The Lightning Southern Circuit consists of two regattas endorsed by the ILCA: The Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta /Lightning Mid-Winter Championship, February 11-14, 2027 and the Lightning Winter Championship March 17-21, 2027. Both events are hosted by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, St. Petersburg, FL. See the Notice of Race for each regatta.

SKIPPERS & CREWS

· Eligibility: Skippers and crew must be members in good standing with the Lightning Class.

· Crew composition: A boat remains eligible for the 2027 Southern Circuit overall standings even if its crew/team composition is different between regattas.

· Skipper/helm substitution: Skipper substitution is allowed between regattas, but they must be registered with the Southern Circuit Committee before the Circuit’s first race.

MEASUREMENT

All measurement rules will be enforced, and Measurement Certificates must be available for inspection. All skippers will have the option of having their boats weighed prior to going into the water. Arrangements must be made in advance with the Chief Measurer. A person designated by the ILCA Measurement Committee can be on hand to weigh and record boat weight. The first five finishers in either regatta may be weighed immediately after the last race. Any boat not meeting weight requirements will be disqualified from the regatta and the Circuit. This procedure will be waived if the boat was weighed in accordance with the above option and met weight requirements at that time. All boats must have some type of floatation to help keep the boat afloat after capsize.

SAILS

All boats must have the same number on their mains and spinnakers in accordance with ILCA Specifications. Unidentifiable boats will not be scored. If a damaged sail is replaced with a sail that does not have the same number as that used at registration, a 12-inch-high "X" must be affixed adjacent the new number and the Race Committee advised in writing.

SCORING

Overall Southern Circuit scoring will be based on the total score of all scheduled races at the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta/Lightning Mid-Winter Regatta and Winter Championship. One race constitutes a series. Provided six races have been completed in the series, each boat’s worst race will be excluded.

VAKAROS RACE SENSE

The Executive Committee Action June 1, 2026 will apply for both regattas. All races will be managed using Vakaros Race Sense software. This mandates the use of Vakaros Race Sense hardware by all competitors. Vakaros rental units will be available through Vakaros at the estimated cost of $160 (February) and $200 (March). Rental option closes 14 days prior to each event. The rental link is: Race Sense Atlas 2 Rental Link . Note that competitors will be able to use a Varkaros - Edge OR Atlas 2 Unit (in Class compliant mode). Only timer, red/green start display and compass will be able to be used while racing. Non-rented Vakaros devices must hold current annual ($149) or monthly ($50) pass/subscription. See Website for more information https://www.vakaros.com/

BOAT STORAGE

Boat Storage is available between the February and March events. Outdoor storage is located a short drive from the sailing center. The cost is $175 and must be arranged through the Class Office. Please send an email to office@lightningclass.org

TROPHIES

Trophies will be awarded to the top 5 teams in the overall circuit. Perpetual trophies will be awarded to: 1st place overall in the Southern Circuit (Past Presidents plate), the top finishing 1st timer for the overall circuit (The Humphrey Newcomer Award) and, at the discretion of the Southern Circuit VP, The Davis Youth Trophy may be awarded to a sailor 18 years or younger competing in the Southern Circuit. The Jack Mueller Trophy will be awarded to the highest placing Skipper aged 65+. The Dr. Georges Peter Trophy will be awarded to the highest placing Skipper aged 75+. The George V. Fisher Sportsmanship Award will be awarded by the Fisher Family and nominations will be accepted during the Southern Circuit.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact the Southern Circuit Chairs, Amy Simonsen or Ryan Ruhlman at southerncircuit@lightningclass.org or the Class Office at 727-942-7969.

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