Lightning Hall of Fame
Laura Jeffers | Published on 11/6/2025
International Lightning Class Association &
Finger Lakes Boating Museum Announce Partnership
The groups will work together to preserve Lightning Sailboat history
and honor individuals and organizations that elevate the Class
The International Lightning Class Association in partnership with Finger Lakes Boating Museum (FLBM) in Hammondsport, NY, are excited to share their goal to expand the Museum’s Lightning Class sailboat exhibit and, for the first time, launch a Lightning Class Hall of Fame.
This partnership is a natural next step between the two organizations. FLBM currently displays Lightning #167 in its collection – along with the wooden mold on which it was constructed. The Museum also participates annually with at least two classic museum boats in the Champagne & Classic Lightning Regatta that welcomes both classic and modern Lightnings to Keuka Lake every June.
In 2024, renown Lightning Class race champion Dick Hallagan donated his collection of racing posters and memorabilia to FLBM – which are now on display in his memory alongside Lightning #167.
“With an expanded exhibit, we can showcase more sailboats and related artifacts that directly link one of oldest sailboat classes to the Finger Lakes,” said Ed Wightman, one of the Museum’s early leaders and long-time volunteer Curator and Chief Boatwright, of the boat that was designed and first built in Skaneateles, NY. “The Lightning’s story is truly unique and deserves to be celebrated for connecting Finger Lakes boatbuilding to the world.”
The Lightning Hall of Fame has the potential to further strengthen this connection. While planning is in the early stages, the goal is to develop a space that can expand over time to recognize annual inductees including sailors, boat builders, sail makers, and other individuals and organizations that have made important contributions and strengthened the Lightning Class over the last eight decades.
Dave Starck, the current Class President said of the partnership, “The Lightning Class is still here after nearly 90 years and will be here for years to come. Together we can create a space that does not yet exist anywhere to capture and share that history and passion for the boat and the sport.”
The International Lightning Class Association is one of the oldest and best organized class associations in sailboat racing. Its primary purpose is to serve its membership, preserve the integrity of the Lightning and provide high-quality competitive events. The Lightning Sailboat was designed by one of the most renowned American yacht designers of the 20th century, Olin Stephens. The first Lightning was built in the heart of the Fingers Lakes in 1938 by the Skaneateles Boat Company in Skaneateles, NY, marking the birth of one of the most successful one-design racing sailboats in the world with over 15,500 boats built over the last 86 years.
The Finger Lakes Boating Museum’s mission is to educate, preserve, and celebrate the rich history of boating activities and boat building heritage of the Finger Lakes. The Museum boasts a collection of over 300 Finger Lakes-built, primarily wooden, boats in addition to sailboats - including luxury launches, runabouts, hydroplanes, rowboats, canoes, rowing shells, and more.
The Museum is embarking on a comprehensive strategic planning process that will inform future growth and sustainability of the organization. A steering committee of Museum and Lightning Class members will create a work plan that will be informed by FLBM’s strategic plan to ensure a strong foundation on which to realize this exciting vision as part of the overall plan to grow and strengthen both Finger Lakes Boating Museum and the International Lightning Class Association.
Both organizations are excited about this new partnership that will provide mutual benefits and continue to strengthen the bond between the Lightning Class and the FLBM as well as elevate the awareness and appreciation of the heritage of the Lightning Class as both organizations strive to preserve the rich boating heritage and history here in the Finger Lakes.