2026 Lightning U32 Invitational | Charleston, SC, USA

October 23-25, 2026 — Registration open!

Get the latest update: Late fee ($100) added on September 1st. Want to sail but don't have a team?! WE'VE GOT U COVERED. email u32@lightningclass.org

Salinas Sailing Week | Salinas, Ecuador

September 1-5, 2026 — Registration open!

2027 Pan American Games Country Qualifier — ONE SPOT LEFT!

USA, Ecuador, and Argentina already registered!

Recently in the Lightning Class

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.

August 1 - YOU'VE GOT MAIL! The lasted Lightning FlashBlast just landed in your inbox and it is packed with information! Meet our new Membership Associate, join the Lightning WhatsApp Community, get the scoop on the NAs, and many more important details.......read it here!

July 30 - Support youth Lightning sailing by entering the 50-50 raffle benfitting the Limbaugh Fund! The more you donate, the more you might win! Visit WJM's 50-50 Raffle - Virtual and In-Person! to enter and learn more!

July 20 - The North American Championships are getting closer and closer! Here's what you need to do before it starts: Pre-order your merchandise by July 25th! Check out the latest on the event at the NAs Blog! And if you're not registered....register! Links for the WJMs & NAs above.

July 14 - Hey, Boat Owners....have you completed the boat census? Lightning Sailors, are you registered for the North Americans? Looking for some light reading? Get all the current Lightning news in the recent FlashBlast

July 13 - Annual Meeting Notice - Thursday, Aug 13th at the NAs and via Zoom. One item up for vote: 2026-2027 Governing Board Proposed Slate of Officers Fleet Captain Proxy Ballot was emailed out to all current Fleets. Meeting link for all members to register for virtual meeting will be emailed out soon.

July 12 - Thanks to all of you who supported the Rock Star Raffles. Jody slightly edged out Dave for the number of tickets sold, we sold 201 tickets, and we raised over $3,000 for Fuel The Flash 2030! The lucky winners are: for Jody – Joe Starck; and for Dave – Abbie Probst. Congrats to the winners, thanks to Dave and Jody for being such good sports, and thanks to all of you for your support!

July 6 - Lake Michigan DARES you to show up (to the 2026 North American Championship). Not registered? Get the full run down on the 2026 North American Championship Blog

July 3 - Lots going on in the Lightning Class! President's blog, upcoming championship events, new fleets, call for bids, Limbaugh fund support and much more! Read it all in the latest Flash Blast

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.