About the TCA
The Thistle is a high performance one design racing sailboat that is generally sailed with a three person crew. The Thistle Class Association is recognized as one of the largest and best one-design classes 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 this 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.
Designed by Sandy Douglass, the Thistle debuted in 1945. The sail plan consists of a main, jib, and spinnaker. The boat planes easily in 10-12 knots of breeze yet will also glide effortlessly in light air. The class firmly believes in the one-design principals thus keeping all boats competitive.
New boats are available from the class approved builders, Great Midwest Yacht and North West One Design. Used boats can be found at a variety of price points. The best places to find used boats include the "Classifieds" page on this site and to network with your local sailing club.
LOA 17' 0"
Beam 6' 0"
Draft up/dn 6"/4’6"
Weight 515 lb
SA (main and jib) 191 sq. ft.
SA (spin) 220 sq. ft.
The Thistle Class Association
is a proud member of
US SAILING.
Welcome to the Thistle Class Association
NEWS
- It’s a gorgeous Friday evening. There’s a breeze off the Hudson River, and the single best place to be — every sailor knows — is out on the water. But you, who wouldn’t know port from starboard or rudder from tiller, can only gaze longingly at those bobbing, darting boats on the horizon.
You don’t know anyone with a boat and you don’t know how to sail.
Get to Nyack, on the Hudson 25 miles north of Manhattan, and stand on the dock of the Nyack Boat Club before a scheduled race. “There’s always people looking for crew — you would definitely find a ride,” even without any experience, said Tom Lawton, who sails a 17-foot Thistle, one of the nation’s top 10 fastest such vessels. The club’s regular races are Wednesdays from 5:30 until dusk, and Sundays at noon. Read the entire article in the New York Times. - Planning for the 2010 Thistle National Championship is in full force and we would like to invite you to join us this year! Barb and Dave Shaffer have been commissioned for this year's race committee. For those who don't know the Shaffer's, Dave is a National Race Officer with over 25 years of experience running high profile regattas with his wife Barb. As for off the water, enjoy events at the club starting with our favorite yacht club commodity - the beach! On Sunday night after the opening ceremonies, we have Crucial 420, a great local reggae band, on the porch for entertainment for the evening. The fun will continue throughout the week with entertainment and great food each night ending with the Friday night banquet. This year's banquet location - Toledo Walleye Hockey Team Venue: The Huntington Bank Center in Downtown Toledo.
We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP by sending your registration form in by July 7! - IMPORTANT: If you have not paid your 2010 dues, then you have enjoyed your last issue of the Bagpipe. Active, Family, and Junior members can check their status on the Eligibility List. Join the class online or via mail. If your boat is not registered, forms are available online. There are many districts coming up and you must be registered and dues paid to compete.
- The Eligibility List is current as of July 9, 2010. The list includes junior, active, and family member's last names and boat registration information. Sailors and boats must be dues paid and registered to compete in chevron events. Sailors may join the class and pay the registration fee online under membership or via USPS. The measurement form is available online.
- Regatta season is upon us and the MICH District series is underway. To qualify, sail a minimum of three regattas and the best three results count. Start planning your trip.
- Congratulations Greg Fisher, JoAnn Fisher and Jeff Eiber on the Midwinter win! The fun-filled week included a variety of wind conditions, sunshine, and visiting with good friends. Carole and Paul Bardes, SPYC, and Co hosted with their acclaimed graciousness, warmth, and fabulous sailing. Check out the scores.
- The winner of the "SNOWMAGEDDON" Photo Contest (or should we say "Snowmaged-DAN" contest) is Marlene Reasoner, with "Wish I'd be Going to St Pete". This is a photo of her husband, Dan Reasoner, sitting in a snow filled Thistle. Congratulations Marlene! "Honorable Mentions" have been awarded to photos submitted by Scott Latham, Greg Fisher, and Chris Getchow. Thanks to all who entered, and to the judges. There were a total of 15 submissions.
- Congrations MWW Champions Craig Koschalk, Lauren O'Hara and Karl Felger! See the complete scores.
- The 2010 Larry Klein Memorial Fleet and Match Racing Regatta sported tight compitition. Congratulations Doug Hart, Cesar Romero, and Moni Lampe for winning first place!
- Nick Turney of North Sails wrote an informative article on Thistle Mast Setup called "The ABC's of Thistle Mast Set-up" for the The upcoming October/November issue of the Bagpipe.
- Join the TCA on Facebook.
- 2009 Nationals were outstanding. See 2009 Nationals for results and more.
- All calendar items should go to first Vice President Lloyd Kitchin. Submit NOR's, event information, and regatta results to the webmaster. All information will be posted on the Events page.
- Thistle Class Merchandise makes great gifts and trophies. Keep checking back as more items are added.
Good Day. Photo by Dan Phelps - SpinSheet Magazine
For upcoming events and regatta results please go to 2009 Events.
