Skip to main content
Print This Page
Text Size
Scroll To Top
Share This Page
Share this page on Facebook
Share this page on Linkedin
Share this page on X/Twitter
Member Login
International
Lightning Class Association
menu
Home
The Boat
Equipment
Rigging
Tuning Guides
Lightning Specifications
Classic Boats
Boats For Sale
Boat Registry
The Class
Membership
Fleet Finder
Boat Grant Program
U32 Program
LOYALS Volunteer Group
Committees
Class Officers
Class History
Fleet Status
Rules & Governance
Events
Event Calendar
2025 Results
Results Archive
Resources
Fleet-District Leaders Forum
Articles/Videos
Running a Regatta
General Info
Document Library
Marketplace
Shop
Classifieds Info
Boats For Sale
News
News
Email Communication
Meeting Notices
Blogs
Media Room
Donate
Contacts
Home
Lightning Gears
Gears in the Lightning
by Greg Fisher
LIGHT WIND
(0–6 mph)
CHOP
FLAT
Jib sheet
Inch outside spreader tip
At spreader tip
Jib Lead
On the trimline
On the trimline
Jib cloth
Eased so wrinkles along luff
Wrinkles along luff
Backstay
Eased so barely sloppy
Slack just removed
Traveler
4 inches to windward
Centered
Cunningham
Eased so wrinkles head to tack
Wrinkles head to tack
Outhaul
Eased so the foot seam is 2.5 inches off the side of the boom in the middle
1.5 inches off the side of the boom
Mainsheet
Eased so the upper batten open 15 degrees
Batten open 5 degrees
Medium Wind
(6–12 mph)
CHOP
FLAT
Jib sheet
At spreader tip to 1.5 inches in
2.5 inches–3.5 inches inside tip
Jib lead
Trimline
Trimline
Jib cloth
Wrinkles barely
Wrinkles barely
Backstay
Slack removed
Taut
Traveler
Centered
Centered
Cunningham
Wrinkles in bottom half only
Wrinkles in bottom half only
Outhaul
1.5 inches off boom
.5 inches off boom
Mainsheet
Batten open 5 degrees
Batten parallel (hooked 5 degrees for max pointing)
HEAVY WIND
(12+ mph)
CHOP
FLAT
Jib sheet
Batten inch spreader tip
Batten 1 inch inside to 3 inches inside spreader tip
Jib lead
Trimline
2 inches aft of trimline
Jib cloth
Smooth
Wrinkles barely
Backstay
Taut plus 2–5 inches
Taut plus 3–6 inches
Traveler
Eased to balance helm
Eased to balance helm
Cunningham
Luff smooth
Wrinkles barely
Outhaul
Seam along side boom
Very tight
Mainsheet
Batten open 15 degrees
Parallel to open 10 degrees
Vang
Taut
Hard (boom out like barn door)
Sponsor Number
URL address
Sponsor 1
https://www.marksetbot.com/
Sponsor 2
http://www.onedesign.com/Default.aspx
Sponsor 3
https://www.thesailinginc.com/lightning
Sponsor 4
http://nickelsboats.com/
Sponsor 5
http://awardandsports.securesites.net/
Sponsor 6
http://www.capitallogoinc.com/shop/pc/home.asp
Sponsor 7
http://www.rookesails.com/
Sponsor 8
http://www.sailorstailor.com
Sponsor 9
https://www.harken.com/
Sponsor 10
http://www.sailorstailor.com
Lightning Class Supporters