News / Articles - International Lightning Class Association

2027 World Championship Venue Announcement

Published On 2/9/2026

The 2027 Lightning World Championships rotate to North America and will be hosted by the St Petersburgh Yacht Club, St Petersburg, Florida in April 2027.

Published On 2/9/2026

Vakaros Atlas 2 Testing at 2026 Winter Championships St Petersburg Florida

Published On 11/16/2025

Survey results from 2025 Winter Championship and 2025 North Americans test events. NAs Post Race Recap Video Link.

Lightning Hall of Fame

Published On 11/6/2025

International Lightning Class Association and
Finger Lakes Boating Museum announce partnership to work together and preserve Lightning Sailboat history.
and honor individuals and organizations that elevate the Class

Published On 10/31/2025

Jody Lutz joins the Executive Committee as the 5th Executive Committee Member

2nd Annual U32 Invitational

Published On 10/15/2025

Lightning U32 Invitational: from brand-new initiative to highly-anticipated tradition. Couldn’t make it (or O32)? Don’t miss the scoop on the 2nd Annual Event at Metedeconk River Yacht Club!

Published On 7/21/2025

Fun piece on the local news from Ocean City YC Fleet.

Executive Committee Actions

Published On 6/20/2025

The Executive Committee has made the following actions.

Published On 5/8/2025

Bids are currently be accepted for both the 2026 NAs and 2027 Worlds.

Published On 5/3/2025

Wed. May 14 - Learn-to-Sail initiative in Canada
Wed. May 28 - Empowering Women in Sailing
Wed. June 11 - Engage 12-17 year old's

30 and Under Regatta Subsidy

Published On 5/2/2025

Financial support available for skippers aged 30 and under.

Published On 4/22/2025

Maya Weber and Jenna Probst were interviewed by SW Editor Dave Reed. This is a great article highlighting the U32 Program Initiative.

Winter Meetings - Actions Taken Summary

Published On 4/16/2025

Annual Winter Meeting - Saturday, March 29, 2025 and Winter Governing Board Meeting - Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Both meetings were be held virtually via Zoom.

2025 Boat Grant Teams Announced!

Published On 4/2/2025

Congratulations to Team Hopkins, Team Murray and Team Stordahl

G.O.T. Flashes Challenge!

Published On 3/17/2025

Announcing a new challenge to earn recognition for the number of days you sail on a Lightning! Use this as a fleet building tool or to engage fellow sailors to GET OUT THERE!

Published On 3/4/2025

Prefer to receive a text from the Class with updates? Opt-in NOW to take advantage of the opportunity.

Published On 1/14/2025

Encourage applications from your local Fleet or District!

Published On 1/14/2025

Congratulations to finalist Monica Morgan and nominee David Starck. The Lightning Class is once again well represented!

Published On 11/1/2024

Governing Board re-elects Meredith Killion as 5th Executive Committee Member for 2024-2025.

Published On 11/1/2024

Check out the November 1st issue of the Scuttlebutt Sailing Newsletter. The Class was featured in the header photo and in the copy.

Meeting Updates and Reminders

Published On 10/23/2024

Annual Meeting Thurs Aug 29th Actions Taken and Governing Board Meeting Reminder, Thurs Oct 24 at Noon, Eastern.

Published On 10/23/2024

The Class is collecting information about perpetual Class trophies. A LOYALS Project at work!

Inaugural U32 Invitational Regatta

Published On 8/24/2024

U32 Regatta Results and News

Published On 6/18/2024

The class is seeking bids to host the 2025 NAs in the Southeastern part of the USA. Bids are due by August 1, 2024.

The Class is looking for Volunteers!

Published On 6/12/2024

Many hands make for lighter work - register now to become part of a volunteer network that will help to strengthen the Class and build our sailing community!

U32 Movement - Regatta Information!

Published On 6/7/2024

U32 Announcement with Regatta info and T-Shirts!

Published On 5/3/2024

14:38 minute video to help new sailors navigate this first step!

Published On 4/10/2024

Annual Winter Meeting - April 20th at 11 AM Eastern via Zoom. Governing Board met March 9th, one temporary amendment passed.

Published On 1/9/2024

Congratulations to Geoff Beitner from Key West, FL for submitting the best design!

Published On 1/3/2024

Don't miss an opportunity to apply for the 2024 Boat Grant Program!

Published On 11/2/2023

Killion elected as 5th Executive Committee Member by Governing Board.

Meet the Pan Am Lightning Competitors!

Published On 10/25/2023

The Games start this week. Meet the Lightning competitors.

Published On 10/23/2023

Electronics policy passed by membership April 15, 2023 has now been approved by World Sailing with small language modification.

Published On 10/23/2023

The one item up for vote PASSED- Masters Championship Articles/ Addition to the Document Governing All Sanctioned Lightning Class Championships.

Executive Committee Action

Published On 7/28/2023

July 28, 2023 - Action pertaining to the 2023 North American Championship.

Lightning Generation Weekend

Published On 7/24/2023

Fleet 12 at the Buffalo Canoe Club host a weekend of Lightning sailing for ages 4 to 84!

2023 Boat Grant Teams Announced!

Published On 6/15/2023

Team Bolat from the MW District, Team Moore from the NE District and Team Wiggins from the SE District!

Published On 5/17/2023

New Masters event opportunity for 2024 in Cleveland, OH. Slightly different age requirements, all 3 sailors must be 35+. This is an open event.

Published On 4/28/2023

A Committee was formed to evaluate racing during Masters Events. See the results and recommendations.

Published On 4/19/2023

The Membership Dues Increase and Electronics Proposal both PASSED and are in affect.

US Sailing One Design Survey

Published On 2/27/2023

See the results and learn how you can help keep the Lightning Class amongst one of the top one design classes.

Hands On Workshop: Re-Canvas A Deck

Published On 11/30/2022

Thanks to a partnership with the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport, NY we are happy to announce our first hands on workshop! Join us March 31- April 2, 2023.

2023 Event Dates Confirmed

Published On 10/28/2022

Southern Circuit, Women's, Junior and Master North Americans, North American Championships, South American and World Championships confirmed - SAVE THE DATES! (Reposted from June 6)

Governing Board Meeting - Sept 7

Published On 8/10/2022

A Governing Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept 7th via Zoom at 12pm/Noon Eastern Time. A meeting notice was emailed to all District Commodores and Vice Presidents.

2022 Bolivarian Games

Published On 6/24/2022

Let the Games Begin! Mixed competition between CHI, COL, ECU, PER and VAN begins June 27th in Tomine, Colombia

Executive Committee Action

Published On 6/15/2022

The EC Action Temporarily Amends the Document Governing with regards to 2022 NAs, Section XII Entries and Section XIII Racing Conditions.

Executive Committee Action

Published On 4/6/2022

EC temporarily suspends "50%" rule pertaining to the 2022 World Championship.

2022 NA's Ratio

Published On 3/31/2022

The Executive Committee has approve a 1:1 Ratio for the North Americans. All boats that register for their District Championship are eligible to compete in the NAs.

Published On 3/30/2022

Country qualifiers for the 2023 Pan Am Games are confirmed. 7 Countries plus the Host country will make up 8 Entries.

Published On 3/29/2022

SAVE THE DATE! November 23-Dec 3, 2023 for the 2023 World Master & South American Championships and World Championship in Cartagena, Colombia

Published On 3/26/2022

You are invited to Metedeconk River Yacht Club on May 30th to Celebrate the life of Jim Carson.

Meeting Notice

Published On 2/8/2022

Governing Board - Sat, March 5th 10AM Eastern
Annual Winter Meeting - Sat, April 2nd 10 AM Eastern. Both Meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. Members will be sent the Zoom Link via email prior to the meetings.

Published On 1/13/2022

Help encourage local sailors aged 19+ to apply for the program!

Published On 12/8/2021

Bid Deadline Extended to February 1, 2022. Any interested Fleets or Clubs should contact VP NA's Josh Goldman.

Bertie Werley joins Executive Committee

Published On 11/26/2021

Bertie Werley wins Governing Board Vote and will serve on the Executive Committee as the 5th Member.

Published On 10/19/2021

The 2022 WJM's will be hosted by Fleet 126 and Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, CT. August 4-7, 2022 - Save the Date!

Annual Meeting of Members

Published On 8/1/2021

Mark Monday, August 30th in your calendar. 1800 Eastern time.

Published On 6/17/2021

The Class is looking for hosts for the 2023 North American Championships - August time frame.

Published On 5/19/2021

SAVE THE DATE - September 14-18, 2022 at Sayville YC, Blue Point, NY

Published On 4/14/2021

Mark, Wednesday, May 5th on your calendar!

Published On 4/5/2021

First 30 teams, 30 and Under will receive a 50% deduction in the entry fee to the North American Championship.

Winter Meeting Announcements

Published On 2/12/2021

Governing Board - March 13th and Annual Winter Meeting - April 10th. Both Meetings will begin at 1500 hrs Eastern Time and be held virtually via Zoom.

Published On 2/10/2021

Panam Sailing and the Lightning Class announce the Lightning as a mixed gender dinghy event for Santiago 2023 with crews comprised of 2 women and 1 man.

8 Bells... Bill Clausen

Published On 12/16/2020

Longtime Lightning member and Chief Measurer for 12 years, Bill served the Class with much pride and he will be missed.

Published On 12/1/2020

Class President in 1983 and longtime sailor from Fleet 70 at Monmouth Boat Club in Red Bank, NJ. Now at rest with his wife Mary.

Published On 12/1/2020

After a Governing Board Election, Steve Davis will remain on the Executive Committee as the 5th Member elected by the Governing Board.

New Items (HATS!) in the Class Store!

Published On 11/20/2020

Hats, hats and more hats. See the new items in stock. Great inventory on belts and other store favorites. Shop Now!

Call for missing Flashes and Yearbooks

Published On 9/29/2020

In prepping the archives we are missing a handful of issues. Check the list if you have older issues to share with the Class.

Huntsman History Fund New Project

Published On 9/22/2020

Archived Flashes Newsletters and Yearbooks to be digitally scanned. Help support this effort!

Published On 9/18/2020

Women Lightning sailors highlighted in Scuttlebutt Sailing News.

Published On 9/3/2020

Highlighting the success of the Boat Grant Program and the benefits the Class has seen as a result.

Summer 2020 Flashes Newsletter

Published On 8/18/2020

Members received the Summer Edition of the Flashes Newsletter August 6th. If you missed it, check it out now. If you are not a member, join or renew today. Please support the Class!

8 Bells... Christopher B "Kip" Hamblet

Published On 8/17/2020

UPDATED Aug 17th. It is with deep sorrow we share the passing of Kip Hamblet. From the NE District to the FL District and the countless friends in between, he will be missed.

August Meeting Announcement

Published On 7/2/2020

The next Governing Board Meeting will be Sat. Aug 1st at 0930 Eastern and the next Annual Meeting of members will be Sat. Aug 8th at 0930 Eastern.

8 Bells... John R Hughes

Published On 6/9/2020

After a long illness, we share the passing of John Hughes, longtime Commodore of the New England District.

Published On 6/8/2020

Watch the replay! US Sailing - Starboard Portal interview with David and Jody Starck on Family Sailing.

8 Bells... Charlie Proctor

Published On 5/7/2020

It is with a heavy heart we share the news of Charlie's passing, 19 days before his 28th Birthday.

Published On 5/5/2020

Through out the month of May we held some interesting, fun and educational webinars. Check out the Replays, Starting, Upwind, Classic Chat with Dave Nickels and Rules.

8 Bells... Harry Robert Sindle

Published On 5/1/2020

Sindle was an early pioneer of the glass Lightning and he built hundreds of boats.

Published On 4/28/2020

Watch replay links of Webinar #1 high lighting tips on changing gears from Greg Fisher. Webinar #2 talked about Junior Lightning Opportunities and featured Al Terhune, Matt Fisher, Jeff Hayden and Doug Wake.

Lightning Word Search

Published On 4/13/2020

Time on your hands? Try this fun Lightning Word Search Puzzle.

Remote/Virtual Meetings

Published On 3/27/2020

The Class will be holding the Virtual Meetings via ZOOM. Both the Governing Board and Annual Winter meetings have been re-scheduled for April.

Published On 3/26/2020

Watch the recording: North Sails Expert Brian Hayes and Special Guest Greg Fisher in an informal web talk on upwind speed and changing gears.

2020 Boat Grant Recipients Announced!

Published On 3/19/2020

3 Teams have been awarded grants for this summer.

Southern Circuit Canceled

Published On 3/12/2020

Both the St Pete and Savannah Regattas have been canceled.

Winter 2020 Flashes Newsletter

Published On 3/9/2020

If you missed the Winter 2020 Edition of the Flashes Newsletter check it out now. Members received the newsletter via email on February 10th

8 Bells... William Dodge

Published On 1/23/2020

Gone too soon, Sodus Bay Fleet Member will be greatly missed.

8 Bells... Martin O'Meara

Published On 1/21/2020

Past President and Fleet 85 Member passed away at the age of 90.

2020 Publication Schedule

Published On 12/19/2019

Have news to share with other Class Members? Check out the 2020 Publication Schedule and Submission Deadlines.

Published On 12/17/2019

Applications for 2020 are now being accepted. Deadline for submission is January 21, 2020.

Published On 12/16/2019

Please join us in Wickford, RI for the ACC's July 18-19, 2020!

Published On 10/29/2019

We have been forced to relocate our service for new & 14 years of historical discussions related to wooden and classic fiberglass Lightning’s.

Fleet 253 Awarded Steketee Trophy

Published On 10/25/2019

Susquehanna YC Fleet 253 is recognized with the Steketee Trophy. This award is presented to a North American Fleet who has been outstanding in furthering the purpose of the ILCA in promoting and developing racing in Lightnings.

65th Annual South American Championship

Published On 10/28/2019

Peru is planning for a fantastic South American Championship and is inviting all Countries to participate in the November Championship

Published On 10/28/2019

Sail all winter long in Sunny Florida! The series consists of 4 regattas from November through February. These events are the perfect tune-up for the Southern Circuit in March!

2019 Pan Am Games Updates!

Published On 8/3/2019

7 Lightning Teams sail for the Gold! August 3-10, 2019 Links to watch LIVE Racing and Updates.

Eight Bells... George Peet

Published On 6/25/2019

It is with sadness that we share the passing of George Peet, member of Boyne City YC, Fleet 512 of the Michigan District.

Published On 6/20/2019

Thanks to the Limbaugh Fund, the first 15 skipper's who register for the North American Championship by July 15th and are under the age of 30 will receive a discounted registration fee of $250!

Published On 6/6/2019

Due to a scheduling conflict, the Digit will be Sept 28-29 this year. Chance for warmer weather and better sailing conditions!

Published On 6/2/2019

We are happy to announce that Edgewater Yacht Club will host the 2020 North American Championship and Pymatuning Yacht Club will host the 2020 WJM North American Championships. August 6-15, 2020.

Eight Bells.... Jack Burwell

Published On 6/2/2019

We are sad to share that long time Lightning member, Jack Burwell passed at the age of 79 after a long illness. Burwell spent many of his early days racing in the New England District.

Area Wide Crew Party!

Published On 5/14/2019

Spinsheet Magazine has been hosting an Annapolis wide crew party for years - see how a similar event could be held in your area to boost new participation.

2019 Boat Grant Recipients Announced!

Published On 5/14/2019

We welcome Team Reddaway to the Southeastern District and Team Moloney to the Central NY and Lake Erie Districts. These Teams are lead by two women skippers and are this years Boat Grant Recipients!

Published On 4/18/2019

The EC has approved a 1:1 quota for all Canadian and United States Districts.

Published On 4/16/2019

Bids are now being accepted for the 2020 North American Championships. The NAC will be the qualifying event for the 2021 Lightning World Championship that will be held in Wrightsville Beach, NC. Deadline for bids is May 16th.

Published On 4/22/2019

DATES Announced: MAY 13-22 - The 2021 World Championships will be hosted by Carolina Yacht Club, Wrightsville Beach, NC! Lightnings are headed to the beach!

Published On 2/6/2019

Sail Sheboygan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin will host the 2020 Lightning Youth World Championship June 27 - July 1, 2020.

Published On 2/1/2019

Lightning sailors making a difference in the sailing community!!

Charter Boats Wanted for Summer Months

Published On 1/14/2019

Too busy to use your boat this summer? Want to see it get used by others that want to race?

Published On 1/11/2019

Country qualifications are complete for the 2019 Pan American Games. Brazil and Colombia will join Argentina, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, United States and host country Peru this August in Lightning competition.

Published On 12/24/2018

Track AUS Lightning sailor Ian Edwards aboard WINGS as he and his team take on the famous Sydney Hobart Race!

Eight Bells... Joe Starck Sr.

Published On 11/27/2018

It is with sadness we share the passing of Joe Starck Sr. from Fleet 12 - Buffalo Canoe Club.

Fleet 54 Awarded Steketee Trophy

Published On 11/16/2018

Fleet 54/Pontiac Yacht Club awarded the Steketee Trophy for 2018!

Published On 11/14/2018

It is with sadness we share the passing of Denny Dieball from the Western Lake Erie Fleet 42 and the North Cape Yacht Club.

Chilean Lightning Lab

Published On 11/1/2018

Class President Todd Wake and his wife Kristine lead a lab in Chile that focused on tuning and crew work.

Eight Bells... Patricia Burridge

Published On 11/1/2018

UPDATED WITH SERVICE INFORMATION. Patricia passed away on October 31 after suffering a recent stroke. She is now reunited with her husband Robert "Lal" longtime Lightning Family member from Fleet 266 in Carlisle, Illinois who left us in 2016.

Eight Bells... Alan Bates

Published On 10/9/2018

It is with sadness we share the passing of Alan Bates from Fleet 126.

Eight Bells... Mark Bryant

Published On 9/27/2018

It is with sadness that we share Mark Bryant lost his brief battle with cancer. The two time North American Champion left a mark on the Lightning Class that will not be forgotten.

Safety Equipment Notice

Published On 8/14/2018

Questions have arisen concerning class safety rules, and what equipment must be carried on the boat when racing. In order to clarify this issue, I have looked through our class rules as currently posted on the ILCA website, with the results shown in this post.

Published On 6/29/2018

Lightning Division was canceled

July Meetings Announcement

Published On 6/26/2018

A meeting of the Governing Board and the Annual Meeting of Members will take place during the North American Championship at the Mission Bay YC, San Diego, CA. July 26 and 27.

2018 Boat Grant Recipients Announced

Published On 6/1/2018

We begin the 12th Year of the Boat Grant Program with announcing 3 Recipients! 1 from the Midwest District and 2 from the Southeastern District!

Published On 5/23/2018

This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the International Lightning Class Association. Please join us in celebrating at one of our many regional events this summer. So what are you waiting for? Here's a little taste of Lightning sailing from the 2018 Southern Circuit to get you psyched. See you out on the water!

Lightning Launches in St Maarten!

Published On 5/3/2018

Lightning launches St Maarten into the Central American Games.

Spring News from Finland!

Published On 4/26/2018

See What's happening with our Finnish Fleets!

Published On 4/4/2018

Longtime NJ Lightning Family Member

Southern Circuit Photos and Wrap Up!

Published On 4/3/2018

Get Photo and video links, Special Awards and More!

Host a Lightning Lab!

Published On 2/10/2019

Great District/Fleet building opportunity!

Published On 2/23/2018

40 years of racing Lightnings, in a boat he convinced many others was the best boat to buy.

Winter Meeting Announcement

Published On 2/22/2018

Winter Meeting Schedule Announced. Friday, March 23 - Governing Board at noon and Annual Meeting at 6pm.

Published On 2/2/2018

Carolina YC, Wrightsville Beach, NC awarded US Sailing St Petersburg YC Trophy for excellence in Race Management at the 2017 Lightning NAs!

Published On 1/25/2018

Hadley Forster Greene, age 30, passed away on January 22nd after a brief illness. She sailed with Metedeconk River YC - Fleet 34 and the CAD District.

NEW ILCA Blogs

Want to hear from the Class President or Class Historian? Check out the NEW Blog Feature on the Class Website!

Published On 1/15/2018

Notice of Race is now posted. Country VP's need to be aware of Participant Deadlines.

Find a Lightning Fleet

The new website has a nifty fleet finder feature. Click on the Membership Tab and then Fleet Finder. Use the map and scroll into the area where you are looking to sail. Click on a pin point to see more information about the fleet in that area. Including District location, Fleet Captain, contact information and Fleet or District Members.

Published On 1/4/2018

Happy New Year! 2018 is here and we are continuing the transition to a new web platform. This week we are launching the NEW Home Page and Event Calendar. More features will be added soon including Blogs from our Class President and Historian and Discussion Forums.