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Donate - Make a Lasting Impact on the Future of Lightning Sailing

Our mission is to support existing programs and ensure our ability to invest in the ILCA’s long-term viability. Our Annual Budget, funded predominantly by membership dues, royalties and merchandise sales, supports most (but not all) of our day-to-day operations. However, to thrive as a one-design class we need to be able to invest in and support innovative programs.

Bob Astrove, sailing Lightnings since 1969

“Why do I donate? It is just one small way to say thank you for the lifetime of enjoyment I have received from the Class Association, the Boats I have owned, and all the wonderful people I have met over the past 55 years.

I do it to ensure future generations of Lightning sailors have the same opportunities and endless fun I have enjoyed. Those who know me understand that my real passion is in restoring the older boats and helping others to restore their boats. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a competitive regatta sailed in a modern boat or a Sunday afternoon of fleet racing with my local club (Potomac River). The Class has so much to offer members of all ages, sailing skill, or their specific interests.

But it takes resources to keep the class strong, now nearing our 90th anniversary, and I encourage all to periodically give back to the Class.”

How have we utilized donations in the past?

Acquired Lightning #1
Shipped boats to international fleets
Scanned and put online all old issues of Flashes
Created a fleet of 3 new boats with new sails for Boat Grant sailors

How will your donation make an impact?

An “escrow fund” to replace one boat every three years (Boat Grant Fund)
Grants to fleets for innovative programs to attract/retain junior sailors (Limbaugh Fund)
International fleet support to maintain our status as an international Class (ILCA Fund)
Digitize our boat files, making them accessible online (History Fund)

Recent donors—THANK YOU for supporting the International Lightning Class Association!

Lyda & Bob Astrove, David & Jody Starck, Bob Shapiro, Chris Vann, Charles Trayford III, Clarke D Newman, Michael Huffman, Edward Duffy, William N. Baxter Jr, Tom Starck, Aaron P. Boesenecker, Edwin C. Roseberry Jr., Trevor Prior, Doug Steffenson, Jim Force

Donations of $100 or more will recognized as follows, to acknowledge your generous support of the ILCA.

Thank You to past contributors and those who supported the Class via purchase of raffle tickets, auctions, etc.
See donors on the ILCA Donors Wall of Fame (coming soon)