Nationals Qualifications

Here is a condensed version of the Bylaw article for National Qualifications. See the Green Book for the complete set of Bylaws.

To petition to the Thistle Class 1st VP for alternative qualifications for 2024 Nationals (see 5.e.2.b and 5.e.5 below), please complete this form: Thistle Nationals 2024 Alternative Qualifications

Article XIV – THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

5. Eligibility: Each skipper entering the National Championship Series must meet the following requirements:

e) Pathways to Skippers Qualifying for Nationals:

1. 1. ) Automatic Qualifiers. Racing districts preferred but not required:
      a) Skippers of boats with an Executive Committee officer on board
      b) Current national champion.
      c) Past Presidents.
      d) Past Thistle National Champions
   2. ) If there is not a quota, to qualify:
      a) Race at districts is the qualifier.
      b) Alternative qualification is to race in a major chevron event: (MWW, MWE, or an Inter-districts) in the previous 18 months, AND race two additional regattas or six fleet race days. Skippers must notify their District Governor and petition First VP to confirm qualification.

   3. ) If there is a quota, to qualify: [not relevant this year; see Green Book Bylaws for full text if interested]…
   4. ) A Youth Member skipper who wins the Junior National Championship is qualified for all subsequent National Championships until attaining age 21.
   5. ) Exceptions may be made for extraordinary situations where a skipper is unable to meet the preceding qualification requirements. Exceptions may be considered for skippers under twenty-six and for historically active Thistle skippers. A participant petitions the First Vice President in writing at least two weeks before the closing date for registration, in writing. The Executive Committee including the National Race Committee Chair will decide whether to make an exception to the qualification pathway. The decision is communicated to the petitioner by the First Vice President.
   6. ) The quota: [not relevant this year; see Green Book Bylaws for full text if interested]