By Tim Britton, a wooden boat lover in America

It is with great joy and enthusiasm that I report that Thistle is again over the side!

After languishing in a Vermont barn for 15 years this 34’ 1971 K. Kremer design built in Holland by Waarschip has had her hour-counter reset. With the help of Vermont boatbuilder Charlie Beyer, and Internationally recognized yacht designer Jim Donavan, Thistle has recieved a modernized rig and rudder along with new paint and Varnish by the talented Rowan Ongarro of Newport RI.  Successful Seatrials were carried out on Lake Champlain in 15-25 kts of wind.

Hopes for her future include lifting her skirts at a variety of Northeast racing events while demonstrating that “Classic” does not always mean velocity-challenged.

During this race on Lake Champlain we sailed approximately 30 miles beating and 30 miles DDW. Winds 15-25kts. Very comfortable and dry. 6.5 upwind 8-13.6 down wind. This boat loves to surf!  We fell behind J105 on the upwind but caught up on the downwind. They had 7 people and we had 3. With the new head stay location up 10” we now can use Melges 24 assymetrical and J24 Genoa as heavy air jib.