I built a new bow tank. It's higher than the old one and will make recovery after a capsize easier.

Control lines mounted on the 45-degree braces. Green line is the Cunningham, yellow is the jib tensioner, and the red is the topping lift. All of these lines are double-ended and cleat on both the port and starboard sides.

The jib cleating system is based on Dan Winchester's design. It works very well and includes 57mm Harken Ratchamatic auto-ratchet blocks. See Dan's setup here: http://www.dwinchester.com/thistle/Dans_Boat_Images/WEB-DSCN3460.jpg. Mounting the track on an angled block of wood provides a greater effective range of adjustment.

In the photo above you can see the spot where I repainted a repair to some damaged fiberglass. The new paint is a little too light.

Front and rear gratings are the original teak. They have been sanded and treated with Cetol Marine Light.

Vang, centerboard, mainsheet, and traveler controls all mounted on the centerboard trunk. Spinnaker halyard cleats at the aft end of the port side of the centerboard trunk.

Good view of the ash and mahogany rails. Rails have been recently sanded and re-varnished with Interlux Schooner varnish.

Sail inventory

Spinnakers: There are three spinnakers. One is a very good North spinnaker in solid blue. This has seen relatively little use and would be suitable for competitive racing at a high level. The second is another North sail, white with a blue stripe across the middle. The fabric has only the faintest suggestion of “crispiness” and it also has a number of repairs, both professional and amateur. Third is a very old Thomas sail in all the colors of the rainbow. It’s beautiful, but old and very soft. The first spinnaker has the number 3141 and the other two have 2717.

Mains: Two Dieball mains, both with the number 3141 on them. One is dated 2010 and is in pretty good shape. I would use it to race with, but not in a big regatta. The other is older and somewhat softer, but still a good sail.

Jibs: Two Dieball jibs and one Quantum jib. These are more worn than the mains, but suitable for club racing and casual sailing.

Summary: The best spinnaker is “very good.” The best main is “good,” and the best jib is “OK.” If your goal is to race, the highest priority would be to find a better jib, followed by a newer main.

History of 2717

Built by D&M in the 1970s, she was owned and raced by two brothers in New Jersey. After winning the 1984 NJ districts, they took the boat to Great Midwest Yacht Company (GMW) to have new rails, centerboard cap, and thwart installed. After that they gave up racing and the boat sat for about 20 years. I've owned her since about 2005 but have not sailed her since 2012. I've updated the rigging so it is now set up like a GMW boat.

A boat with a pedigree. . .

Thistle 2717 won the New Jersey District Championship in 1984 with Jack Bowman of Cape May at the helm. Here is the write-up from the October/November, 1984 Bagpipe:

More about the Thistle:

The Thistle is a 17-foot racing sailboat that carries a main, jib, and spinnaker. It's an exciting, high-performance sailboat that usually races with a crew of two or three. For a fun day of relaxing sailing, you can take as many as five or six. The Thistle is an outstanding light-air boat; in stronger wins it provides a thrilling and challenging ride. A Thistle is easily trailerable and can be launched from a boat ramp. For more information:

Thistle Class Association: www.thistleclass.com

Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thistle_(dinghy)

Nice Thistle video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX4SqHrBHD4

This is why we sail Thistles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhi01sanc8E

Great Midwest Yacht Company in Sunbury, Ohio is the supplier for all things Thistle-related: http://www.nowwebsites.net/