As days get cooler in the North, action in the International Lightning Class is heating up in the South! Building off momentum from the inaugural U32 Regatta in late August where 100 sailors aged 32 and under experienced the Lightning Class, many of those new to the class sailors continue to participate in high numbers. The Wild Oyster Regatta last weekend in Charleston had 26 boats and 1/3 of the participants were U32.  Reduced regatta fees, challenging racing venues, and fun off the water help drive that energy.

With a continued effort on getting the younger generation on the racecourse, the traditional summer Boat Grant Program has been expanded for the winter season. More sailors are experiencing the Lightning, and these boats will now be used year-round. Congratulations to Winter Recipients Ben McKissick-Hawley from Jacksonville, FL and his team. They will sail in all the winter regattas. Grant recipients are provided race winning boats with new sails, new rigging, an assigned mentor, and instant friends in the parking lot and post racing socials. The boat and entry fees are free, as are some travel expenses. Boat Grant Applications (link to: https://lightningclass.org/boatgrant) for the 2025 Summer season (June-October) are due by January 22, 2025.   

Winter Regattas:

Nov 2-3 Jubilee, Pensacola, FL

Nov 23-24 King’s Day, Jacksonville, FL

Feb 14-16 Helly Hansen SW Regatta, St Petersburg, FL

Mar 15-19 Winter Championship, St Petersburg, FL

Mar 20-22 Deep South, Savannah, GA

A great selection of new and used boats (link to: https://lightningclass.org/classified ) are available.

Come join the fun!