Since the inception of the International Lightning Class Boat Grant Program in 2007, over 45 young teams have enjoyed the incredible level of racing and camaraderie the Lightning Class offers. 10 of these teams continue to actively race in the class today.
The Lightning Class is proud to announce three 2024 Boat Grant Teams!
“Our 2024 teams are recent graduates of strong collegiate sailing teams, underscoring the Class’s focus on encouraging young sailors to continue their involvement in one design racing after college,” explains program Co-Chair Greg Fisher. “We are especially enthused that all three teams are geographically spread out over the east coast, New England and mid-west.”
Aidan Naughton and his teammates Marina Barzaghi and Kaleigh Morgan have all been competitive college sailors. Aidan, of North Kingstown, RI, sailed for University of Rhode Island, Marina, also from Rhode Island, sailed at University of South Florida and Kaleigh sailed for George Washington. Aidan, with teammates Marina and Adrian van der Wal sailed the Southern Circuit where they finished in an impressive 11th overall in their first regattas together! Team Naughton is enthusiastic to continue to sail the regatta circuit including the North Americans at the Buffalo Canoe Club. A future Pan Am Games campaign is also on their list! They will be based out of Rhode Island and mentored by longtime Lightning sailor, PJ Schaffer. In his application, Aidan said: “I have shaped my life around our sport of sailing, but I have recently been lacking in the simple pleasure of sailing with friends and trying your best to achieve a good result against respected competitors. There is no better way to do this than to head to the next Lightning Regatta!”
(L-R) Aidan Naughton, Marina Barzaghi, Kaleigh Morgan
Clearly 2022 and 2023 Boat Grant Alumni, Emma Hawko can’t get enough Lightning sailing! The Lightning Class is excited to see Emma back this year as skipper and with an all-woman team! Emma, from Shelburne, Vermont and a sailor for McGill University will sail with Kim Roswell, from Boston and Northeastern University and Caitlin Derby originally from Detroit, and presently a member of the sailing team at University of Vermont. They will be based out of Vermont and mentored by multi-class champion and Lightning guru Ched Proctor. Emma has already immersed herself in the Lightning class and was elected New England District secretary in 2023. Certainly, there’s even more on the horizon for Emma, Kim, and Caitlin as they look forward to participating in Fleet 332’s weekly racing and the larger events, including the North Americans in Buffalo.
(L-R) Kim Roswell, Emma Hawko and Caitlin Derby
Ian Beckley, from Madison, Wisconsin, was captain of the Hobart William Smith team and now is Head Coach at Wisconsin. His teammates, Noah Hallerman and Sophie Lusty are both members of the Wisconsin Sailing team. They will be based out of Madison and mentored by long time Lightning champion and Boat Grant Committee member, Bill Faude.
Sophie stated: “The skill emphasis, competitiveness, opportunities for development, fairness, and community aspects are just a few of the reasons why I prefer One-design dinghy racing. From my experience racing Lightnings in the past, the class is a perfect opportunity to continue sailing in a competitive boat for years to come!”
(L-R) Ian Beckley, Sophie Lusty, Noah Hallerman
Boat Grant Program Co-Chair, Ryan Davidson is excited to help announce these great teams. As Boat Grant Alumni himself (2018) this program has expanded his sailing experiences over the past 5 years with highlights including a second-place finish at the 2019 South American Championship in Peru and officially becoming a Lightning boat owner in 2022. At the 2024 Winter Championships Ryan finished a strong 3rd overall! “I am excited to pass along the knowledge I’ve learned and welcome new sailors into the Class.”
More Information about the Lightning Class Boat Grant Program