Given we are days away from another presidential election, I thought it was timely to discuss Lightning Class growth prospects and politics. Leading up to Election Day, candidates love to tell you why their ideas and plans will lead to utopia and why voting for the opposition will be doomsday. Both sides of the isle usually agree there is a lot of work ahead, it’s the path forward that is contested and hotly debated. 

The Lightning Class is in growth mode. Membership is on the rise, finances are healthy, and merchandise is flying out the door.  Your current class administration (comprised of democrats, Republicans, independents) is focused on the following:

* squarely focused on the current generation of Lightning sailors/owners (thanks to our LOYALS group). The LOYAL group’s latest initiative: Emailing - International Lightning Class Association

* squarely focused on the next generation of Lightning sailors/owners (U32 group, updated Boat Grant hulls & equipment)

* squarely focused on technology advances for new equipment, new boats, new ideas. We must continue to push the boundaries for future generation Lightning sailors. Sailors want NEW! Sailors want EXCITING! We must adapt and deliver.

* squarely focused on building & supporting fleets throughout the class footprint in North America, South America and Europe. 

We have so many individuals doing their part to keep the class going strong. I am extremely grateful to each one of you. Thank you. 

Get out and vote on election day. And get out and sail your Lightning.