From The President - David Starck

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. 

Introducing LOYALS – a great way to give back to the Class in ways uniquely suited to your individual strengths and interests! 

Who are LOYALS? We are a Legion Of Young-at-heart Avid Lightning Sailors. Who can join LOYALS? Anyone with a little time to volunteer for a variety of projects ranging from simple to complex. What are our objectives? To strengthen the Class, increase participation, work on projects prioritized by the Executive Committee and engage volunteers to proactively propose new ideas. 

We are currently 50 members strong, and encourage anyone interested to join. About half of us are retired, and half are still employed. We have a diverse background of skills, but we all love the Lightning Class. 

How does it work? As tasks are identified for which the Class needs help, we'll ask for volunteers for that task (similar to an Uber call). We'll define the task and the number of hours we think it will take. There's NO commitment on your part unless you want to participate in a given task.

We’ll keep updating you on our projects and successes through articles in the FlashBlast. In the meantime, if you’re interested in joining our volunteer group, or you have questions or ideas, you can email us at loyals@lightningclass.org or lightning-loyals@googlegroups.com, or call Bertie Werley. Please join us!