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International
Lightning Class Association
Date: 2/21/2025
Subject: FlashBlast: 8 Bells Crew, Moyer & Hallagan, Vakaros Info Zoom, Late Fees, Meeting Reminder and More!
From: International Lightning Class Association



FlashBlast - February 21, 2025
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Single advertisements are available for each Flash Blast. For more information or to reserve your spot please contact Laura in the Class Office or at 727-942-7969.



8 Bells... 
Allan Crew
Allan passed away February 4th as a result of covid. He was a longtime member of Central Atlantic District and Riverton YC Fleet 228. He routinely brought a smile to everyone’s face and wasn’t shy about offering friendly advice to skippers as they packed up their boats for the evening. It was always a transparent hallmark of his personality that he was also genuinely interested in the person he speaking with.  Learn More About Allan
 
Helen Moyer
Helen Moyer
It is with sadness we share the passing of Helen Moyer on Monday, February 10th, 2025. Helen raced with Riverton YC Fleet 228. She and her husband Dick traveled often to many national championships and were active in the Central Atlantic District.  A memorial service is planned for Saturday, February 22nd. Read more about Helen and service details
Dick Hallagan
Dick Hallagan
Lightning Life Member and longtime Lightning Class Supporter passed away February 14, 2025. Active on all levels and hailed from the Central NY District. An official 8 Bells will be posted soon but at this time we are sharing this sad news. If anyone has anything to share in the 8 Bells posting please send it directly to office@lightningclass.org. 
 

2025 Southern Circuit 
 
Winter Championships - Expecting a 40+ Boat Fleet!
St Petersburg YC - March 15-19
 
Deep South 
Savannah YC - March 20-22
 
NORs, On-Line Registrations and more information is updated in the Southern Circuit Blog. Click Here for all the information and links!
 
Late Registration Fee's Go Into effect March 1st! REGISTER TODAY to save some $$

Southern Circuit Updates:

 
Please REGISTER if you are planning to come and sail in St Pete or Savannah. On-line registration is live for each event. 
 
Karl Smither Trophy -Annually awarded by The St Petersburg Yacht Club during the Southern Circuit banquet, the Karl Smither Trophy recognizes the contributions of a Corinthian sailor, class mentor, and Lightning enthusiast. - Nominations can be submitted to the Class Office. 

 

2025 Mentor Program!

Learn From the Best! 

Nick Turney, Karl Felger, Greg Fisher and other top Lightning Sailors!

 

2025 Mentor Program Only for Teams that REGISTER! 

 

Morning Briefing and Tip for the Day

- Virtual weather briefing and tips for the day each morning before sailing (complementary to all sailors) by Nick Turney

- We will discuss the weather trends for the day, what to expect and what to look out for

- Tip for the day- We will briefly discuss a few tips for sailing in the conditions for the day

 

Mentor

- Each team and or participants will have access and support from the Lightning Classes Top Sailors for on the water and off the water assistance.

- Schedule a line up/speed test before the start with a Mentor and get their tips for the conditions. 

 

On The Water Coaching

-Greg Fisher will be on the water providing coaching in-between and during races for all Program Participants on Sunday and Karl Felger will be on the water Mon - Wed and in Savannah on Friday. 

- Get feedback on your set up, ask questions about the wind shifts, learn what the current is doing

- Get feedback on what happened in the previous race, tactics, where did the leaders go

- Greg or Karl will also be allowed to provide direct assistance to participants during the race if they would like it.

 

Post Racing One on One Debriefs

Program participants can sign up for a one on one time with Coach Karl after racing each day. 

 

Reserve your space today - Sign Up/Register Today!

The Class will be testing/sampling the Vakaros RaceSence technology during the Winter Championship in St Pete - March 15-19, 2025. Sailors that own the Vakaros compass are encouraged to bring their devices to the event for use. Those that do not own the technology will be provided a unit for use during this event. Watch for an amendment to the NOR to come soon.

 
All are welcome to join and information session and Q&A Zoom with Doug Wake from Vakaros and a panel of Lightning sailors who have used this technology while racing in other Classes. Join us on Thursday, February 27th at 7pm Eastern. Here is the Zoom Link to Register
 
 
 

2025 World Championships - Voula, Greece
 
June 12-16 - World Masters and European Championships
 
June 16-21 - World Championship
 
NOR's, Country Allocation and Deadlines to respond and photos from past events are posted. 
 
NEW UPDATES
 Hotel Deals are being posted on the Worlds Blog.  BE SURE TO BOOK your accommodations ASAP! Many properties are beginning to sell out for our June timeframe. 
 
Boats shipping from the USA - It is looking like container loading will happen the END of MARCH! Boats participating in the Southern Circuit should plan to double stack after St Pete/Savannah. Boat packing is tentatively scheduled for March 28/29. Pairings will happen soon. Watch for more information to be distributed directly to Worlds and World Masters participants. 
Confirmation Deadlines

Current Confirmations:
CAN - 1, USA - 18+, BRA - 1, CHI - 4, COL - 2, ECU - 1 maybe 2, PER - 1 maybe 2, FIN - 8, GRE - 12, AUS -1 
 
If your country is not listed above or the number of confirmed boats is incorrect please contact the Class Office ASAP!
 
January 31, 2025 - Re-Allocate any unused slots.
February 15, 2025 - Countries are required to submit a confirmed list of entrants.
March 1, 2025 - Re-Allocation of any slots not registered.
April 1, 2025 - Registration deadline. (Late Fee of $100 begins after this date.)
May 15, 2025 - Registration closed.

Lightnings to participate in 3 - HHSWRS in 2025!
 
St Petersburg - Feb 14-16  - 25 Boats - LARGEST FLEET in the regatta!
Congratulations to David Starck and his team of Tom Starck and Becca Jordan on maintaining their overall lead in the final windy race on Sunday. Joe Starck and his son Adam and daughter Katherine finished 2nd and Augie Diaz, Lars Osell and Paula Herman moved into 3rd overall after the final race. Visit Sailing World Regatta Series St Pete for photo and video recap links!
 
Two more Sailing World Regatta are still on the schedule - don't miss out on these great multi-class events!
Annapolis - May 2-4 - Late Entry Fee Deadline April 5th
 
Marblehead - July 24-27
 

The Annual Winter Meeting of the International Lightning Class Association will be held virtually via Zoom on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 1100 Eastern Time. 

At this time an amendment to the By-Laws and Constitution have been presented. Watch for a formal announcement at least 30 days prior to the meeting.   

The meeting link will be emailed to members prior to the meeting in accordance with the Class Constitution. If necessary Proxy Ballots will be emailed to Fleet Captains on record prior to the meeting. 

As a reminder, all personal and Fleet Membership Dues must be current in order for votes to be counted. 
If you have an agenda item that you would like to propose please contact President David Starck president@lightningclass.org  or myself in the Class Office by Monday, March 10, 2025.  
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The Winter Governing Board Meeting will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at noon Eastern via a Virtual Meeting using the ZOOM Platform.  District Commodores, Vice Presidents and the Executive committee will be emailed the invitation link prior to the meeting.

At this time no items have been submitted for vote but we anticipate a proposal from the Limbaugh Fund Committee. More to come as we get closer to the meeting. 

If you would like to be added to the agenda or if you have something to share during either meeting, please send a request or short written report to Class Secretary Jeffers  office@lightningclass.org or Class President at president@lightningclass.org by Monday, March 24, 2025. 


Upcoming Regattas: 
Click on the event for more info or 
See Event Calendar for More Events or to add your event!
 
If you need help listing your 2025 events please contact Laura in the Class Office. 
Mar
15-19
Includes a Master's Winter Championship and first Part of the Southern Circuit.
Mar
15-22
Highlight of the Southern Circuit! You can't beat this deal!
Mar
20-22
Final stop of the 2025 Southern Circuit!
Apr
26-27
All are invited to the legendary Navesink River!
May
2-4
Another HHSWRS Regatta Added!! Come join the FUN in Annapolis!
May
17-18
Enjoy cool breezes, warm friendships and hot competition at our 40th annual Spring Classic regatta.
May
17-18
Wrightsville Beach offers fantastic ocean racing - great practice for the NAs in September!
Jun
14-15
All are invited to this 2nd Annual event! We had 18 boats in the first year - come join the FUN!
Jun
16-21
Jun
21-22
Save the date for the 2025 Bay City Regatta! Sign up on this page is for Who's Coming and Crew Finder planning purposes only.
Jun
28-29
All are welcome to Niantic! Don't miss out on some great sailing!
Jul
12-13
Open Event - come and enjoy the BCC!
Jul
25-27
Aug
2-3
Come sail in Beautiful Wrightsville Beach! A great tune-up for the NAs in September!
Aug
2-3
2 days of racing for youth (under 21). One person turning 21 or older this calendar year is allowed on the boat, but cannot steer. Great tune-up for the Junior NAs!!
Aug
8-11
Lightnings are heading back to Larchmont Yacht Club on Long Island Sound!
Aug
16-17
Save the Date for the Michigan District Championship at Tawas Bay Yacht Club! Sign up on this page is for Who's Coming and Crew Finder planning purposes only. Please be sure to officially register per the Notice of Race.
Sep
6-7
Save the date for the 2025 Whitecap Regatta! Sign up on this page is for planning and crew/boat finder purposes only. Please be sure to officially register per the NOR.
Sep
13-14
Come join us for a great weekend of sailing on the Susquehanna River. Winds and temperatures are usually good this time of year.
Sep
13
Fun filled one day regatta on beautiful Bow Lake in Strafford, NH. Great food and drink, amazing taco dinner with all the fixings and lots of other stuff too, superb racing and excellent camaraderie.
Sep
13-14
Save the Date! Sign Up on this page is for Who's Coming Purposes Only, or boat/crew finder. Please be sure to officially register per the NOR. Main contact: Craig Gabel craig.gabel@vm-cos.com
Sep
23-27
September dates - Wrightsville Beach offers fantastic ocean racing.
Oct
11-12
In it's second year, U32 is a Lightning class initiative focused on strengthening the younger generation in the class by creating fun, competitive events to boost camaraderie and connections among young sailors after aging out of junior events. Join us for the Second Annual Under 32 "U32" Regatta hosted at the Metedeconk River Yacht Club! Stay tuned for more information and registration coming soon.
Oct
11
Save the date! Sign Up on this page is for Who's Coming Purposes Only. Please be sure to officially register per the NOR.
International Lightning Class Association
Laura Jeffers, Executive Secretary
(727) 942-7969


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Lightning Class Supporters