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Lightning Class Association
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Date: 7/8/2026
Subject: Fuel The FlashBlast: Program Update
From: International Lightning Class Association


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FUEL THE FLASH-Blast:  Program Update
Focus Areas rev
ACCOUNTABILITY and GOOD STEWARDSHIP are critical to the success of our Fuel The Flash 2030 program, and we take both very seriously.  This is the first in a new series of periodic campaign updates. Click the link below each Focus Area for more details.  Please don’t hesitate to provide feedback, including what information you’d like to see going forward.  And thank you for your support of the Lightning Class!
 
Why support the Class? Chris Vann, Lightning 15130, shared his thoughts:
“As a 20-something, I made a conscious decision to change my life's trajectory by going beyond my club sailing routine to become more active in Class events and regattas. My sailing Mentor, Dave Peterson (10801-'Woody'), provided that opportunity. Since then, many Lightning sailors/good friends have helped me realize that dream. I'm happy to give back and donate to the Lightning Class, and especially, to support the Boat Grant and any younger sailor development programs.”
Sailing Participation
Our goal is to stabilize and grow Lightning sailing and regatta participation at the Local, District, National and International levels. Engagement at all levels will keep our Class strong.
 
Leaderboard 7-7-26
Fundraising
The goal of the Fuel The Flash 2030 fundraising campaign is to raise $800,000 to support its 11 key initiatives and power the Class to its 100th Birthday. 

Upcoming Events:
• $50,000 Super Match Challenge: activated by having 350 Donors in 2026
• 50/50 raffles at the WJMs and at the NAs
• Rock Starck Raffles: Winner gets private coaching from Dave Starck or Jody Starck. Winning tickets will be drawn at the Canadian Open on July 12. Buy tickets here.
 
New Boat Production:  New Molds
Molds scanned in December - check out the molds video;  three boats from the molds scanned in June.  Getting initial quotes  for budgeting and timeline purposes.  Next step is creating tooling for a test boat.  
 
Molds
Boat Grant sticker
Boat Grant
The Boat Grant program awards teams of sailors a nearly new boat and sails, insurance, regatta and travel expenses, and a mentor for a season of Lightning racing.

In 2026, the boat grant program purchased an almost new boat (15631) at a discount; this enabled us to award 4 boat grant teams.
 
 
Local Boat Grant Program
The Local Boat Grant program team has created the Local Boat Grant Playbook, providing a program guide including boat acquisition, program operations, sustainability, helpful tips, and resources - based on individual interviews with 10+ yacht clubs with successful programs.
Playbook 2
Marketing
 
We are investing in a multi-phase approach to Marketing.
  • Phase One: Qualitative Research
  • Phase Two:  Quantitative Research
  • Phase Three: Create marketing tools
  • Phase Four: Roll out new marketing initiatives
Class Growth
We are investing funds to hire a Membership Associate to assist Laura with consistent outreach and  follow-up to increase membership.  We believe this position should be self-funding, but Fuel the Flash 2030 will guarantee the salary through December 2027.  
 
Pipeline
Pipeline Program
The goal of the Pipeline Program is to create a pipeline of race-ready affordable Lightnings, match boats to potential owners, and help them purchase, upgrade, maintain and sail them.  
The Pipeline Program will provide incentives and/or assistance to make this happen. 
 
History
The Lightning Class Hall of Fame is the key focus for the History Fund in 2026.  
The official dedication of the Hall of Fame and announcement of the first class will be made at the 2026 North Americans at Sheboygan. 
 
Hall of Fame
U32
U32 Initiative
The U32 Initiative focuses on strengthening the younger generation in the Class by creating fun, competitive events to boost camaraderie and connections among young sailors after aging out of junior and collegiate events.  Registration is open for the 2026 U32 Invitational Regatta at Charleston Yacht Club, Oct. 24-25th - register here 
 
All top five boats at the Chicago Helly Hansen Regatta (including winning skipper Abbie Probst) had U32 sailors on the boat!  
 
Volunteering
Our goal is to have 5 new volunteers each year each making a substantial difference at the Class level, and we created a self-service volunteer recognition award capability to recognize volunteers at the local level.
 
There’s a lot going on, and we’re just getting started!  Good stewardship requires that we invest your donations in ways that will continuously improve the health of the Class, and that we keep you informed every step of the way.  We welcome your feedback, and even more your involvement!  Let us know if there are any areas in which you would like to become involved.  Every spark counts, and we invite you to join us in any capacity that works for you!   

Help us power the Class to its 100th Birthday and beyond - Donate now!
 
Thank you for your support!
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