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Recently in Scuttlebutt Sailing News — Lightning Class: Strategic Innovation!

The Lightning Class celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2038, remaining strong through innovation while staying true to our one design roots. To build that strength and attract new sailors, we’ve embarked on a strategic five-year plan – Fuel The Flash 2030. There’s something to interest every Lightning sailor, whether past or current!

The Lightning Class created and continues to enthusiastically support the Boat Grant Program, providing new boats, sails, and expenses to revolving teams of young sailors.  We are expanding local Boat Programs by creating a how-to playbook and providing funding for new programs. We’ve created a market-maker Pipeline Program to match existing boats with prospective members, including grants/funding as appropriate.  And we’re engaging in market research to enhance our messaging, our boats, and our events.

The Lightning Class U32 (Under 32) program includes reduced registration fees and U32-only regattas where boats, housing, and even crews are provided.  A third or more of our sailors at typical regattas are U32.

A healthy Class needs a reliable availability of new boats, and we have a team of professionals creating new molds/plugs to promote efficient production for our builder. 

While we’re working on our future, we’re not forgetting our past. One of many exciting developments is our partnering with the Finger Lakes Boating Museum to create a Lightning Hall of Fame.

How will we fund all this? With our fundraising campaign Fuel The Flash 2030—every spark counts. Want to help us thrive, innovate and grow? Donate Now.

Recently in the Lightning Class

November 16 - In the NewsVakaros Testing Survey Results, NAs Post Race Recap Video Link  Town Hall Meeting, Monday, Nov 17, 7:30pm Eastern. Registration link has been emailed to members. Contact the Class Office if you would like to attend and have not received the link. 


November 16 - Check out the Member spotlight on Ian & Lindy Edwards, recently awarded Life Membership and their donation of eight Lightnings to the Class! 

November 16  -All 79 years and 667 issues of Flashes are now searchable! Read how a group of three LOYALS achieved this feat using AI and elbow grease, and how it might be useful to you! Searchable Flashes

November 6 - Partnership with Finger Lakes Boating Museum expands - New Lightning Hall of Fame Announced! 

October 31 - Jody Lutz elected to Executive Committee Meet Jody 

October 29 - Read the latest update onG.O.T. Flashes Challenge- newest awards and improvements to the 2026 program! 


October 22 - Read 2025 Lightning North Americans Recap on Sail1Design by Heather Kerns, 2025 Boat Grant Recipient!
October 19 - Winner winner, oysters for dinner! Starck ’n Dormy (Brady, Tom, and Carly Starck) win the 2025 Wild Oyster at Carolina Yacht Club - SC, winning 5/6 races. Sundog (Clint, Christian, and June Neuman) took second place with 12 points.  Jenna Probst, Adam Probst, and Izzy Stack finished third with 18 points. It’s always a pleasure sailing in Charleston in the fall! Stay tuned for this years report!

 October 15 - Have you read the recent email on our Fuel The Flash 2030 fundraiser?  We outline the program, its goals and a Call To Action for all.  There’s something for everyone – check it out! 


October 13 - 2025 BOAT GRANT RECIPIENTS WIN THE 2ND ANNUAL U32 INVITATIONAL!  Congratulations to Will Murray, Heather Kerns, and Lucas Goodin, winners of the 2025 U32 Regatta with an impressive 5 points, taking three out of four races. In second place, Timmy Crann, sailing with Lauren and Allie Jones, finished with 17 points. Jenna Probst, Elizabeth Starck, and Paula Herman secured third place with 21 points. It was a fantastic turnout and a day of highly competitive racing at this year’s event in Metedeconk!


View All Results, Reports & Photo Links

In 2024, it was a brand-new initiative. In 2025, it officially became a highly-anticipated tradition. 

The International Lightning Class Association held the second annual U32 Invitational Regatta for 75 competitors at Metedeconk River Yacht Club on October 11-12. Sailors between the ages of 21-32 descended on the New Jersey Shore for a fall exhibition that proved to be fun on and off the water. 


After Friday’s welcome night, racing commenced on Saturday, providing short-course sailing on the Metedeconk River that reminded many competitors of their days in college. A benefit of the Lightning is that sailors can enjoy that quick-hitting style of racing or mile-long courses in the ocean (see September's NAs in Wrightsville Beach) depending on location and regatta.


This regatta proved to be a great promotion for the Lightning Class’ Boat Grant Program, as 2025 recipient Will Murray and his team of Heather Kerns and Lucas Goodin dominated the field. Team Murray won three of four races en route to becoming the second-ever U32 champion. A Hobart-William Smith alumnus, Murray skippered his grant boat throughout the 2025 season, including a top-15 finish at the North Americans.


“The U32 Regatta was a perfect example of what makes the Lightning class so special — intense, tactical racing mixed with an incredibly fun and welcoming atmosphere,” Murray said. “The program is such an important opportunity for younger sailors to get involved, build connections, and see what makes this fleet so special. Sailing the grant boat has given me the chance to experience this community firsthand, and it’s easy to see why so many people stay in the class for life.”

Read the full report here

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