2026 Lightning U32 Invitational | Charleston, SC, USA

October 23-25, 2026 — you don't want to miss this!

Registration open!

Nearly 40 boats are registered for the 3rd Annual U32! The countdown is ON. Questions? Email u32@lightningclass.org

Recently in the Lightning Class

September 29 - A nor'easter slammed the Annual Frigid Digit Invitational in Annapolis, Maryland, but it didn't stop Lightning sailors from getting out on the water! Racing was canceled on Saturday, so the fleet filled the day with clinics, quality time, and enjoying Annapolis. Of the 18 boats registered, 8 braved Sunday's conditions for 2 races. Dave Starck, Jenna Probst, and Becca Jordan won both races. Nabeel Alsalam, Scott Bradford, and Tom Hutton finished second with 5 points, and James Elder, Andrew Dieselman, and Karl Allen took third after winning a 3-way tiebreaker. View the full results & report here.

September 23 - It's officially fall! How are you staying busy? Check out the Event Calendar to see whats going on near you. and..... it's almost time for the 3rd Annual U32 Invitational! 39 TEAMS REGISTERED!!!!!

September 9 - Evolution Sails, Dave Starck Signing Out, Salinas Sailing Week, Pipeline Update, U32 & more! Read the September 9 FlashBlast edition sponsored by Evolution Sails here.

September 5 - September starts off STRONG with Salinas Sailing Week in Ecuador where Team Birkett from Ecuador win all but 1 race to win the 2026 regatta with 6 points. John Birkett, Mikaela Garces, and Stephano Pendola take the win followed by Juan Santos, Emilio Quintero, and Arianne Torre with 18 points. From Peru, Alec Hughes, Matheo Ruales, and Sofia Ruales finish 3rd with 19.7 points. Check the full results here

September 1 - Welcome to our new President Julio Velez, a member of Fleet 405 Salinas Yacht Club. We are excited to have his voice and perspective at the helm! Concurrently with that, after three years as Class President, and a total of nine years on the Executive Committee, Dave Starck is stepping down … but not away Read the full blog, "Many Thanks to Dave Starck".

August 21 - Get the latest!!!! North & South American Championships, Hall of Fame Inaugural Class, Salinas Sailing Week on Deck, U32 soon.... read it all here.

August 15 - 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐈𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐙 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐊 𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏! Diaz, alongside Elizabeth and Katherine Starck battle it out in a competitive championship event. The key to success? Staying consistent. check out the full results & special awards here

August 9 - Champions crowned! The WJM North American Championships in Sheboygan were the perfect start to sailing in Wisconsin. Congratulations to the Junior winners, Rory Walsh, Cameron Whalley, and Andre Deseau. In the Women's fleet, Jenna Probst, Maya Weber, and Maddie Ray won the battle over their sister team. In the Masters' fleet, Ched Proctor, Meredith Killion, and Jared Drake showed up and showed out. Fantastic sailing by all! Results, Photos, and reports available on the 2026 Results Page.

August 9 - ECUADOR WINS THE 2026 SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS. Congratulations John Francis Birkett Tamariz, Irene Suarez Montanel, and Mikaela Valentina Garces Ribadeneira! Impressive sailing!!! John and team won all but 2 races! This event as served as a country qualifier for the 2027 Pan Am Games. Ecuador and Colombia, see you at the Games! Check out the full results.

CREATE BUZZ. BUILD MOMENTUM. SAIL MORE.
Let’s get involved, get sailing, and
GET OUT THERE!

Log your days & join the challenge today!

2026 Lightning Boat Census

Tracking down all Lightning Class boats, where are they?
Working to get more boats on the water! Visit the blog to learn more

About the Lightning

Design: Sparkman & Stephens, 1938
Over 15000 built
More than 500 fleets worldwide
Length: 19'0" (5.8m)
Beam: 6'6" (2m)
Displacement: 700 lb (318 kg
Draft (board down): 4'11" (151.3cm)
Mast height: 26'2" (7.9m)
Sail area (main & jib): 177 sq.ft.
(spinnaker): 300 sq.ft.
Crew (racing): 3

More...

SAVE THE DATE! The Lightning Class turns 90 in 2028 and you're invited!

90th Anniversary Regatta & Celebration - June 30 - July 2, 2028

Fleet 1 and the Skaneateles Country Club have helped us celebrate many milestones, now it is time to celebrate 90 years of Lightning sailing! Interested in helping with planning or volunteering at the event? Reach out to Mike Yates.