Greetings,

As I begin my tenure as President of the Lightning Class, it is exciting we have the Pan American Games (PAG) beginning this weekend in CHILE. The Games are held every four years (in the year prior to the summer Olympics) and showcase Olympic classes as well as strong, regional classes throughout North and South America. The Lightning is just that: a strong regional class. We are fortunate to be included as Pan American Games Class. Get to know who is competing in the Lightning as well as the racing schedule here: https://lightningclass.org/content.aspx?page_id=5&club_id=93488&item_id=94095&

To meet the IOC’s 50/50 gender equity requirements in sailing at the Games, the team configuration aboard the Lightning is 1 male and 2 female. This has proven to be fantastic for the class with an influx of women sailing the boat. We are a leader in promoting women in sailing and look forward to attracting sailors of all ages and gender to the Lightning. Racing begins this Sunday, 10/29 at noon Eastern Time. You can follow racing live by downloading Panam Regatta (BOGO - SAILTI) from your app store. I have it ready on my phone. 

Finally, we are working on several new initiatives to grow the class. We are forming a Marketing Committee to create a 5-10 year roadmap, a New/Used Boat Committee to help align buyers and sellers, and a U30 Committee to attract a new generation to the class. We may even host our very first U30 Invitational in 2024! More to come. As you follow the PAG racing and think about your personal involvement with the class, we could use your help on these new committees being formed. I urge you to contact Laura Jeffers office@lightningclass.org or me president@lightningclass.org to discuss. Please consider joining a committee and giving back to the class.

See you on the water,

Dave