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International
Lightning Class Association
Date: 6/24/2020
Subject: Flash Blast - 8 Bells: Kip Hamblet, John R. Hughes, A Sailing Family Story, Webinar Replay Links
From: International Lightning Class Association



FlashBlast - June 24, 2020 
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Message from the President: Hugh Hutchison

 
The COVID-19 virus has obviously upended our traditional sailing season. Regattas are cancelled and fleet racing is on hold or using a modified format. Although we are now well into the summer season, most of our fleets across North America and elsewhere have yet to begin their normal competitive schedule. Fleet championships will not be based on the usual schedule of events, if they are awarded at all.

 

Despite this, the season does not and should not be discounted as a total loss. Rather, while there is a disconnect with normal expectations, there is also opportunity.

 

It has become fashionable for many graduating high school students to take a “gap year” before taking on the challenges of higher education.  A gap year is used to recharge an individual’s energy and expose them to new opportunities. It gives an individual the time to reflect on their strengths and develop new ones. It provides the time to develop new skills and interests in a neutral environment before continuing with their life.

 

The same concept can be applied to our Class and each of our fleets and districts. This is a year to put aside the rigors of striving for championships and apply the time to enhance the strengths of our Class. It is an opportunity to introduce new persons to experience Lightning sailing and reinvigorate the activities of existing members. Given the restrictions imposed by social distancing requirements, many fleets are sailing “two up.” Use this unique time to give new sailors the helm and allow them to learn about the rhythms and balance of sailing while you man the sheets and halyards. It is an especially great opportunity to invite kids out and introduce them to the joys of just sailing, let alone racing. Each of us can support the Class by coming up with new ways to help introduce new blood to the Lightning family which this year can be done without prejudicing your own interest in finishing at the head of the pack.

 

It’s time for each of us to take a “gap year” to strengthen our fleets and expand the opportunities for growing our membership. We all are strong advocates for Lightnings. This is the year to focus on reaching out to others, young and old, to show them why we each feel such strong loyalty to our boat. Not only will reaching out to new participants support the future of the Class, it just sounds like fun.

 

Should anyone need further inspiration to pursue this course, I strongly recommend that you tune in and watch the interview on US Sailing’s Starboard Portal titled “A Sailing Family Story: “The House of Starck” with David and Jody Starck.” A link to the video can be found below or on the US Sailing or Lightning Class websites. Dave and Jody are great ambassadors for the Class, and for sailing in general, as they discuss their motivation and experience in introducing others, and particularly young people, to the sport.

 

We are all looking forward to the opportunity to return to our usual schedule and be able to see and compete against our sailing friends. Perhaps, when that time arrives, there will be a whole new group of sailors joining us on the course. We can each do our part to make that happen.

 

In the interim, stay safe and healthy.


8 Bells... Kip Hamblet
 
It is with great sadness that we share the sudden passing of Christopher B "Kip" Hamblet on Thursday, June 11.  Growing up Kip sailed out of Fleet 145 on Spofford Lake in New Hampshire and was part of the New England District.  Later in life he moved to Florida and most recently was active with Fleet 526 on Lake Monroe in the Florida District.  In between he has sailed all over the world and was involved in many other fleets.  The Lightning Class was the most constant variable in a life full of change.  Kip was a positive influence: he made the good times even better and was a friend to everyone.  He will be missed by many and our thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved wife Ruth and family.  Memory Photo Gallery
 
If you have thoughts about Kip to share or photos to add to the gallery below please send them to the Class Office.  office@lightningclass.org

8 Bells... John R Hughes
 
John R. Hughes, 86 passed peacefully in his sleep following a brave battle with pulmonary fibrosis on May 21, 2020 at his home on Canobie Lake in Salem, NH. By his side were his daughter Shelley and granddaughter Chloie.
 
Born June 4, 1933, John was the son of Edmund J. Hughes and Anne (Bean) Hughes of Quincy, MA and twin brother to June.  Raised in a close-knit family on Houghs Neck in Quincy with his six siblings, John kept up with family and friends from high school and beyond until his last days.
 
John was a competitive sailor and summer weekends for decades were spent at regattas throughout New England, helming his Lightning Class boat.  The family's recreational pursuits were centered around the Malletts Bay Boat Club, Lightning Fleet 301 and the Burlington Country Club.  When winter forced them to put up the sailboat, they enjoyed weekends skiing at Glen Ellen.
 
John was predeceased by son Brian (in 1997), wife Eve (in 2000), wife Janet (in 2010), and five of his siblings.  He is survived by son Michael (of Fort Lauderdale), daughter Shelley and granddaughter of Chloie (both of Salem), and sister Muriel van Dommelen (of Port Orange, FL).
No services are planned at this time.  Notes of remembrance may be sent to  flowergirlshelley@yahoo.com 

Watch the Replay! 

US Sailing - Starboard Portal interview with Lightning Sailors David and Jody Starck on Family Sailing.

Direct link to Interview

A Sailing Family Story: “The House of Starck”
with Jody and David Starck


Have more time? explore the previous programs by US Sailing including, rules, sailing with Covid restrictions, fitness and much more. Click on the Starboard Portal link below. 

Fridays At Five in May - Watch the Recordings!

April 2, 2020 – North Sails Webinar #1  Watch the Recording
Featured Brian Hayes and special guest Greg Fisher. Focused on changing gears, go fast tips and more.

May 1, 2020 – North Sails Webinar #2  Watch the Recording
A history of the ILCA Junior Lightning events with insight from the champions on what lead to their successes, what motivates them, their experiences in junior Lightning sailing and more!
Join Lightning Class expert Brian Hayes and special guest Allan Terhune as they lead an informal web talk with Matt Fisher (3-time NA, Junior NA and World Champion), Jeff Hayden  (current Youth World Champion) and Doug Wake (2-time Junior NA Champion). 

May 8, 2020 – Turney Sailing Services: Starting Webinar Watch the Recording
Nick Turney will focus on starting and will include the following:
► Developing your approach 
► Executing your approach 
► Holding your lane off the line 

May 15, 2020 – Turney Sailing Services Focus - Upwind Leg Watch the Recording

Nick Turney will focus on upwind sailing and will include the following:
► Developing an upwind strategy
► Executing your plan
► Better decision making on the water

May 22, 2020 – Classic Boat Chat with Dave Nickels  Watch the Recording  
Join Bob Astrove, VP of Classic Boats and Mike Seibert as they talk with Dave Nickels on his days at Nickels & Holman and how that became Nickels Boat Works. They will talk about boat building in the 50's and 60's, wooden boat construction, technology and rules changes that changed boat building. Selling boats in kit form and the transition from wood to fiberglass boats. 

May 29, 2020 – Rules Chat  Watch the Recording  
Join International Judge and Fleet 196 (Surf City, New Jersey) Member Darryl Waskow  and Jan O'Malley, National Judge and World Champion dinghy sailor as they lead an informal chat about Rules.
► Regatta Planning, what the regatta planners and judges should discuss before racing
► 
Videos: evidence in protests, and should that entertaining clip a the bar ever become 'official'?
► Should Lightnings enforce or not enforce rule 42 on the water? If you had a magic wand, are there other rule you would add or eliminate?
► 
And of course any boat on boat questions participants have, or any other rules questions

What have you been up to?
Has the Lightning been part of your quarantine or social distancing routine?  What have you worked on during Covid?  We'd love to publish your photos of Lightning projects you have been working on, and how you've gotten on the water during social distancing in the upcoming Lightning Class Newsletter.  Please submit photos or short stories by July 15 to office@lightningclass.org 


Upcoming Regattas: 
Click on the event for more info or 
See Event Calendar for More Events or to add your event!
** If your regatta is canceled or postponed please let the Class Office know immediately so we can adjust the event calendar and get notification out. 
 
JUN
26-28
North Cape Yacht Club is hosting the Michigan Lightning District District Championship! Friday is a practice day. Sure to be a great time!
JUN-JUL
27-1
This event will not be held in 2020. Stay tuned for more information.
JUN
27-28
52nd Annual Champagne Regatta & Class Boat Get Together on beautiful Keuka Lake - New Dates Sept 12-13
JUN
27-28
We were looking forward to sailing in a new venue this year, but unfortunately we will not be able to. There is talk of possibly rescheduling the Districts with another scheduled regatta later this year. Stand by.
JUN
27
JUL
4-5
Postponed to September 5th/6th of the Labour Day Weekend. Thank you, hope to see you all then and be safe. Temple Reef Sailing Club, Thunder Bay, Lake Superior, Canada. Sail the largest fresh water lake in the world. Great Fun. Great Competition.
JUL
11-12
Postponed to a late August Date - TBD
JUL
11-12
This will be the Pacific Coast and Pacific NW District Championships and a Multi-Fleet Regatta. The food is wonderful and the the outside patio is the best in town. The parking is limited so arrive early to park on the street. The City Park pool is right next door and sometimes a concert in the evening.
JUL
18-19
The event will celebrate the 90th anniversary of John Barnes starting dinghy racing at HHYC. John and his brother George, who grew up sailing in Henderson Harbor, went on to purchase the Skaneateles Boat Works and helped develop and produce the first Lightning.
JUL
18-19
Combined with Sonar Tappan Zee Challenge and Thistle District Championships. Multiple fleets bring more excitement, and we'll bring in a USSAILING PRO.
JUL
18-19
Rescheduled date. North Cape Yacht Club is hosting the Michigan Lightning District District Championship! Friday is a practice day. Sure to be a great time!
JUL
31
Lightning Lab with Greg Fisher. Contact John Sawyer for details: john@s2a3.com m: 910-617-9458
AUG
1-2
Home to the newest Lightning Fleet #527 on Salt Spring Island, British Colombia, Canada!
AUG
1-2
Southeastern District Championships will now be sailed Aug 1-2, still in Wrightsville

The Class Store is OPEN!
Long sleeve adult hooded tech shirts! Available in Royal Blue or Athletic Gray. $40 each. Also available in Ladies (Blue or Pink). Also, Cotton Short Sleeved TEES and BELTS are ALL IN STOCK! Hats at time time are limited. Check out the Class Store Today!
Long Sleeve Hooded Tech

2020 Publication Schedule
 

Flashes Newsletter

February 1 Flashes Newsletter

August 1 Publication - July 10th deadline

November 1 Publication - October 10th deadline 


Flash Blasts

Monthly E-mail Blasts on the 15th of each month. 

Deadline is 7 days prior to the e-mail date. 


During busier months (June, July and August) or as needed we will also add a second monthly blast on the 1st of each month. 


Please send your submissions to the Class Office - office@lightningclass.org


If you would like to advertise in these publications please contact Executive Secretary Laura Jeffers at (727) 942-7969 or via the above email.



International Lightning Class Association
(727) 942-7969

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