Like all other sailors, the plans and expectations of the Lightning Class have been disrupted by the COVID-19 virus. A number of us expected to be in St. Pete by now for the first leg of the Southern Circuit and to conduct our Class Mid-Winter Governing Board and General Meetings. I have no doubt but that the decision to cancel the Circuit was correct. Nevertheless, we are especially disappointed as we were looking to build on the success of the Florida Winter Series.
Despite the cancellation of the Circuit, on behalf of the Class, I want to express our appreciation to Ryan Ruhlman and Jeff Hayden, our VP’s for the Southern Circuit, for their efforts in organizing the event. A special “Thanks” also goes out to the St Petersburg Yacht Club and the Savannah Yacht Club for their full cooperation with the cancellation of sailing and their prompt and generous agreement to refund all registration fees. We look forward to sailing with them in the future.
As for the balance of the sailing schedule, like everyone else we are waiting and watching developments and remain hopeful that the spread of the virus will be brought under control so that we can resume the regatta schedule as originally planned. We do not intend to issue any general guidelines for scheduled regattas, at least until more is known. We expect that everyone will use good judgment and give safety the greatest priority. At the moment, it is obviously too early to predict when normalcy will return.
In the interim, plans are being developed to conduct our mid-winter meetings remotely. Information about that project will be published shortly. We certainly hope that as many of you as possible will participate.
Check in regularly on our website and other social media channels to keep up to date on ILCA activities. Among other developments, we are happy to announce the continuation of our successful Boat Grant Program with the award of three boats this season. Let’s hope that they can get on the water soon.
The work of the Class is ongoing so please renew your individual and fleet dues on a timely basis.
It is obviously trite to observe that we, and all other sailors, are in the same boat, but we are. Let’s hope that the vast majority of the sailing season can be salvaged. We will keep you up to date on any developments. The Class office is available for consultation for any specific issues.
We look forward to seeing you back on the water soon.
Hugh