(submit a question - Q and A will be posted here)
All sailors aged 32 and under (who do not turn 33 in the year of the event) are welcome to register. The event is targeted for post college sailors who are looking for a class to join that has competitive sailing and a friendly environment. We encourage current lightning sailors to invite their friends to try out the boat and join the class!
In registration, a sailor can indicate they have a boat to sail or they need to request a borrowed boat. The sailor will be contacted after registration with confirmation of a boat and more details. The International Lightning Class Association is sponsoring the event to provide insurance coverage for the borrowed boats. There will still be a required $250 damage deposit that will be returned at the end of the regatta if no damages occur.
In registration, a sailor can indicate they are signing up as a full team or as an individual. If you sign up as an individual, you will be placed on a team and be contacted after registration with confirmation and more details. In registration, you can leave a comment to help the organizers form teams (e.g., preferred position, skill level, etc.)
Why not - we wanted something that would stand out and include a few of our friends over 30!
While the inaugural event will be held at the Buffalo Canoe Club in 2024, we look to hold events in additional regions to encourage further growth of the class. If you have interest in hosting a U32 regatta, reach out to the U32 Committee.
Even though you aren’t under 32, there are still plenty of ways that you can get involved and support the Lightning U32 initiative. The easiest way to support the Lightning U32 initiative is through word of mouth, tell anyone you know under 32 to join and about how awesome the Lightning Class is! U32 merch will be available online in the Lightning Class Store, help us raise awareness by purchasing and wearing your Lightning U32 shirt around. If you have a boat and are interested in loaning your boat for the inaugural U32 regatta at the BCC, please reach out to Connor Godfrey and we can work to coordinate this. Know someone who would want to sponsor the U32 regatta - reach out to the U32 committee!
Reach out to the U32 committee and request to join the U32 Lightning What’s App group. This is a great place for us to connect, see who else is attending the same regatta(s), coordinate teams, housing accommodations, and meetups!
It is highly encouraged that you sail with individuals who are new to the class, but we will still welcome those who are existing members.
Maya Weber Jenna Probst Abbie Probst Christine Moloney Emma Hawko Connor Godfrey Ryan Davidson Dylan Farrell