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 Douglas, 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
- Congratulations Mike, Marti, and Allison Gillum for a well-sailed Pacific Coast Championship.Pacific Coast Championship.
- Three amendments will be considered at the 2009 Annual Meeting in Westport. Please check your R and D statues on the eligibility list if you'd like to participate in voting.
- Fleet Challenge: One new boat per fleet in 2009.
Place growth and promotion on the top of your fleet's agenda. One goal for 2009 is to have each fleet add one boat. If each fleet adds one boat in 2009, our class will be infinitely stronger. Not only do our numbers grow, but one new boat per fleet strengthens small fleets. It's an achievable goal. We'll keep score on the website. - Join the class online by going to the Membership page.
- Plan to sail Great Lakes June 26-27. Thistle Fleet 2, Cresent YC in MI, has a great weekend planned.
- Set sail for Nationals. Westport Fleet 99 is expecting a crowd. See 2009 Nationals and start planning your week.
- The Skipper Eligibility List is current as of June 25, 2009. The list includes junior, active, and family member’s last names and boat registration information. If you have not paid your 2009 dues, you are invited to do so. If you need to register your boat with the class, the measurement form is available online.
- Congratulations Greg Fisher, Jo Ann Fisher and Jeff Eiber for a great week of sailing and winning the 2009 Thistle Midwinters East Championship! MWE scores and pictures.
- Remember to submit NOR's, event information, and regatta results to the webmaster. All information will be posted on the Events page.
- Congratulations Terry Lettenmaier and crew. They took the top prize at MWW. Check here for all the scores.
- Bagpipe Preview - April/May 2009 issue.
- Thistle Class Merchandise makes great gifts and trophies. Keep checking back as more items are added.
- Visit the TCA blog.
For upcoming events and regatta results please go to 2009 Events.
