Thistle Sailors Converge for Regatta
In its 19th year, the Thistles Midwinters West Regatta has built a tradition of attracting out-of-state sailors.
This year, crews have come from all four corners of the United States--Washington, Pennsylvania, Florida and Arizona are among the states represented. And approximately one-third of the 40 boats entered have not sailed in the regatta before, according to Margaret McAllister, the event’s co-chairman.
The Midwinters West, to be sailed by three-person crews in the ocean off Mission Bay, will start today at 11 a.m. and end with races beginning at noon Sunday. It is designated a silver chevron event, second-ranked only to the gold chevron National Regatta.
“It’s a very prestigious regatta,” said Kathy Tomes, co-chairman and a crew member. “If you win the Midwinters, it’s a feather in your cap.”
The Thistle was designed by Gordon Douglass and first built in 1946. That boat is still active and look third at the 1986 nationals. The hull, made of molded mahogany plywood or fiberglass, is 17 feet long. There have been 3,800 boats built, with 100 active U.S. fleets.
It’s not an easy boat to sail, Tomes said.
“A lot of times I hang from my knees over the side of the boat,” Tomes said. “You have to be very athletic and have a lot of endurance and strong tummy muscles. When people think of having a beer and going day sailing, this isn’t it. It takes a lot of energy.”
Tomes will be crewing with Brian Winter for skipper Will Cummings. Sailing in her sixth Midwinters West, Tomes has a family of sailors.
Her 12-year-old son, Kyle Smith, will crew in this event for the third time, for a boat from Washington. Another son, 17-year-old Kory Smith, will be the regatta’s youngest skipper. He has been sailing since he was 13.
Greg Fisher, last year’s winner from Columbus, Ohio, will be crewing with Rob and Joyce Spring, also of Columbus. Rob will skipper this year.
“I thought I’d return the favor and crew for him,” Fisher said. “I’m looking forward to it. Rob is an excellent sailor. I have the same desire to do well and the same feelings about being here.”
This is Fisher’s third year, and like other competitors coming from inland cities, he is more used to sailing on lakes or rivers. They must adjust to different water and wind in San Diego.
“We sail on small inland lakes where the winds are very shifty,” Fisher said. “Here there are steady winds, and the boat speed is more important.”
Sailors also see a variety of people and technique they may not otherwise encounter.
“You always learn something new and learn just how competitive you are,” Fisher said.
Like Fisher, Dan Winchester of Portland, Ore., comes to San Diego for the competition and atmosphere.
“It makes it an interesting regatta since we don’t always sail against the same people,” Winchester said. “Plus you see some of the top sailors you might not otherwise unless you go to nationals.”
Winchester has been coming to the Midwinters West on and off for 10 years. His son, Dane, has crewed for him previously, but that won’t be possible this year. Winchester sold a boat a couple of years ago and bought a new one. His old boat was in an accident and last year was sold again. Dane bought it for $300, fixed it up and now competes with his father--in Dad’s old boat.