Executive Committee Action
April 22, 2026
The Executive Committee is acting on behalf of the Governing Board per Lightning Class Constitution, Article XII, Section 1(b), to temporarily amend the By-Laws Article VIII - Racing Restrictions and the Document Governing All Sanctioned Lightning Class Championships specifically for the 2026 Lightning North American Championships. This amendment will apply from April 22 - August 31, 2026.
Reason behind the action: In an attempt to increase participation at the 2026 North American Championship, the Organizing Authority requested and encouraged a temporary amendment to authorize a trial of the Vakaros RaceSense race management software for the Championship. Requesting Vakaros Atlas 2 (or Edge) hardware units shall be required equipment and to allow / enable all capabilities of the Atlas 2 units, specifically including the ‘Distance To Line’ function. Additionally, the OA requested all registered boats to compete on a single starting line with no fleet breaks or qualifying series. All official race results shall count in a yacht’s score and will be clearly detailed in the scoring section of the regatta Sailing Instructions.
Temporary Amendment:
Amend By-Law Article VIII – Racing Restrictions, 5. Portable Equipment, b) Optional, i) Electronic Equipment, 1) One or more timers A) and B) For the 2026 Lightning North American Championship, the Vakaros Edge or Atlas 2 hardware units shall be required equipment. All capabilities of the Atlas 2 hardware units will be enabled, including the “distance to Line” function.
Amend Document Governing All Sanctioned Lightning Class Championships, North American Championship, Article XIII – Racing Conditions. A. 1-3. inclusive and B. 1. All competitors will sail in a single fleet to determine the Championship. Nine races are scheduled. If six or more races are completed, a competitor may discard her lowest score but for a DNE.
Reported by Executive Secretary
Laura Jeffers
April 30, 2026