The Thistle is a 17 foot
long, high performance centerboard dingy.
It is ideal for racing with 2 or 3 people, or for day-sailing with up to
6. It was designed in 1945 by Sandy Douglass, and still remains the benchmark
for one-design racing over a half-century later. The Thistle features a classic
plumb bow flowing to a wide, flat, planing stern and has a high sail area to
weight ratio. The large roach mainsail
and fractional jib is a fast, efficient, and easily handled rig that can be
sailed by two people in most wind velocities.
The result is a boat that is fun and responsive in a variety of
conditions. The original boats were
constructed of cold molded plywood, using a technique pioneered in WW1 for
aircraft construction. It is now made of
fiberglass by several TCA approved builders. Tight controls by the Thistle
Class Association have kept the older wood and glass boats competitive. In fact, Thistle #1, built in 1945,
consistently places high at regional regattas, and won the National
Championship in 1990.
Thistle Fleet 176 is
supported by one of the premier one-design sailing organizations in the world;
the Thistle
Class Association. The TCA sanctions an active schedule of
local, regional and national events throughout the year. Family
participation is encouraged through numerous events and activities. A
hallmark of the class is its mix of high caliber racing and social activities.
Thistle Fleet #176 is the
steward of the Thistle Class tradition in eastern
Even if you don't own a Thistle, you can join the fleet and the tradition.
Associate memberships are available and encouraged for both Fleet 176 and the
Thistle Class Association. Join the fleet and the class. Sail the boats. Learn
for yourself why the Thistle has remained popular for over 50 years.
Click here
to contact Webmaster
Last revised: 1/26/08