LIGHTNING 13910 - “GOLDEN HARVEST”
Construction and Early Ownership of Lightning 13910
Lightning 13910 was constructed in 1984 by David Nickels at Nickels Boat Works, located in Flint, Michigan. The boat was commissioned for Robert (Bob) Mathers, a well-known sailboat broker and avid sailor associated with the Lansing Sailing Club. Bob had a habit of racing each new boat for a couple years before selling it and acquiring another. His distinctive preference for boats featuring green hulls or green markings was well recognized among his peers.
During the building process of 13910, Nickels Boat Works utilized a special epoxy resin in the fiberglass hulls. This resin was notable for imparting exceptional stiffness to the hull, a quality that would endure indefinitely. The sustained stiffness of the hull was crucial, as boats tend to lose speed when their hulls become flexible over time. Notably, soon after 13910 was completed, the EPA placed restrictions on the use of this type of epoxy resin, making it unavailable for future production. The use of this resin became a defining feature of Lightning 13910 and contributed significantly to its lasting performance and legacy.
Transition to Pontiac Yacht Club
In 1986, Bob Mathers decided to sell Lightning 13910 to another sailor who was active at the Pontiac Yacht Club. The new skipper sailed the boat for a couple of years, enjoying its performance and unique characteristics. After this period, however, the boat was placed in storage, where it remained unused for the next four years.
By 1992, the skipper was ready to move on and requested Bob to assist in selling Lightning 13910 once again. This marked another chapter in the boat's journey, setting the stage for its next owner and adventures.
Acquiring Lightning 13910: A New Chapter Begins
After spending seven years as a crew member for Brad Wagnon, I began to develop a strong interest in owning my own Lightning sailboat to race. The opportunity arose during the 1992 Lightning North American Championship held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On one particular day, the regatta was at a standstill due to a complete lack of wind, leaving all the crews lingering around the yacht club, passing the time.
As we waited, Brad approached me with some news: Bob Mathers was brokering the sale of one of his former boats. My immediate reaction was clear and decisive—I told him, “I don’t want a green boat,” a playful reference to Bob’s well-known preference for boats with green hulls or markings.
Not long after that conversation, I decided to take action. A week later, I traveled to Pontiac accompanied by David Wisler, the son of one of our friends. There, I saw Lightning 13910 for the first time. The decision was made, the purchase completed, and soon after, 13910 was transported to its new home at the Wawasee Yacht Club. This marked the beginning of a new adventure for both myself and Lightning 13910.
(Photo - Bill Allen)
The Origin of "Golden Harvest"
During the early years of my sailing journey, I frequently traveled to the East Coast for business. Sailing was a much more prominent pastime in that region, and I often found it to be a natural icebreaker with the local sailors. When I mentioned that I sailed and raced in Indiana, my home state, it was typically met with skepticism and raised eyebrows from the East Coast community. More than once, I was asked with a smile, "Where do you sail, in a corn field?" These lighthearted remarks were always good for a laugh, even if they came at my expense.
These recurring comments served as inspiration for my boat’s distinctive name. If I was going to be known for sailing in a corn or wheat field, it seemed only fitting to choose a name that reflected that image. That is how the moniker "Golden Harvest" was born. Beyond the playful nod to Indiana’s agricultural landscape, the name also carried a more competitive meaning—the hope of "harvesting" all the gold, or winning as many trophies as possible, throughout my sailing career.
Golden Harvest: Thirty Years of Racing Excellence
Golden Harvest found her home and would remain there for the next 30 years, building an impressive legacy on the water. Over these three decades, she consistently demonstrated her racing prowess by participating in a wide range of prestigious events and regattas.
Major Championships and Achievements
Throughout her tenure, Golden Harvest competed in five Lightning North American Championships, showcasing her ability to perform on a national stage. In addition, she raced in nine North American Masters Championships, further solidifying her reputation among seasoned sailors.
One of her most notable accomplishments came in 2018 at Tawas Bay, Michigan, where she clinched victory in the Great-Grand Master division. Remarkably, this win occurred when Golden Harvest was 34 years old, going up against other Lightning sailboats that were as much as 30 years her junior.
Regional Regattas and Consistent Performance
Golden Harvest’s competitive spirit was evident in her participation in dozens of Fall and Spring regattas held across Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Her consistent performance in these events contributed significantly to her storied racing history.
She competed in the Indiana Districts more than eight times, winning the event twice and earning recognition in several Indy Opens. These achievements underscore her longstanding competitiveness and the enduring quality of her design and preparation.
(Photo - Tawas Bay)
Weekly Racing Success at Wawasee Yacht Club
Beginning in 1993, Golden Harvest established a tradition of weekly racing at her home club, Wawasee Yacht Club, a commitment she maintained through the 2020 season. Throughout these years, her performance on the water was consistently impressive. She captured the Lightning fleet championship title three times, demonstrating her competitive edge and skill within the fleet. In addition to her victories, Golden Harvest was a frequent contender, finishing as runner-up—affectionately referred to as “bridesmaid”—more than ten times during this period. In 2016, her dedication and excellence culminated in securing the coveted club championship, further solidifying her legacy at Wawasee Yacht Club.
Golden Harvest’s Crew Legacy
Throughout her years on the water, Golden Harvest welcomed a diverse crew, reflecting her inclusive spirit and commitment to nurturing young talent. She was especially fond of junior sailors and provided many the opportunity to gain experience and develop their skills. The roster of crew members included numerous juniors, several young adults, and occasionally older, more experienced sailors.
Notable crew members who sailed aboard Golden Harvest include: David Wisler, Kevin Keller, Brad Wagnon, Rick Lemberg Jr, Doug Schmahl, Jeff Schmahl, Kevin Allen, Peggy Lehman, Christie Cobbum, Ron Lester, Adam Probst, Steve Miller, Robbie Queisser, Bryan Bahler, Gregory Moore, Tom Hadley, Sam Russell, John Selby, Gabe Selby, Greg Johnson, Wes Rapp, Caleb Young, Stuart Webster, and JR Kendall. This list, while not exhaustive, highlights the broad range of individuals who contributed to Golden Harvest’s racing journey.
Junior Sailors and Championship Success
In 2010, Golden Harvest began a significant chapter with two talented 12-year-old twin siblings, CJ and Carla Szeplaki. Over a seven-year adventure, these junior sailors made a lasting impact, helping Golden Harvest capture the Lightning fleet championship titles in 2013 and 2016. Their teamwork and dedication culminated in securing the Wawasee Yacht Club (WYC) Club Championship in 2016, with Bryan Bahler stepping in as crew when one of the twins was unavailable.
Following the Szeplaki twins, Golden Harvest continued her tradition of mentoring youth sailors, welcoming Isabell and Josie Pobanz to her crew. Through these experiences, Golden Harvest not only achieved competitive success but also played a vital role in fostering the next generation of sailors.
Golden Harvest’s Later Years with Her Skipper
Despite the passage of time, Golden Harvest continued to demonstrate the same impressive performance on the water as she had in 1984. However, as the years progressed, her longtime skipper faced physical challenges that eventually made it impossible for him to continue sailing her. His final competitive outing was at the 2019 Hoosier Regatta, marking the end of an era in his sailing career. He also participated in his last Wawasee Yacht Club race in September 2020, closing a significant chapter filled with memorable experiences.
Over the years, Golden Harvest was more than just a racing sailboat; she was a vessel for creating cherished memories, forming lasting friendships, and building meaningful relationships, especially with younger crew members who learned and grew under her skipper’s guidance. Following these memorable years, Golden Harvest was carefully stored at the skipper’s home on Lake Little Barbee, preserving both the boat and the legacy they had built together.
Photo - 2019 Hoosier Decals)
The Next Chapter for Golden Harvest
In February 2022, the longtime skipper of Golden Harvest relocated to Fishers, Indiana, marking a new phase in both his life and the boat’s journey. Shortly after, Golden Harvest found a new owner when she was sold to an attorney based in Dublin, Ohio. Despite his initial interest, the new owner sailed and raced Golden Harvest only on limited occasions.
During the summer of 2024, Golden Harvest was listed for sale on Facebook and the International Lightning Class webpage. It was through these listings that Bryan Bahler, a familiar face in the Wawasee Yacht Club community, learned of the opportunity to bring Golden Harvest back home. Upon hearing the news, the former skipper encouraged Bryan to purchase the boat. Acting on this suggestion, Bryan bought Golden Harvest in November 2024 and transported her to Lake Tippecanoe, where she now resides at his home. With her return to familiar waters, Golden Harvest is once again in a place where she has been cherished and well cared for.
Bryan brought Golden Harvest back to the racecourse in 2025, where she quickly reaffirmed her competitive spirit. That year, Bryan secured a second-place finish at the Indy Open, claimed victory at the Indiana Districts, and finished sixth out of a fleet of twenty-eight boats at the Hoosier Regatta. Notably, he was the highest-placed Wawasee Yacht Club skipper at the Hoosier, racing against nationally ranked sailors and newer boats. These results underscore Golden Harvest’s enduring competitiveness, even at the age of forty-one, a testament to her rigid hull and timeless design.
Currently, Bryan is focused on refinishing the exterior of Golden Harvest’s hull, ensuring she remains in peak condition for future competitions. The Lightning fleet should be on alert—Golden Harvest is poised to continue her legacy and could very well be racing strong for another forty years.
The Joy and Accessibility of Competitive Sailing
While I have always possessed a strong competitive spirit in games, my involvement in sports was limited by my size and strength—I simply wasn't physically equipped to compete at that level. It was only later in life that I discovered sailing, which opened up a new world of competition for me. Unlike traditional sports, competitive sailing is accessible and enjoyable for those who may not thrive in other athletic arenas. With dedicated practice and growing experience, anyone can become highly competitive and even have the chance to race against some of the best skippers in the country.
Inspiring Junior Sailors
One of the most rewarding aspects of sailing is witnessing the excitement of junior sailors, especially as we round the buoys in first place and experience the thrill of crossing the finish line ahead of the fleet. The Wawasee Yacht Club and the Wawasee Junior Sailing Foundation provide exceptional teaching programs, making them ideal starting points for young sailors. These organizations equip youth with skills and experiences they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
The Essence of Sailing
Sailing is a unique pursuit where it’s just you, the water, and the wind in your face. It’s this closeness to nature that makes the experience truly special and, for many, brings a sense of connection to something greater.
Written by Bill Allen