Each applicant is expected to
sail in a predetermined number of races, and maintain the boat and
equipment at the highest level. The grant is for use of the
boat and equipment for one year. At the end of the season the
boat may be available for purchase, depending on the situation.
Each recipient will be assigned a “mentor“ for the season.
To apply for this grant,
Read the Grant Requirements and Selection criteria, print out the
application
and mail, Fax or email to the ILCA Office.
About the Lightning.
The Lightning was designed by Olin Stephens in 1938 and quickly
became the most popular boat in the US. Today there have been
over 15000 built and it is still one of the strongest and most
active classes in the US. It is an International Class with
activity in South America, Europe, Africa and North America.
In the US there are very active fleets with many weekend regattas
throughout the year. The highest concentration of boats is
along the East Coast and Great Lakes, but there is plenty of
activity in most places where people race sailboats.
The Lightning is raced with a
team of three. It is fast enough to be exciting, slow enough
to be very tactical and the boat is very physical to sail in a
breeze. Optimum crew weight is 450 to 500 lbs. The boat
weighs 700 lbs and sitting on the trailer with covers, sails and
gear the all up weight is about 1100 lbs so it can be safely towed
with almost any vehicle.
The ILCA has supported youth
sailing for many years. Every year there is a Junior North
American Championship and a Youth World Championship is held every
other year. Many top sailors spent a lot of time racing
Lightnings when they were young: Andy Horton, Jay and Jody
Lutz, Greg and Matt Fisher to name a few.
