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International
Lightning Class Association
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In honor of National Volunteer Week, the LOYALS (Legions Of Young-at-heart Avid Lightning Sailors) are highlighting the efforts of the many wonderful volunteers in the Lightning Class.
From Class President Dave Starck:
❝ The International Lightning Class was founded in 1938 and has been built on the backs of volunteers. It is in this spirit we embrace National Volunteer Week April 19-25, a week where we showcase and highlight Class members who continue to keep the Class going strong and moving forward. It is their volunteerism which distinguishes the Lightning Class from all others.

As president, it is extremely import to me to continue to encourage and instill the culture of giving back in the Class.  No better way than recognizing individuals rolling up their sleeves and doing the hard work. Look for the Volunteer Recognition Form below.

Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who gives back to the Class. Whether it’s donating your time or dollars (or both!), you are making a difference in sustaining and growing the Class as we look forward to 2038, our 100th anniversary year. Thank you. ❞
IT TAKES ALL OF US!

Join us in celebrating a few of our favorite volunteers.  Some have a long, long history of working for the Class;  some are relative newcomers to volunteering.  But all have one thing in common – they love the Lightning, and they are willing to dedicate their time to keep the Class going strong! → Member Spotlight — APRIL 2026
NEW VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION AWARD!
Thanks to the efforts of super-volunteer Bob Astrove, we now have a “self-service” Volunteer Appreciation Award that anyone can award. Anyone can go to Volunteer Recognition Award and complete the easy-to-navigate form. It’s an easy way to say "Thank You" for helping with fleet, district or other Class activities and events!

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME, BIG OR SMALL, TO KEEP OUR CLASS VIBRANT AND GROWING!  
Read the full, special edition, FlashBlast HERE.
www.gotflashes.com

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

Log your days & join the challenge today!
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That’s a wrap on the 2026 Southern Circuit. Results Posted! → Here 
Missed out? Read the Scuttlebutt Sailing News Article & Sail1Design Article
Racing photos available to download! → Haven Media 

Southern Circuit Blog

❝ We are so thankful to have sailed the Lightning, to everyone in the class and to the regatta organizers for making this such a fun and memorable experience for us. We appreciate the boat, to be able to do this and having Lara with us. We can’t wait for the next event. ❞  - Carolina Borges Mendelblatt

Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events

Recently in the Lightning Class

April 10 - The Lightning Class is proud to announce four 2026 Boat Grant teams! Read the full press release here

April 9 - Lightning sailors have been getting active and it’s still early in the season! Have you logged your days on a Lightning? Visit gotflashes.com to view the leaderboard and see which fleets are logging the most time in the boat!

April 6 - Get an inside look at the future of the Lightning Class in this exclusive Fuel the Flash 2030 panel discussion, originally held for donors on March 3, 2026. Watch the full zoom on YouTube

March 23 - Annual Class Meeting Scheduled for Saturday, March 28th. 
March 22 - MENDELBATT, PROCTOR, STARCK DOMINATE AT SOUTHERN CIRCUIT! That’s a wrap for the 2026 Lightning Southern Circuit! Team Mendelbatt wins the Winter Championship in St Petersburg, Florida, and Team Proctor wins the Deep South Regatta in Savannah, Georgia. Congratulations to David Starck & Team for winning the overall Southern Circuit. 

March 2 - Upcoming Meeting Reminders- Wednesday, March 4th at noon Governing Board and Saturday, March 28th at 1100 Eastern both meetings are virtual via Zoom. Links were emailed. If you did not receive a link, please contact the Class Office. 

March 2 - President's Blog - Every Member (ship) Counts!Membership dues keep the Class going strong in meaningful ways, dedicated Executive Secretary, advertising and promotion, regatta experiences and more. As the 2026 season begins, please make sure your membership is up to date, your crew is current as well as your fellow fleet and district members. Membership Matters! 

View All Results, Reports & Photo Links

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More new features are coming soon, including member forums.