Once Again… LIGHTNINGS RETURN TO MARBLEHEAD

The Lightning Class received a warm welcome at the 2023 Marblehead, Helly Hansen, Sailing World Regatta. Hall of Fame sailor and 1981 Lightning NAs Champ Dave Curtis began his awards speech to the Etchell’s Class by saying how happy he was to see the Lightnings back in Marblehead. Now in 2024 we are again returning and this regatta will also serve as the Lightning Atlantic Coast Championship.

Founded in 1629, Marblehead has a rich maritime history. Early on, the cod fishing industry-built Marblehead into one of the largest cities in the colonies. The men of Marblehead were instrumental in the Revolution, ferrying the Continental Army across the Delaware for the first big victory at Trenton and evacuating the troops from Brooklyn Heights to prevent surrender to the British. Quite a bit of the architecture from this period remains to this day. Nowadays, Marblehead is a wealthy suburb of Boston with 3 full-service Yacht Clubs and 2000 boats on moorings in a picturesque harbor. Last year’s regatta was sailed in light air with a modest fleet of nine boats. Link to 2023 Results. A special thanks to Bob Shapiro (Past NE District Commodore) for helping to bring Lightnings back to Marblehead! I hope to everyone in Marblehead the weekend of July 27-28!                    

C. H. Ritt

As of June 28, 13 boats have already registered for the July 27-28 weekend event with many more expected to come. Note that fees for new and incomplete entries after July 8th will increase by $75.00, this includes any unpaid entries. Don’t delay – register today!

Sailing World Regatta Page: https://www.sailingworld.com/regatta-series-marblehead/

Yachtscoring – Registration, NOR, Etc: https://yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=16263

Watch Laura Dunn’s Lightning Team Interview with Dave Reed from the 2023 Regatta: https://youtu.be/XFWRFQXtuSQ