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 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.
- It's time to start planning for Nationals at North Cape July 24 to 30, 2010. Get the scoop here!
- 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!
- David Dellenbaugh, author of "SPEED & Smarts," has offered the Thistle community an abridged, free copy of the Thistle Nationals issue of "SPEED & Smarts" (issue #109). In this issue Dave gives a race by race recap of how he won the National Championship.
To get your copy enter your name, email address, and the word "Thistle". If you like this free issue and wish to subscribe to "SPEED & Smarts," you will receive a the complete issue #109 as a part of your subscription. - The February-March Bagpipe is on its way to your mail box. Enjoy reading the Top Ten Boat Specs from the 2009 Nationals
- Dues for the 2010 sailing season are due now. You can join the class online by going to the membership page.
- 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.
- All three amendments passed at the annual meeting. The Constitution, By-laws, Rules, etc. are up to date.
- CMR 65 was revised at the Governing board meeting. Click to read the CMR 65 discusion points.
- 2009 Nationals were outstanding. See 2009 Nationals for results and more.
- The Eligibility List is current as of March 5, 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.
- 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.
- Visit the TCA blog.
For upcoming events and regatta results please go to 2009 Events.
