FlashBlast - July 15, 2026
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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. | Meeting Notices:
The Annual Meeting of Members will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 0800 Central Time at the Sheboygan Yacht Club. In addition to in person at the NAs, pending local technology it is our intent to also hold this meeting virtually on Zoom for those not able to be present. Here is the Virtual Zoom Meeting link to register: Zoom Registration / RSVP Link
At this time at least 1 item has been presented for vote by the Nominating Committee: 2026-2027 Governing Board Proposed Slate of Officers This item has been posted and emailed to Fleet Captains for vote.
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The next Governing Board meeting will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at noon Eastern Time via Zoom. A Virtual Meeting invitation link will be emailed to all District Commodores, Vice Presidents and the Executive Committee prior to the meeting.
At this time there are no items that have been presented for vote.
| | WJM & North American Championships
NOR's, On-Line Registration is now LIVE!
Register Today!
August 6-9
LATE Fee Begins - July 20th!
August 10-15
LATE Fee Begins - July 27th!
(Note: US Qualifier for April 2027 Worlds - St Petersburg, FL)
38 BOATS ALREADY REGISTERED!
GET THE FULL SCOOP: TWO Entertaining and informative Blog Posts this month from Bill Faude - Why you should attend and the second on Vakaros RaceSense.
| | |  | | Pan Am: Upcoming Qualifiers
August 3–9, 2026 | Paracas, Peru
2 qualification spots
Pre-Pan American Test Event: Practice at the host location for the 2027 Games!
September 1–5, 2026 | Salinas, Ecuador
1 qualification spot
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Road to Lima 2027!
Official Qualification Events – International Lightning Class
The International Lightning Class is pleased to invite sailors to participate in a series of premier regattas that will contribute to the qualification pathway for the Pan American Games Lima, Peru 2027.
Joining host Country Peru, Four countries qualified for the PanAm games at the Canadian Open: Brazil, Canada, Chile, United States
3 Country Spots Left!
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Felipe Robles, Paula Herman, and Pipa Cisternas win the Canadian Open!
Sunny skies, solid breeze, and wonderful sailing conditions greeted the 43 teams competing in the 2026 Lightning Canadian Open Championship hosted by the Buffalo Canoe Club July 10-12.
| | 40 Years and Still Racing Strong...LIGHTNING 13910 - "GOLDEN HARVEST"
Lightning 13910, better known as "Golden Harvest", has quite a story. "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." Read full blog written by Bill Allen. | | |  | | FUEL THE FLASH
QUADRUPLE YOUR IMPACT WITH A SUPER MATCH! $50,000 Matching Grant Challenge needs 350 people to donate. Current donor number: 76. Support your class and help grow the future of Lightning Sailing by donating today.
|  | ROCK STAR RAFFLE
Thanks to all of you who supported the Rock Star Raffles. Jody slightly edged out Dave for the number of tickets sold, we sold 201 tickets, and we raised over $3,000 for Fuel The Flash 2030!
The lucky winners are: for Jody – Joe Starck; and for Dave – Abbie Probst. Congrats to the winners, thanks to Dave and Jody for being such good sports, and thanks to all of you for your support!
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| BOAT CENSUS
Did you know that nearly 15,700 Lightnings have been built since 1938? And where are they all? This year, the Lightning Class is going to find out. The Class is conducting a boat census to discover the whereabouts and condition of as many of our boats as possible. The Census will enable us to update our boat registry, engage with boat owners, discover how the boats are being used, and understand people’s plans for them. The results will be used to shape our efforts to grow existing fleets, create new ones, get good used boats into the hands of emerging U32 and collegiate skippers and increase our sailing footprint as we head towards our 100th anniversary in 2038.
Read more at Boat Census Kickoff Information or go straight to the census and report your boat at Boat Census Survey.
| | | | CLASS STORE!
New! Nylon Webbing Belt with Aluminum Slide
Marine Blue or Light Silver One Size, fits to 42 Cut to length with scissors and heat end to seal. $30
MOLA Hoods! All sizes and colors IN STOCK!
Lightweight PowerGrid allows for the speedy evaporation of sweat and keeps you warm & mobile as a mid-layer for chilly days on the water. $79
Or REFRESH your sailors favorite HAT! So many to choose from.
| | | VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
The class doesn't run without volunteers!
As part of National Volunteer Week, the LOYALS launched a “self-service” Volunteer Appreciation Award that anyone can award. Is there someone in your fleet that deserves a special recognition? Someone working a regatta that should be acknowledged with more than a thank-you? Now’s your chance!
Simply go to Volunteer Recognition Form and complete the easy-to-navigate form. The designated recipient will receive a personalized pdf suitable for printing and framing, and the person completing the form will also receive a copy. It’s an easy way to say "Thank You" for helping with fleet, district or other Class activities and events! | |
Congratulations!
Recent Volunteers Being Recognized!
Roger & Gage Slade
Finger Lakes Boating Museum
| | | Call For Bids - 2027 North American Championships AND 2028 Youth World Championship
Bid deadline is August 1, 2026 with announcement of 2027 NAs Hosts at the 2026 NAs in Sheboygan.
NA's venue conducive to terrific sailing as well as on shore activities ideally between September and November 2027. See Full Details in 2027 NAs Call For Bids
Women's, Junior and Masters NA's venue conducive to terrific sailing as well as on shore activities during the Summer of 2027, preferably in the beginning of August. See Full Details in the 2027 WJM NAs Call For Bids
2028 Youth Worlds
Bid deadline is September 1, 2026 with announcement of 2028 YW Host by October 1, 2026.
Host Venue location - North America. Ideal event dates in June or July 2028. See Full Details in the 2028 YW Calls for Bids - North America
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Kits Invitational & Pacific Coast Championships: Mark Lloyd, Thilo Giese
Canadian Open Championship: Felipe Robles, Paula Herman, Pipa Cisternas
Please be sure to submit your results with CREW NAMES to the Class Office via EMAIL office@lightningclass.org . If you have a short summary and a few photos even better!
If your regatta isn't listed - be sure to add the event to the ILCA Event Calendar and send in results after the regatta! | Upcoming Regattas through Mid Sept 2026:
If you need help listing your events please contact Laura in the Class Office. |
Lightning Class Finland - Päijännepurjehdus
Join Fleet 79 for two days of racing on beautiful Lake Michigan! PERFECT practice for the WJM NAs!
Seven races over Saturday and Sunday on beautiful Loon Lake in challenging inland lake conditions. Saturday evening a really pleasant get-together at the Walsh's historic cottage. Loon is the Central Canadian District's first half of the Districts, so count on excellent competition.
Long Is. District Championship
Racing in Marblehead! NOTE Corrected Date from initial posting.
Henderson Harbor YC Welcomes All!
UPDATE: Midwest District Championships moved to Evans Regatta in Green Bay on June 13-14. All are invited to this multi class race weekend! Party "on the bricks" Saturday night with live band! Possible return of the bounce house, too!
Great Warm-Up for the Junior North Americans or first regatta for a junior team. One person turning 21 years or older in the current calendar year may be on the crew, but may not steer except in emergency situations. NOR:https://www.buffalocanoeclub.com/Racing_Sailing_(1)/Regattas/Lightning_Youth_Invitational_(1)
Monthly Lightning racing in Colombia!
Sailing in Peru - Host of the 2027 Pan Am Games! This regatta serves as a Country Qualifier for the 2027 Games.
Come and explore Milwaukee and race on beautiful Lake Michigan!
Lightning Class Finland - R4 Airistoregatta
SAVE THE DATE! Get ready for some great racing in Sheboygan, WI! You'll have your fill of cheese, beer, brats, and FUN!
Lightning Class Finland - Viapori Pint
Havre de Grace, Maryland - Yes, inflatable Ducks are used as marks!
Come join Skaneateles Country Club, Fleet 1 on beautiful Skaneateles Lake. To encourage participation awards will be include those for best finish by a Classic boat as well as that with a wood mast, in addition for overall awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Lightning Class Finland - R5 Hamina
Fern Ridge Reservoir near Eugene, Oregon is a big lake with 1.5-mile beats available for racing. This is a multi-Fleet regatta. The food is wonderful!
Gorgeous sailing on Thunder Bay of Lake Superior. Two races Saturday with starts in South Bay, Amethyst Harbour, around closer islands and Temple Reef, then each finishing in South Bay. Sunday, one race, again starting in South Bay, Amethyst Harbour, out and around Caribou Island and finishing in South Bay. Idyllic sailing in fabulous scenery. A great party Saturday evening at the Bailey's. Yes, the sauna will be really hot!
Double Down in Sheboygan! Keep your boat in Sheboygan between the NAs and Brotz Regatta!
2027 Pan American Games Lightning Country Qualifier (1) country
Monthly Lightning racing in Colombia!
Enjoy a great weekend on the beautiful Susquehanna River
Come sail on Bow Lake in Strafford, NH where the sounds of the loons were recorded for the movie On Golden Pond. Great food, great racing, great fun and tons of social time, including the famous Bow Lake Taco Bar!
| Limbaugh Fund Support!
The Limbaugh Fund is designated to support the education, training, and the promotion of Junior sailing. Uses of these funds have included support for the Youth World Championships, grants for junior programs, funding Junior racing clinics, trophies, promotion of youth regattas, and U32 regatta fee subsidies.
| Major Championship Regattas |
Come and explore Milwaukee and race on beautiful Lake Michigan!
SAVE THE DATE! Get ready for some great racing in Sheboygan, WI! You'll have your fill of cheese, beer, brats, and FUN!
After a short break in 2025, Lightning action is back in Jacksonville! This year the regatta will be double billed and also serve as the Atlantic Coast Championships!
The Chilean National Championship is BACK in Pucon!
3 Days of Racing in St Pete - now the Midwinter Championship- leave your boat in the area and you will be ready for the St Pete Winter Champs in March and the Worlds in April!
Includes a Master's Winter Championship - Great tune-up for Worlds in April!
Open event for skippers 55+ and combined crew of 130+ as of 12/31/2027
Coming back to Peru! Same location as the 2018 Games.
| June 30 - July 2, 2028
90th Anniversary Celebration - Skaneateles, NY - SAVE THE DATE | | Laura Jeffers
Executive Secretary
(727) 942-7969
| | Carly Starck
Social Media & Regatta Results/Reports
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