2023 Thistle National Championship : North Flathead Yacht Club
 

About Event

It’s been over 30 years since NFYC hosted Thistle Nationals, and we can’t wait to bring back this exceptional regatta! We look forward to seeing all of you July 14-21, 2023! 


WAITLIST INFORMATION: Registration is currently full, but you can register to get on the waitlist. Please note that when you complete the registration process, Regatta Network won't allow you to move to the payment section. We'll send confirmation within a few days that your name is on the waitlist. Waitlisted boats will be cleared in the order they filed information on Regatta Network.
Registration for the national championship includes: 3 banquet tickets, coffee and continental breakfast, after race social, regatta kit, 3 regatta cups, TCA awards. 

View the 2023 Thistle Nationals Information Packet to better understand camping options, the venue, and location for planning purposes. The packet is located under the "Race Documents" tab. Sign up for camping under the "Store Front" tab. 

Note: you must sign up for the regatta and complete this registration before it will let you sign up for items in the storefront. 
 
The best winds on Flathead Lake are early in the morning, so expect to be on the water early and off the water by mid-day. This will allow plenty of time for socializing, relaxing, and exploring the local area. Following races each day, NFYC will host a social with light snacks and a chance to taste the local beers, spirits, and ciders. Bring your lawn chairs because you’re not going to want to miss this chance to socialize and enjoy time at our beautiful and casual club! There will also be two evening events planned that will require the purchase of tickets to attend. 

We have coordinated tent and RV camping at the new and beautiful Somers Middle School. It is about 1 mile from NFYC, with a paved walking/biking path connecting the sites. Sailors and their families will have plenty of space and access to the locker rooms and common area within the school. However, there are no RV hookups. 

Book really early if you plan to stay at a vacation rental or hotel. 

We know Thistling is a family affair, so we’ll have on-site childcare and big kid activities with potential day trips. Check back for details as we get closer to the regatta. Please view they attached Information brochure to learn more about the venue and camping. 

Upon your arrival, please check in at the Somers Middle School, 315 SCHOOL ADDITION RD, prior to going to the club.  

If you are transporting a boat from out of the area please ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned, drained, and dried, and be sure to stop at all watercraft check stations.  Due to the heightened threat of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), visitors must now document AIS Inspection clearance as a prerequisite for Regatta

Eligibility and use of NFYC launch and dock facilities.  For questions, please refer to https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/aquatic-invasive-species. The most convenient location to the club is Jesco Marine.  DO NOT LAUNCH prior to showing proof of clearance.

We will be hosting a green regatta registered with Sailors for the Sea. Please bring your own dishes and cups, endevour to keep Flathead Lake clean, and be good stewards of our club and beautiful state! 

Learn more
 

Quick Links

 

News & Notices

  • Jul 21, 2023 14:02 EST

    RC Docked at 11:55

     
    Protest Period Ends at 12:55
    ...

  • Jul 20, 2023 14:09 EST

    RC Docked at 12:10 -- Protest period ends at 13:10 ...

  • Jul 19, 2023 19:27 EST

    Thistle Nationals SI Amendment 6.1 will be amended to read 6.1 National Championship Race Series Monday, July 17 0800 hrs Qualifying Races 1 & 2 Tuesday, July 18 0800 hrs Qualifying Race 3 Wednesday, July 19 0800 hrs Championship Race 4 & 5 President Races 1 & 2 Thursday, July 20 0800 hrs Championship Race 4 & 6 President Race 1 & 3 Friday, July 21 0800 hrs Championship Race 7 President Race 4 ...

  • Jul 19, 2023 15:24 EST

    Race 1 o the day - 3956 scored NSC Race 2 of the day Championship series - 4047 scored UFD ...

  • Jul 19, 2023 14:45 EST

    RC Docked at 12:40 - Protest Time Limit is 13:40 ...

  • Jul 18, 2023 17:15 EST

    SI Amendment #3 has been posted. This amendment can be found in the Event Documentations section as well as a copy on the unofficial notice board at FLYC. The amendment clarifies the results for UFD and BFD such that they are the same as DSQ. ...

  • Jul 18, 2023 15:37 EST

    Race 4 - Bow 22 - OCS ...

  • Jul 18, 2023 14:26 EST

    RC Signal Boat docked at 12:25pm --- Protest period ends at 13:25 ...

  • Jul 17, 2023 16:15 EST

    RC docked at 14:02 Protest Limit Time Limit is 15:02 ...

  • Jul 17, 2023 00:44 EST

    THISTLE CLASS ASSOCIATION 2023 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS North Flathead Yacht Club Somers, MT July 14 – 21, 2023 Q&A to the jury: Question: Is it required to notify the finish boat of an intent to protest? Answer: It is not required by the Racing Rules of Sailing nor the Sailing Instructions. It is a courtesy hail to inform the jury of an intent to protest. ...

  • Jul 16, 2023 22:04 EST

    THISTLE CLASS ASSOCIATION 2023 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS North Flathead Yacht Club Somers, MT July 14 – 21, 2023 Sailing Instructions - Amendment #2 15 THE FINISH 15.1 The finishing line shall be between a staff displaying a blue flag on the finish boat and the course side of the red inflatable ball or an anchored vessel displaying a staff with a blue flag as described in SI 10.6. 15.2 Boats shall not sail through the finish line unless they are finishing or attempting to finish. A boat that fails to observe this restriction may exonerate herself by taking a Two-Turns Penalty as described in RRS 44.2. This changes RRS 44.1 but does not change RRS 44.1 (b). A boat that fails to exonerate herself will be scored Did not sail the course (NSC) without a hearing. This changes RRS 63.1 and A5. 15.3, The finish line will not exist until the blue flag described in SI 10.6 is displayed. ...

  • Jul 16, 2023 22:03 EST

    Thistle Nationals SI Amendment 3.3 will be amended to read 3.3 Radio communications between boats and the Race Committee will be on VHF 68 for the qualifying races. During the Champions and President fleet races VHF Channel 68 for the Champions fleet and VHF channel 69 will be used for the President fleet ...

  • Jul 16, 2023 22:01 EST

    THISTLE CLASS ASSOCIATION 2023 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS North Flathead Yacht Club Somers, MT July 14 – 21, 2023 Sailing Instructions - Amendment #1 11 RACING FORMAT 11.1 Practice Race – all boats participating will be split into two fleets based on sail number with the odd numbered boats starting first and the even numbered boats starting second. 11.2 Qualifying Races (Races 1 – 3) – The fleet will be split into four (4) groups as per TCA Bylaw Article XIII, Section 11. Competitors shall fly a colored ribbon identifying their group from the mainsail clew: A (green), B (yellow), C (blue), and D (red). Two groups will start in the first start (Division 1) of each race; the other two groups (Division 2) will start in the second start: Race Division 1 Division 2 1 Group A (green) & Group B (yellow) Group C (blue) & Group D (red) 2 Group A (green) & Group C (blue) Group B (yellow) & Group D (red) 3 Group B (yellow) & Group C (blue) Group A (green) & Group D (red) Group assignments by boat will be posted on the official notice board no later than 1830 on Sunday, July 16. 11.3 Championship / President’s Division Races (Races 4 – 7) – The fleet will be divided into Divisions in accordance with TCA Bylaw Article XIV, Section 9(a). ...

  • Jul 15, 2023 19:03 EST

    Thistle Nationals SI Amendment 3.3 will be amended to read 3.3 Radio communications between boats and the Race Committee will be on VHF 68 for the qualifying races. During the president and champion fleet races VHF Channel 68 for the Champions fleet and VHF channel 69 will be used for the President fleet. ...

  • Jul 14, 2023 22:01 EST

    Practice race is scheduled for 8am, July 15, 2023. It will take 15-20 minutes to get to racing area. We don't have volunteers scheduled to help launch boats until Monday. Dollys are by the ramps. ...

  • Jul 14, 2023 21:59 EST

    Sailing instructions have been uploaded. ...

  • May 01, 2023 17:33 EST

    Donate beer kegs through the Regatta Network site under the Storefront tab. Email nfycsailing@gmail.com to let us know which district or group purchased the keg. ...

  • May 01, 2023 17:32 EST

    Registration is open for the Women & Juniors Regatta https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/25413 ...

  • May 01, 2023 17:29 EST

    West Coast Sailing is your dedicated source for one design sailboat parts, rigging, apparel, and accessories, offering a comprehensive range of built to order. Thistle rigging products designed with input from top sailors. Shop tapered halyards, sheets, standing rigging, and more. Gear up for 2023 Nationals with 10% off your next order at West Coast Sailing. Visit https://westcoastsailing.net/2023-thistle-nationals/ for details. ...

  • Oct 09, 2022 20:06

    Event site launched on Regatta Network ...

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