2017 News Archive

• It is with sadness that we share William Newton Baxter, Jr., 77, passed away Thursday, October 19 at his home surrounded by his family. His notorious humor and wit remained with him until the end.
  
  A native of New Orleans, LA, Bill was born to the late William Newton Baxter and Ester Curtis August 29, 1940. He spent the majority of his life in Memphis. Attended Christian Brothers High School and Cumberland University.  His main love other than family was the camaraderie, sportsmanship, and competition he found racing his Lightning Sailboat in Fleet 274 at Delta Sailing Association based at Arkabutla Lake in Hernando, MS. He and his friends built the organization and made it thrive. His wife and children spent many happy years sharing Bill’s love for sailing traveling the district and making friends around the United States.
  
  Bill is survived by his wife of more than 50 years Barbara Clinton Baxter; his two children, William Newton Baxter III of Memphis, TN and Cecile Baxter George  of Collierville, TN; his two grandchildren, Henry Rankin George and Mary Broughton George of Collierville, TN; his sister, Mary Katherine Broyles of Prescott, AZ; and his beloved Springer Spaniel Morgan.
  
  A visitation will be held at his home on Saturday, October 28th.  3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Please come and share a story or two and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Church Health Center.
  
  
• Governing Board Meeting Scheduled for 8:30am, Tuesday, November 21 at the Salinas YC. One item pertaining to the 2018 North American Championship is up for vote.
  
  
• Make plans to sail in the Florida Winter Series (Dec, Jan, Feb) to prepare for the Southern Circuit March 24-30, 2018!
  
  
• Two Amendments up for vote at the March Governing Board Meeting - PASSED. Amendment A - a temporary amendment to the Document Governing All Sanctioned Lightning Class Championships. Due to space and safety concerns on and off the water at the Carolina YC, the 2017 NAC Organizing Authority has stated they can safely accomodate 70 boats. With this restriction and the estimated number of participants a temporary amendment allowing registration on a first come first serve basis up to 70 boats. Skippers will still have to qualify through their district championship before registration to the NAC is complete.
  
  Amendment B to the Plans and Specifications was proposed by the Technical Committee to comply with RRS and to modernize the look of the main sail. A similar amendment was proposed at the August 2016 meeting and it was referred back to committee. Note the Amendment to the Plans and Specifications - Article V - Sails, Section 75 was PASSED by the Governing Board and is pending World Sailing ratification. Update, May 31, 2017 - World Sailing made and Administrative Amendment and the final version was accepted by the Executive Committee. The Final Amendment goes into effect June 1, 2017.
  
  
• PASAF 2019 Qualifying System And Regatta Schedule
  
  
• 2017 Southern Circuit Survey
  
  
• Females take charge in 2017 Boat Grant Program - Please welcome Miia Newman and her team from New Orleans, LA and Nikka Stoger and her team from Thunder Bay, Ontario.
  
  
• It is with deepest sympathy that we share the sudden passing of Beatriz de Rienzo from the Valle de Bravo Fleet 523 in Mexico. Taken too soon at just 60, she leaves behind her loving husband Aroldo and their children, daughters Beatriz and Alexandria and son Aroldo Jr. Please keep the the de Rienzo Family in your thoughts and prayers.
  
  
• Congratulations to Larry Colantuono from Fleet 85 on winning the North Sails Jib Raffle.
  
  
• Southern Circuit -2017 Southern Circuit Flyer, Mentor Program is Back! Sign up today! Karl Smither Award nominations are due by Feb 28.
  
  
• District and Fleet Building Article - Ideas from Class Survey
  
• World Championship Country Allocation
  
  
• 8 Bells: Lyla Bogardus. The Lightning Family sends sympathy to the entire Bogardus Family. Young Lyla's attitude and courage is an inspiration to all.  Love for Lyla
  
  
• Fleet Building 101 - Article by Kevin Morin from the MI District with in put from over 100 Class Members.
  
  
• Boat Grant applications for the 2017 Season are now being accepted. Applications and proposals are due on January 31, 2017. Help us spread the word on this great program and help someone from your area APPLY! Click here for more Information or a flyer to hang at your club.