In 2024, it was a brand-new initiative. In 2025, it officially became a highly-anticipated tradition.
The International Lightning Class Association held the second annual U32 Invitational Regatta for 75 competitors at Metedeconk River Yacht Club on October 11-12.
Sailors between the ages of 21-32 descended on the New Jersey Shore for a fall exhibition that proved to be fun on and off the water.
After Friday’s welcome night, racing commenced on Saturday, providing short-course sailing on the Metedeconk River that reminded many competitors of their days in college. A benefit of the Lightning is that sailors can enjoy that quick-hitting style of racing or mile-long courses in the ocean (see September's NAs in Wrightsville Beach) depending on location and regatta.
This regatta proved to be a great promotion for the Lightning Class’ Boat Grant Program, as 2025 recipient Will Murray and his team of Heather Kerns and Lucas Goodin dominated the field. Team Murray won three of four races en route to becoming the second-ever U32 champion. A Hobart-William Smith alumnus, Murray skippered his grant boat throughout the 2025 season, including a top-15 finish at the North Americans.
“The U32 Regatta was a perfect example of what makes the Lightning class so special — intense, tactical racing mixed with an incredibly fun and welcoming atmosphere,” Murray said. “The program is such an important opportunity for younger sailors to get involved, build connections, and see what makes this fleet so special. Sailing the grant boat has given me the chance to experience this community firsthand, and it’s easy to see why so many people stay in the class for life.”
Places second through fifth featured skippers who are past Junior North American champions, proving that the Lightning Class keeps its young talent in the boat: Timmy Crann (2010 Jr. NA Champ), Jenna Probst (four-time Jr. NA Champ), Brady Starck (2022 Jr. NA Champ), and Connor Godfrey (2009 Jr. NA Champ).
Separate from the scored races, MRYC’s PRO Keith Taboada - a longtime Lightning sailor himself - ran the annual “Rum Bucket Race” to end Saturday’s sailing. The race featured a fixed barrel course around the Metedeconk River, ending with a finish in front of the club. Team Murray continued their dominance to capture the rum bucket as well.
Saturday evening included the regatta dinner, a live band, dancing, and a MRYC bar that stayed open longer than usual - just for the U32 crowd.
The biggest goals of the U32 Regatta are to introduce sailors to the Lightning and welcome back those who have not sailed the boat in several years.
Saundertown Yacht Club’s Clark Uhl and his team of Adeline Sutton and Kyle Easton took the mantle of highest placing boat with three first-time Lightning sailors. JJ Smith put together a team of Cornell Sailing alumni with Clara Hewson and Meredith Moran, all of whom are new Lightning sailors.
“My crew and I had a great time at U32 and the format of the regatta was definitely what brought the three of us together,” Smith said. “Saturday’s breeze made it a fun introduction to the Lightning. The fleet is so passionate and supportive. Everyone was willing to answer questions and share advice. We’re eager to get back out on the water.”
Overall, nearly one third of the participants were first-time Lightning sailors, an impressive feat that matches 2024’s success at the Buffalo Canoe Club. The 2025 regatta featured sailors from as far as Colombia and Chile.
“After a tremendous 2024 inaugural regatta at the BCC, our goal was simple: keep the momentum going,” said Jason Lutz, who chaired the 2025 regatta. “This age range is certainly a demographic that all major classes and yacht clubs should be emphasizing. We are certainly grateful to the Lightning Class and MRYC for supporting this initiative."
With a long, winning history in the Lightning Class, it was no surprise that the BCC (sailors on nine different boats) and MRYC (sailors on six different boats) led the way in terms of participants.
Finally, the overarching goal of the U32 program is to keep these 75 sailors involved in Lightning sailing. Before the awards ceremony, sailors were reminded of the many local, regional, national, and international opportunities in the Lightning Class. Murray, alongside 2024 recipient Emma Hawko, spoke to the crowd about how rewarding their experience in the Boat Grant Program has been.
With the 2025 event in the books, competitors are already looking forward to the announcement of the 2026 U32 Regatta location and date, which the Class will release over the winter.