Winter is chilly up here in the Frozen Tundra of Wisconsin, but our annual district meeting and sailing awards banquet are warming things up with thoughts of sailing square boats! There is allot happening in the Lightning Class to be excited about. The deadline for application to the 2018 Boat Grant Program is coming up on February 19^th.  Recipients are given a competitive boat and receive assistance with regatta expenses   (please consider donating, I think the sails are due to be replaced).  This program has been very successful over the years with many past grant recipients remaining active in the class.  The Boat Grant Committee needs the help of class members to get the word out and encourage kids to apply for the program.  Some may think that they would never be considered for the program “I’m not an All-American sailor”.  This thinking could not be farther from the truth: while being an accomplished sailor doesn’t hurt what we are really looking for are sailors who will use the boat a lot, gain publicity for the class, introduce their friends to the class, and hopefully becoming lifelong members. If you know of someone who might be a good candidate, encourage them to apply and offer to write a letter supporting their application. 

     Spring is rapidly approaching which means that you had better get your plans to attend the Southern Circuit in order.  There is no doubt that the Circuit has the highest reading on the ‘fun meter’ of all ILCA “major” events.   Spending a week sailing in Florida can be a bit expensive and logistically challenging so you may need to get a bit creative.  Have your middle crew drive the boat down and fly in to meet them, extra drink at the SPYC bar if it’s rigged before you arrive.  I’ve heard that “everybody has a cousin in Miami” so sleep on her couch.  Team 15390 has been known to hand out beer to those who help put on our bottom cover.  You will be glad you choose to attend.

Happy Sailing, Todd