As told to Raeyane Farrell
The Lightning Class has long been a welcoming and enduring home for sailors of all ages. Over the past several decades, the Class has made a deliberate and sustained effort to cultivate the next generation through initiatives like the Boat Grant program for college sailors and the U32 program for post-college sailors. As part of this commitment, the Class recruited Maya Weber, along with Jenna Probst, to join the Limbaugh Committee. Together, they bring a strong combination of experience, enthusiasm, and leadership. Jenna’s steady involvement and commitment have helped strengthen the program, while Maya has infused the team with a refreshing energy—eagerly stepping up to take on assignments and consistently delivering work that is both exceptionally fast and of outstanding quality.
We connected with Maya to learn more about her story and what inspires her to give so generously to the class through her volunteer efforts. In her own words, she shared the following:
"I grew up spending summers at the Buffalo Canoe Club doing sailing camp surrounded by lots of Lightning Legends and a great Junior Lightning program. My first experience in a Lightning was with Jody Starck before being "adopted" into the Probst family and sailing Juniors with Tanner and Jenna.
The Lightning Class is built on a foundation of strong volunteers, something that I was very familiar with at the BCC. U32 was the brainchild of David Starck, something I agreed to co-chair over a zoom call 2 years ago not exactly knowing what I was getting myself into. The goal of U32 is to welcome post-collegiate sailors into a fun, competitive class and hopefully keep them coming back for more.
While all regattas are successful because of volunteers, U32 is extra special because we work to put on a low cost event while providing boats AND housing to teams. Volunteering can look like a lot of different things and every contribution helps to make this event successful. We know letting someone borrow your boat isn't the easiest thing to say yes to (we have insurance don't worry!), but that's what this regatta thrives on and allows us to welcome new Lightning sailors. It isn't just the Lightning Class that has rallied behind these events, it is the dedicated members at host clubs who want to see the younger generations continue to sail.
There's always a bit of stress leading up to the event to ensure things run smoothly, but meeting new people, introducing them to the class, and having an extra fun social event makes it all worth it. Not to mention hearing people looking forward to the next U32 event or encouraging their friends to join the following year. And it's always exciting when we see someone new sign up for the event especially when we don't recognize the name.
If you have any questions about U32, interest in hosting a future event, OR volunteering (lending a hand, boat, or housing) at next year's event at Charleston Yacht Club, Oct 24-25, you can reach us at u32@lightningclass.org.
(PS: While registration isn't open yet, sign up for the Who's Coming list and we will notify you when registration opens.)"
Maya’s enthusiasm and energy make her an exceptional leader for the U32 program. Supported by dedicated teammates like Jenna Probst, whose steady commitment helps keep everything moving forward, Maya continues to raise the bar — time after time impressing and inspiring those around her.
