tom Russell 2016 - Howard Mendlovitz 2015 - Tom Russell 2014 - Sara Paisner and Howard Mendlovitz 2013 - Craig Ambler 2012 - Howard Mendlovitz 2011 - Howard Mendlovitz 2010 - Sara Paisner and Howard Mendlovitz 2009 - John Norton and Tim Elfenbein 2008 - John Norton and Tim Elfenbein |
The Thistle Fleet Regatta Cup was created by Howard Mendlovitz in 2008 to recognize the Thistle Fleet skipper or crew with the best combined score of away Thistle regattas.
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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, email Kevin Sheehan or Jon Doyle.
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, email Kevin Sheehan or Jon Doyle.
