International Lightning Class Hall of Fame Nomination announcement:
The International Lightning Class is pleased to announce that it is now accepting nominations for the inaugural 2026 Class of Hall of Fame recipients.
The International Lightning Class Hall of Fame (HOF) is a joint collaboration between the International Lightning Class Association and the Finger Lakes Boating Museum. Its mission statement is to celebrate the Lightning Sailboat and recognize the sailors, boat builders, sail makers, and individuals or organizations who have been instrumental in supporting and strengthening the Lightning Class since 1938.
Those honorees accepted each year based on the established criteria, will be formally recognized with displays in a designated Lightning Hall of Fame area of the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport, NY as well as online and public recognition by the Lightning Class.
Nominations for potential HOF inductees should be submitted via the process below:
Nomination forms should include identification of one or more specific categories to be associated with each nomination.
- Meritorious Service
- Contribution to the sport and hobby of Lightning Sailing
- Performance excellence and accomplishment
- Leadership
- Technical Contribution
- Other
Other than current members of the Nomination & Selection Committee, there are no restrictions on who may submit a nomination. Class membership is not required.
The Lightning Class Executive Committee will be nominating a 4-person team that will make up the HOF Selection Committee and will also include one Finger Lakes Boating Museum Board Member to approve the final inductees.
Use either the electronic form below to complete your nomination or the mail-in form that can be printed from this link. You are encouraged to submit any additional supporting material as well for your nomination.
An interactive on-line form that has additional information regarding the nomination process is available at:
Lightning Hall of Fame Nomination Form
Key dates for nominations and inductee announcements are:
4/1/26: Deadline for nomination submissions
5/1/26: HOF Committee reports names to Executive Committee
6/1/26: Executive Committee announces HOF inductees for 2026
8/26: Inductees presented at 2026 North American Championship
Any questions regarding this process, please send an email to: office@lightningclass.org.
Thank you!
International Lightning Class HOF Committee