FlashBlast - September 15, 2023
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| Thank you to Evolution Sails and Sailing Inc. for supporting the Lightning Class and sponsoring this Flash Blast! |
Single advertisements are available for each Flash Blast. For more information or to reserve your spot please contact Laura in the Class Office or at 727-942-7969.
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| ORDER NOW - Click on the AD! | | Eight Bells... Walter Colantuono
Walter F. Colantuono, age 84, a 37-year resident of Windham, NH passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and three children on September 6, 2023, at the Merrimack Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. He was the beloved husband for 62 years of Noreen Colantuono (Greely).
| | | Walter had a strong passion for sailing, which began on the Charles River in Boston. He shared his enthusiasm for sailing with his children at Monmouth Boat Club in Red Bank, NJ. As a member of the Lightning Class since the mid 70’s, and a member of the American Boat & Yacht Council, he traveled to and hosted many regattas. After moving to NH in 1986, Walter became a member of Massabesic Yacht Club. He kept his sailboat there and raced every Sunday, often with his daughter Laura as his crew. In the winter, Walter enjoyed sailing his ice boat and was always happy to offer a ride to anyone who wanted a thrilling experience.
Family and friends are invited to attend Calling hours on Sunday, September 17th from 11am to 1pm, at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 1pm at the funeral home.
Read more about Walt
| Immediate Past President - Bill Bogardus
It has been a privilege to be your President. I would like to thank my family who has always supported me, the general membership of the Lightning Class, and the Governing Board for their tireless efforts in running the Class. There were many past Presidents that helped me the past two years, and I am grateful for your wise advice. A special thank you to my teammates on the Executive Committee, Bertie Werley, Julio Velez, and Joe Buczkowski who are all returning next year, they have put their heart and soul into making the Class better. Nothing in the Class gets done without Executive Secretary Laura Jeffers, and I will miss the almost constant texts threads on the issue of the day. Laura, thank you. Finally, the Class is in amazing hands with incoming President David Starck. No one “lives” the Lightning lifestyle more than David. We have some big changes on the horizon, but I know he will be up to the task.
Farewell,
Bill Bogardus | New Class President - David Starck
It is my distinct honor and privilege to serve as the next International Lightning Class President. The Lightning Class goes back several generations in the Starck family as well as my wife’s (Jody’s father, Jack Swanson, was President in 1965). I look forward to continuing many of the class traditions while keeping an open mind on embracing technology to keep the boat exciting and modernized.
There are several goals & initiatives I plan to tackle head on with the help of the Executive Committee, Governing Board, class members, and, of course, our Executive Secretary, Laura Jeffers. Here is a brief list:
- Re-engage the ILCA Technical Committee. We need to embrace current technology as it relates to manufacturing of boats, spars, and other necessary equipment. We must be able to manufacture new boats on demand and have ample supply of pieces, parts and accessories. We need to be open-minded and consider accepting new materials, new technologies, and new ideas.
- Revamp the structure and Rules Governing the North American Championship
- Re-double our efforts for a sustainable E-Flashes distribution. The sharing of class news and ideas must be prioritized
- Help rebuild the class within our footprint, particularly in Europe. Continue to focus on South American growth as well.
- Study the class demographics (Fleets, Districts, Regions, etc.) throughout North America and our entire footprint. Is there a new structure to consider which may reflect the realities of class today? A structure which ultimately will benefit the class and its membership long term
- Change is never easy. However, working hard today to make the class better will benefit future generations to continue sailing Lightnings. We have a wonderful boat, a healthy class, and a bright future!
Finally, my heartfelt thanks to Bill Bogardus for his 2 years of service as President. He did a wonderful job and has kept the class in good stead. Congratulations Bill!
| | Click on the photo below to see the FULL 14 minute presentation of the Change of Helm at the North American Championship Banquet - Bill Bogardus and his departing remarks, David Starck and his incoming remarks and the presentation of Bill Bogardus getting his Life Membership Recognition from Past Presidents Hayes, Sr, Davis and Lobos. Photo below of Bogardus with his son Grant. |  | The 2023 International Masters, South American Championship, and World Championship Organizing Authority in Columbia is working hard to make it a fabulous event. Check out the cool website with promo videos! https://lightningworlds2023.com/
We are at an important time whereby all participants must register soon to avoid the late fees. Please spread the word and encourage your fellow sailors to register for all events today! The deadline is only a few days away.
REGISTRATION
If you have not done so already, please REGISTER for the event(s) ASAP! You can pay the registration fee later - but please do it before the end of day on Sept 14th. A late fee goes into effect on Sept 15th for BOTH events.
South Americans/Master Worlds: https://yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=16023
World Championship: https://yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=15844
IF you are only sailing the World Championship and your boat is not currently being used for the SA/Master Worlds please let Laura Jeffers office@lightningclass.org know if you would like to charter it out for that event. There is some interest.
HOUSING
The organizers have posted two documents that are helpful in recommending lodging see those here:
Hotels and Accomodation: https://yachtscoring.com/event_documents/15844/Hotels_CTG.pdf
Tourism Map: https://yachtscoring.com/event_documents/15844/CTG_Tourism_map_SP.pdf
SAILS
This is a reminder that as a World Championship you will need to have your Country Code on your sails. If you do not currently have country letters or sail numbers that match (main and spinnaker) PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS with your sailmaker NOW so you are prepared for the event.
This is going to be a great event! Looking forward to seeing you all there! | 30 and Under Entry Fee Subsidy
The Limbaugh Fund will reimburse skippers aged 30 and under for up to 50% of regatta entry fees for 2023. Those looking for support should send an email to the Lightning Class office (office@lightningclass.org) with “Limbaugh Subsidy” in the subject line and include the following information:
—Names and ages of your 3 team members.
—Regatta name, location and dates.
—Entry fee (base fee only, please do not include ala carte items such as meals, t-shirts, etc.)
—Home address of the skipper
The Limbaugh Fund Committee will review your request and respond within 2 weeks. You will be reimbursed with the determined amount shortly after your participation in the event. | | Classified Ads
Looking to upgrade your boat?
Looking for used sails?
Do you have extra equipment that you want to sell?
Check out the Classified Section of the Class Website. Lots of boats are changing hands.
Spread the word if you know of someone looking!
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Whitecap Regatta - John Mathers, Caleb Mathers, Morgan Mathers
Surf City 75th Annual Regatta & NJ State Championship - Mike Warren, Gillian Halford, Rich Warren
Chilean National Championship - Felipe Robles, Paula Herman, Carmina Malsch - Robles 8th straight National Championship!
Brotz Regatta - Doug Wake, Jason Bemis, Lauren Bemis
Duck Challenge Regatta - Clint Neuman, June Neuman, Jeremy Wenig
North American Championship - Allan Terhune, Sarah Chin, Madeline Baldridge
Masters' North American Championship - Jody Lutz, Jay Lutz, Christine Moloney
Junior North American Championship - Bobby Starck, Buck Rathbun, Adam Starck
Women's North American Championship - Laura Jeffers, Johanna Schon, Colleen Kennedy
Please be sure to submit your results with CREW NAMES to the Class Office via EMAIL office@lightningclass.org . If you have a short summary and a few photos even better! If your regatta isn't listed here - be sure to add the event to the ILCA Event Calendar and send in results after the regatta!
| Upcoming Regattas:
Click on the event for more info or
If you need help listing your 2023 events please contact Laura in the Class Office. |
Please come to the Barebones Regatta in Mansfield Ohio.
Central NY in the Fall - nothing better!
Weekly Fall Sailing right in Buffalo, NY
Weekly Fall Sailing right in Buffalo, NY
The Presidents Cup Regatta began during the Eisenhower administration. Where else can you spend a weekend racing with the Washington Monument and Capitol Dome as your backdrop?
Lightnings are back in action on Lake Fenton!
Come join us on Bow Lake in beautiful Strafford, NH for a day of fun, friends, food and racing. First race at Noon in the middle of the lake and after racing appetizers, taco dinner and awards at Ned and Karen's house. Be there!
Weekly Fall Sailing right in Buffalo, NY
Come join Skaneateles Country Club, Fleet 1 on beautiful Skaneateles Lake. To encourage participation awards will be include those for best finish by a Classic boat as well as that with a wood mast, in addition for overall awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Fall Tradition in prime Annapolis sailing conditions!
Last Lightning Regatta of the year in New England. Weather always plays a part in the fun!
Wonderful sailing venue. It's easy to put it in, a short distance out to the race course, competent race committee, & a fun après sailing party.
The crown jewel of the autumn racing circuit. Great racing, legendary hospitality, local housing for all, plus lots of boats! Once referred to by Bill Faude as the finest fall regatta in which you will ever sail. Come see why it remains one of the ILCA most enduring regattas. Twenty-nine boats in 2022.
Weekly Fall Sailing right in Buffalo, NY
This is the annual PA Gov. Cup. We're on the Susquehanna River's Lake Clarke a few miles upriver from the Safe Harbor dam.
Weekly Fall Sailing right in Buffalo, NY
Weekly Fall Sailing right in Buffalo, NY
13th Annual - Fantastic Weekend in Charleston! Clinic on Friday, Racing Sat/Sun, SELD Traveling Series
Weekly Fall Sailing right in Buffalo, NY
8 Countries will sail for the GOLD!
The Bluenose will be back, just not this year!
Come and sail and get to see the Blue Angels Airshow!
Come and check out sailing in Jacksonville. For the 6th year, we will join the J24's for a great weekend of sailing!
Kick off racing in Colombia with these events! Sailing together on the same course, race in one or both events at the same time.
For qualification information check with your Countries Vice President or District Commodore.
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8 Countries will sail for the GOLD!
Kick off racing in Colombia with these events! Sailing together on the same course, race in one or both events at the same time.
For qualification information check with your Countries Vice President or District Commodore.
Includes a Master's Winter Championship and first Part of the Southern Circuit.
2nd leg of the Southern Circuit
NA's are BACK at the BCC!
NA's are BACK at the BCC!
| International Lightning Class Association
Laura Jeffers, Executive Secretary
(727) 942-7969 | |