Donate - Make a Lasting Impact on the Future of Lightning Sailing

Our mission is to support existing programs and ensure our ability to invest in the ILCA’s long-term viability. Our Annual Budget, funded predominantly by membership dues, royalties and merchandise sales, supports most (but not all) of our day-to-day operations. However, to thrive as a one-design class we need to be able to invest in and support innovative programs that both retain existing members and attract new sailors to the boat we all love.

FUEL THE FLASH 2030

A strategic, aspirational five-year plan specifically addressing the key needs of the Class to ensure its viability through 2038 (our 100^th anniversary) and beyond. The five-year goal is to raise $800,000. Thanks to your generosity we have already raised $90,000! How will we successfully invest your donations to grow the Class?  

Support our builder

• Finance new molds, with eventual Class ownership
• Support international builder capability

Attract and retain members

• Invest in market research – what will it take to attract sailors from outside the Lightning Class?
• Develop cohesive brand and messaging, for both external and internal use
• Increase the fun factor for all types – racers to day sailors, young and old

Put more people in boats

• Continue to attract emerging sailors through the Boat Grant Program
• Expand boat grants to district & fleet programs, including a playbook and financial support
• Launch “Pipeline Program” to improve the flow and value of new and used boats

Bob Astrove, sailing Lightnings since 1969

“Why do I donate? It is just one small way to say thank you for the lifetime of enjoyment I have received from the Class Association, the Boats I have owned, and all the wonderful people I have met over the past 55 years.

I do it to ensure future generations of Lightning sailors have the same opportunities and endless fun I have enjoyed. Those who know me understand that my real passion is in restoring the older boats and helping others to restore their boats. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a competitive regatta sailed in a modern boat or a Sunday afternoon of fleet racing with my local club (Potomac River). The Class has so much to offer members of all ages, sailing skill, or their specific interests.

But it takes resources to keep the class strong, now nearing our 90th anniversary, and I encourage all to periodically give back to the Class.”

The Peter and Audrey Denton Family Foundation has issued a $25,000 matching challenge for 2025. The challenge is designed to get more people to donate and for existing donors to give more than they have in the past. Pete says:

“My first one-design sailboat was a Lightning, and 35 years later I am on my third. have owned and raced other boats, but our love for the Lightning Class remains strong.

We spend summers in Newport, RI where there is no Lighting fleet. So our Lightning remains at the Riverton Yacht Club. For 20+ years we have “given” our boat to a young sailor to race and bring young sailors into the fleet. They only have to have the boat ready and crew when I show up for a Wednesday night. This is our individual “boat grant” program.

Why, you might ask? The class is inclusive, helpful, and most important – FUN. For example: Mark Schneider getting the Riverton fleet restarted in the early ‘90s; Bob and Sterling Bush taught me how to sail the boat. We sailed together numerous times including the Worlds and World Masters in Sicily. And who can overstate the contributions of Tom Allen. He and his family built a mast for us at midnight after we had turtled our boat at the Buffalo Canoe Club. Only for this were we able to continue in the NA’s.

As part of giving back, Audrey and I are making a large matching challenge for the Fuel the Flash 2030 fundraising campaign. It is time for all of us to give back and help to ensure the future of the Class.”

Sandra Peterson More in honor of David M Peterson has pledged a Lightning Class donation of $10,000 per year for five years.

The combined donation will result in the purchase of a new Boat Grant boat, sails, trailer and covers, which will be named in honor of Sandra’s father Dave. Dave was a District and Class officer for many years and an active Connecticut Lightning sailor in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Dave was second in the NAs in 1964 and third in the Worlds in 1965 (see photo).

Recent donors—THANK YOU for supporting the International Lightning Class Association!

Lyda & Bob Astrove, David & Jody Starck, Bob Shapiro, Chris Vann, Charles Trayford III, Clarke D Newman, Michael Huffman, Edward Duffy, William N. Baxter Jr, Tom Starck, Aaron P. Boesenecker, Edwin C. Roseberry Jr., Trevor Prior, Doug Steffenson, Jim Force, Gustavo Tamayo, Scott Finkboner, Steve Harris, The Ruhlman Family Foundation, Sergio Levaggi, Bertie & John Werley, James Harris, Bob Bush, John Borland, Candy Neville, Augie Diaz, Ian and Lindy Edwards, Richard Hallagan estate, Alfred Hopkin, Jr., George Koch, Jason & Heidi Bemis

Donations of $100 or more will recognized as follows, to acknowledge your generous support of the ILCA.

Thank You to past contributors and those who supported the Class via purchase of raffle tickets, auctions, etc.
See donors on the ILCA Donors Wall of Fame