Great Midwest Yacht Co. (GMYC)

Great Midwest Yacht Company (GMYC), founded in 1975 by Doug Laber in Sunbury, Ohio, is the world's sole licensed and active builder of the Thistle one-design racing sailboat—a 17-foot planing dinghy designed by Sandy Douglass in 1945. Specializing exclusively in Thistles, GMYC designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells complete boats, replacement parts, custom rigging components, and maintenance tools, emphasizing craftsmanship that has produced national champions and ensured longevity (many boats last 20+ years with minimal upkeep). Their fiberglass hulls meet strict class rules for competitiveness, with a focus on details like precise weight distribution and durable fittings. As of 2025, GMYC remains the only official source for new Thistles, supporting the class's 4,000+ boats and vibrant racing community across the U.S. through the Thistle Class Association.