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Meredith Killion - Elected to Executive Committee for 2nd Term
Published On 11/1/2024
Governing Board re-elects Meredith Killion as 5th Executive Committee Member for 2024-2025.
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Class Advertisement in Nov 1 Scuttlebutt Newsletter
Published On 11/1/2024
Check out the November 1st issue of the Scuttlebutt Sailing Newsletter. The Class was featured in the header photo and in the copy.
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Announcing the ILCA Perpetual Trophy Project
Published On 10/23/2024
The Class is collecting information about perpetual Class trophies. A LOYALS Project at work!
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Meeting Updates and Reminders
Published On 10/23/2024
Annual Meeting Thurs Aug 29th Actions Taken and Governing Board Meeting Reminder, Thurs Oct 24 at Noon, Eastern.
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30 and Under Regatta Subsidy
Published On 10/23/2024
Financial support available for skippers aged 30 and under.
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Inaugural U32 Invitational Regatta
Published On 8/24/2024
U32 Regatta Results and News
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Call for Bids - 2025 North American Championship
Published On 6/18/2024
The class is seeking bids to host the 2025 NAs in the Southeastern part of the USA. Bids are due by August 1, 2024.
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The Class is looking for Volunteers!
Published On 6/12/2024
Many hands make for lighter work - register now to become part of a volunteer network that will help to strengthen the Class and build our sailing community!
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U32 Movement - Regatta Information!
Published On 6/7/2024
U32 Announcement with Regatta info and T-Shirts!
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NEW VIDEO ALERT! How to uncover and put your mast up!
Published On 5/3/2024
14:38 minute video to help new sailors navigate this first step!
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Winter Meeting Notices - Updated April 10, 2024
Published On 4/10/2024
Annual Winter Meeting - April 20th at 11 AM Eastern via Zoom. Governing Board met March 9th, one temporary amendment passed.
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Winner's Announced in Design Contest for tools to help step a Lightning Mast
Published On 1/9/2024
Congratulations to Geoff Beitner from Key West, FL for submitting the best design!
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2024 Boat Grant Applications - Deadline January 15th
Published On 1/3/2024
Don't miss an opportunity to apply for the 2024 Boat Grant Program!
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Meredith Killion - Elected to Executive Committee
Published On 11/2/2023
Killion elected as 5th Executive Committee Member by Governing Board.
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Meet the Pan Am Lightning Competitors!
Published On 10/25/2023
The Games start this week. Meet the Lightning competitors.
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World Sailing Approval of By-Law Amendments
Published On 10/23/2023
Electronics policy passed by membership April 15, 2023 has now been approved by World Sailing with small language modification.
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Actions Taken at recent Governing Board Meeting Oct 17
Published On 10/23/2023
The one item up for vote PASSED- Masters Championship Articles/ Addition to the Document Governing All Sanctioned Lightning Class Championships.
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Executive Committee Action
Published On 7/28/2023
July 28, 2023 - Action pertaining to the 2023 North American Championship.
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Lightning Generation Weekend
Published On 7/24/2023
Fleet 12 at the Buffalo Canoe Club host a weekend of Lightning sailing for ages 4 to 84!
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2023 Boat Grant Teams Announced!
Published On 6/15/2023
Team Bolat from the MW District, Team Moore from the NE District and Team Wiggins from the SE District!
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Pan American Masters Games - July 12-14, 2024
Published On 5/17/2023
New Masters event opportunity for 2024 in Cleveland, OH. Slightly different age requirements, all 3 sailors must be 35+. This is an open event.
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Masters Committee Survey, Results and Recommendations
Published On 4/28/2023
A Committee was formed to evaluate racing during Masters Events. See the results and recommendations.
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Two By-Law Amendments Passed at Annual Winter Meeting
Published On 4/19/2023
The Membership Dues Increase and Electronics Proposal both PASSED and are in affect.
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US Sailing One Design Survey
Published On 2/27/2023
See the results and learn how you can help keep the Lightning Class amongst one of the top one design classes.
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Hands On Workshop: Re-Canvas A Deck
Published On 11/30/2022
Thanks to a partnership with the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport, NY we are happy to announce our first hands on workshop! Join us March 31- April 2, 2023.
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2023 Event Dates Confirmed
Published On 10/28/2022
Southern Circuit, Women's, Junior and Master North Americans, North American Championships, South American and World Championships confirmed - SAVE THE DATES! (Reposted from June 6)
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Governing Board Meeting - Sept 7
Published On 8/10/2022
A Governing Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept 7th via Zoom at 12pm/Noon Eastern Time. A meeting notice was emailed to all District Commodores and Vice Presidents.
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2022 Bolivarian Games
Published On 6/24/2022
Let the Games Begin! Mixed competition between CHI, COL, ECU, PER and VAN begins June 27th in Tomine, Colombia
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Executive Committee Action
Published On 6/15/2022
The EC Action Temporarily Amends the Document Governing with regards to 2022 NAs, Section XII Entries and Section XIII Racing Conditions.
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Executive Committee Action
Published On 4/6/2022
EC temporarily suspends "50%" rule pertaining to the 2022 World Championship.
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2022 NA's Ratio
Published On 3/31/2022
The Executive Committee has approve a 1:1 Ratio for the North Americans. All boats that register for their District Championship are eligible to compete in the NAs.
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2023 Pan Am Games - Country Qualifiers Confirmed
Published On 3/30/2022
Country qualifiers for the 2023 Pan Am Games are confirmed. 7 Countries plus the Host country will make up 8 Entries.
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Colombia to host 2023 World & South American Championships
Published On 3/29/2022
SAVE THE DATE! November 23-Dec 3, 2023 for the 2023 World Master & South American Championships and World Championship in Cartagena, Colombia
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Jim Carson's Celebration of Life & Regatta
Published On 3/26/2022
You are invited to Metedeconk River Yacht Club on May 30th to Celebrate the life of Jim Carson.
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Meeting Notice
Published On 2/8/2022
Governing Board - Sat, March 5th 10AM Eastern
Annual Winter Meeting - Sat, April 2nd 10 AM Eastern. Both Meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. Members will be sent the Zoom Link via email prior to the meetings.
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2022 Boat Grant Application Deadline - Jan 21st
Published On 1/13/2022
Help encourage local sailors aged 19+ to apply for the program!
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2023 North American Championship - Call for Bids
Published On 12/8/2021
Bid Deadline Extended to February 1, 2022. Any interested Fleets or Clubs should contact VP NA's Josh Goldman.
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Bertie Werley joins Executive Committee
Published On 11/26/2021
Bertie Werley wins Governing Board Vote and will serve on the Executive Committee as the 5th Member.
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2022 Women's, Junior and Masters North Americans
Published On 10/19/2021
The 2022 WJM's will be hosted by Fleet 126 and Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, CT. August 4-7, 2022 - Save the Date!
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Annual Meeting of Members
Published On 8/1/2021
Mark Monday, August 30th in your calendar. 1800 Eastern time.
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2023 North American Championships Call for Bid
Published On 6/17/2021
The Class is looking for hosts for the 2023 North American Championships - August time frame.
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2022 North American Championship -Dates Announced
Published On 5/19/2021
SAVE THE DATE - September 14-18, 2022 at Sayville YC, Blue Point, NY
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Downwind Lightning Lab with Nick Turney!
Published On 4/14/2021
Mark, Wednesday, May 5th on your calendar!
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Limbaugh Fund - Under 30 Assistance with NAs Entry Fee
Published On 4/5/2021
First 30 teams, 30 and Under will receive a 50% deduction in the entry fee to the North American Championship.
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Winter Meeting Announcements
Published On 2/12/2021
Governing Board - March 13th and Annual Winter Meeting - April 10th. Both Meetings will begin at 1500 hrs Eastern Time and be held virtually via Zoom.
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Santiago 2023 Panam Sailing Announcement
Published On 2/10/2021
Panam Sailing and the Lightning Class announce the Lightning as a mixed gender dinghy event for Santiago 2023 with crews comprised of 2 women and 1 man.
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8 Bells... Bill Clausen
Published On 12/16/2020
Longtime Lightning member and Chief Measurer for 12 years, Bill served the Class with much pride and he will be missed.
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8 Bells... Paul A. Huntsman, Jr. (Sandy)
Published On 12/1/2020
Class President in 1983 and longtime sailor from Fleet 70 at Monmouth Boat Club in Red Bank, NJ. Now at rest with his wife Mary.
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Steve Davis continues on as 5th Member of the Executive Committee
Published On 12/1/2020
After a Governing Board Election, Steve Davis will remain on the Executive Committee as the 5th Member elected by the Governing Board.
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New Items (HATS!) in the Class Store!
Published On 11/20/2020
Hats, hats and more hats. See the new items in stock. Great inventory on belts and other store favorites. Shop Now!
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Call for missing Flashes and Yearbooks
Published On 9/29/2020
In prepping the archives we are missing a handful of issues. Check the list if you have older issues to share with the Class.
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Huntsman History Fund New Project
Published On 9/22/2020
Archived Flashes Newsletters and Yearbooks to be digitally scanned. Help support this effort!
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Women find a home in the Lightning Class
Published On 9/18/2020
Women Lightning sailors highlighted in Scuttlebutt Sailing News.
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US Sailing Features Lightning Class in OneDesign Newsletter
Published On 9/3/2020
Highlighting the success of the Boat Grant Program and the benefits the Class has seen as a result.
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Summer 2020 Flashes Newsletter
Published On 8/18/2020
Members received the Summer Edition of the Flashes Newsletter August 6th. If you missed it, check it out now. If you are not a member, join or renew today. Please support the Class!
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8 Bells... Christopher B "Kip" Hamblet
Published On 8/17/2020
UPDATED Aug 17th. It is with deep sorrow we share the passing of Kip Hamblet. From the NE District to the FL District and the countless friends in between, he will be missed.
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August Meeting Announcement
Published On 7/2/2020
The next Governing Board Meeting will be Sat. Aug 1st at 0930 Eastern and the next Annual Meeting of members will be Sat. Aug 8th at 0930 Eastern.
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8 Bells... John R Hughes
Published On 6/9/2020
After a long illness, we share the passing of John Hughes, longtime Commodore of the New England District.
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A Sailing Family Story: "The House of Starck" with David and Jody Starck
Published On 6/8/2020
Watch the replay! US Sailing - Starboard Portal interview with David and Jody Starck on Family Sailing.
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8 Bells... Charlie Proctor
Published On 5/7/2020
It is with a heavy heart we share the news of Charlie's passing, 19 days before his 28th Birthday.
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Virtual Learning In May! Watch the Replays
Published On 5/5/2020
Through out the month of May we held some interesting, fun and educational webinars. Check out the Replays, Starting, Upwind, Classic Chat with Dave Nickels and Rules.
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8 Bells... Harry Robert Sindle
Published On 5/1/2020
Sindle was an early pioneer of the glass Lightning and he built hundreds of boats.
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North Sails Webinar #1 and #2 REPLAY Links
Published On 4/28/2020
Watch replay links of Webinar #1 high lighting tips on changing gears from Greg Fisher. Webinar #2 talked about Junior Lightning Opportunities and featured Al Terhune, Matt Fisher, Jeff Hayden and Doug Wake.
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Lightning Word Search
Published On 4/13/2020
Time on your hands? Try this fun Lightning Word Search Puzzle.
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Remote/Virtual Meetings
Published On 3/27/2020
The Class will be holding the Virtual Meetings via ZOOM. Both the Governing Board and Annual Winter meetings have been re-scheduled for April.
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North Sails Webinar! RECORDING Now Available
Published On 3/26/2020
Watch the recording: North Sails Expert Brian Hayes and Special Guest Greg Fisher in an informal web talk on upwind speed and changing gears.
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2020 Boat Grant Recipients Announced!
Published On 3/19/2020
3 Teams have been awarded grants for this summer.
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Southern Circuit Canceled
Published On 3/12/2020
Both the St Pete and Savannah Regattas have been canceled.
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Winter 2020 Flashes Newsletter
Published On 3/9/2020
If you missed the Winter 2020 Edition of the Flashes Newsletter check it out now. Members received the newsletter via email on February 10th
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8 Bells... William Dodge
Published On 1/23/2020
Gone too soon, Sodus Bay Fleet Member will be greatly missed.
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8 Bells... Martin O'Meara
Published On 1/21/2020
Past President and Fleet 85 Member passed away at the age of 90.
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2020 Publication Schedule
Published On 12/19/2019
Have news to share with other Class Members? Check out the 2020 Publication Schedule and Submission Deadlines.
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2020 Boat Grant Program Call For Applications
Published On 12/17/2019
Applications for 2020 are now being accepted. Deadline for submission is January 21, 2020.
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2020 Atlantic Coast Championship Host Announcement!
Published On 12/16/2019
Please join us in Wickford, RI for the ACC's July 18-19, 2020!
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NEW Home for Classic Boat Discussion Group
Published On 10/29/2019
We have been forced to relocate our service for new & 14 years of historical discussions related to wooden and classic fiberglass Lightning’s.
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Fleet 253 Awarded Steketee Trophy
Published On 10/25/2019
Susquehanna YC Fleet 253 is recognized with the Steketee Trophy. This award is presented to a North American Fleet who has been outstanding in furthering the purpose of the ILCA in promoting and developing racing in Lightnings.
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65th Annual South American Championship
Published On 10/28/2019
Peru is planning for a fantastic South American Championship and is inviting all Countries to participate in the November Championship
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Florida Winter Series - JAN Regatta Date Change
Published On 10/28/2019
Sail all winter long in Sunny Florida! The series consists of 4 regattas from November through February. These events are the perfect tune-up for the Southern Circuit in March!
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2019 Pan Am Games Updates!
Published On 8/3/2019
7 Lightning Teams sail for the Gold! August 3-10, 2019 Links to watch LIVE Racing and Updates.
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Eight Bells... George Peet
Published On 6/25/2019
It is with sadness that we share the passing of George Peet, member of Boyne City YC, Fleet 512 of the Michigan District.
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Under 30 NA's Registration Fee Reduction!
Published On 6/20/2019
Thanks to the Limbaugh Fund, the first 15 skipper's who register for the North American Championship by July 15th and are under the age of 30 will receive a discounted registration fee of $250!
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Frigid Digit might not be so Frigid! New Dates!
Published On 6/6/2019
Due to a scheduling conflict, the Digit will be Sept 28-29 this year. Chance for warmer weather and better sailing conditions!
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Host and DATES Announced: 2020 North American Championships
Published On 6/2/2019
We are happy to announce that Edgewater Yacht Club will host the 2020 North American Championship and Pymatuning Yacht Club will host the 2020 WJM North American Championships. August 6-15, 2020.
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Eight Bells.... Jack Burwell
Published On 6/2/2019
We are sad to share that long time Lightning member, Jack Burwell passed at the age of 79 after a long illness. Burwell spent many of his early days racing in the New England District.
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Area Wide Crew Party!
Published On 5/14/2019
Spinsheet Magazine has been hosting an Annapolis wide crew party for years - see how a similar event could be held in your area to boost new participation.
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2019 Boat Grant Recipients Announced!
Published On 5/14/2019
We welcome Team Reddaway to the Southeastern District and Team Moloney to the Central NY and Lake Erie Districts. These Teams are lead by two women skippers and are this years Boat Grant Recipients!
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2019 North American Championship Qualifying Ratio
Published On 4/18/2019
The EC has approved a 1:1 quota for all Canadian and United States Districts.
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Call for Bids - 2020 North American Championships
Published On 4/16/2019
Bids are now being accepted for the 2020 North American Championships. The NAC will be the qualifying event for the 2021 Lightning World Championship that will be held in Wrightsville Beach, NC. Deadline for bids is May 16th.
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2021 World Championships - SAVE THE DATE
Published On 4/22/2019
DATES Announced: MAY 13-22 - The 2021 World Championships will be hosted by Carolina Yacht Club, Wrightsville Beach, NC! Lightnings are headed to the beach!
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2020 Youth Worlds to be hosted by Sail Sheboygan!
Published On 2/6/2019
Sail Sheboygan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin will host the 2020 Lightning Youth World Championship June 27 - July 1, 2020.
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Lightning Sailors Recognized at US Sailing Awards
Published On 2/1/2019
Lightning sailors making a difference in the sailing community!!
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Charter Boats Wanted for Summer Months
Published On 1/14/2019
Too busy to use your boat this summer? Want to see it get used by others that want to race?
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Final 2 Countries qualify for Pan American Games
Published On 1/11/2019
Country qualifications are complete for the 2019 Pan American Games. Brazil and Colombia will join Argentina, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, United States and host country Peru this August in Lightning competition.
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Lightning Sailor takes on Sydney Hobart Race!
Published On 12/24/2018
Track AUS Lightning sailor Ian Edwards aboard WINGS as he and his team take on the famous Sydney Hobart Race!
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Eight Bells... Joe Starck Sr.
Published On 11/27/2018
It is with sadness we share the passing of Joe Starck Sr. from Fleet 12 - Buffalo Canoe Club.
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Fleet 54 Awarded Steketee Trophy
Published On 11/16/2018
Fleet 54/Pontiac Yacht Club awarded the Steketee Trophy for 2018!
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Eight Bells... Dennis Dean "Denny" Dieball Sr.
Published On 11/14/2018
It is with sadness we share the passing of Denny Dieball from the Western Lake Erie Fleet 42 and the North Cape Yacht Club.
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Chilean Lightning Lab
Published On 11/1/2018
Class President Todd Wake and his wife Kristine lead a lab in Chile that focused on tuning and crew work.
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Eight Bells... Patricia Burridge
Published On 11/1/2018
UPDATED WITH SERVICE INFORMATION. Patricia passed away on October 31 after suffering a recent stroke. She is now reunited with her husband Robert "Lal" longtime Lightning Family member from Fleet 266 in Carlisle, Illinois who left us in 2016.
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Eight Bells... Alan Bates
Published On 10/9/2018
It is with sadness we share the passing of Alan Bates from Fleet 126.
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Eight Bells... Mark Bryant
Published On 9/27/2018
It is with sadness that we share Mark Bryant lost his brief battle with cancer. The two time North American Champion left a mark on the Lightning Class that will not be forgotten.
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Safety Equipment Notice
Published On 8/14/2018
Questions have arisen concerning class safety rules, and what equipment must be carried on the boat when racing. In order to clarify this issue, I have looked through our class rules as currently posted on the ILCA website, with the results shown in this post.
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2018 Central American and Caribbean Games
Published On 6/29/2018
Lightning Division was canceled
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July Meetings Announcement
Published On 6/26/2018
A meeting of the Governing Board and the Annual Meeting of Members will take place during the North American Championship at the Mission Bay YC, San Diego, CA. July 26 and 27.
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2018 Boat Grant Recipients Announced
Published On 6/1/2018
We begin the 12th Year of the Boat Grant Program with announcing 3 Recipients! 1 from the Midwest District and 2 from the Southeastern District!
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Awesome DRONE Footage to get you in the mood...
Published On 5/23/2018
This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the International Lightning Class Association. Please join us in celebrating at one of our many regional events this summer. So what are you waiting for? Here's a little taste of Lightning sailing from the 2018 Southern Circuit to get you psyched. See you out on the water!
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Lightning Launches in St Maarten!
Published On 5/3/2018
Lightning launches St Maarten into the Central American Games.
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Spring News from Finland!
Published On 4/26/2018
See What's happening with our Finnish Fleets!
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Eight Bells.... Franz K. Schneider, CAD District
Published On 4/4/2018
Longtime NJ Lightning Family Member
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Southern Circuit Photos and Wrap Up!
Published On 4/3/2018
Get Photo and video links, Special Awards and More!
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Host a Lightning Lab!
Published On 2/10/2019
Great District/Fleet building opportunity!
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Eight Bells.... Wendell W. Harter, CA District
Published On 2/23/2018
40 years of racing Lightnings, in a boat he convinced many others was the best boat to buy.
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Winter Meeting Announcement
Published On 2/22/2018
Winter Meeting Schedule Announced. Friday, March 23 - Governing Board at noon and Annual Meeting at 6pm.
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Carolina YC - 2017 NAC Host awarded US Sailing St Petersburg YC Trophy
Published On 2/2/2018
Carolina YC, Wrightsville Beach, NC awarded US Sailing St Petersburg YC Trophy for excellence in Race Management at the 2017 Lightning NAs!
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Eight Bells.... Hadley Forster Greene, CAD District
Published On 1/25/2018
Hadley Forster Greene, age 30, passed away on January 22nd after a brief illness. She sailed with Metedeconk River YC - Fleet 34 and the CAD District.
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NEW ILCA Blogs
Want to hear from the Class President or Class Historian? Check out the NEW Blog Feature on the Class Website!
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2018 Youth World Championship - NOR is posted! Country Participant Deadlines
Published On 1/15/2018
Notice of Race is now posted. Country VP's need to be aware of Participant Deadlines.
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Find a Lightning Fleet
The new website has a nifty fleet finder feature. Click on the Membership Tab and then Fleet Finder. Use the map and scroll into the area where you are looking to sail. Click on a pin point to see more information about the fleet in that area. Including District location, Fleet Captain, contact information and Fleet or District Members.
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Welcome to 2018 and the launch of the NEW Lightning Class Website!
Published On 1/4/2018
Happy New Year! 2018 is here and we are continuing the transition to a new web platform. This week we are launching the NEW Home Page and Event Calendar. More features will be added soon including Blogs from our Class President and Historian and Discussion Forums.
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