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High-level racing. Welcoming community. Accessible boats. There’s no time like the present to get in a Lightning!

“We’re really enjoying sailing in the Lightning Class as a family,” said two-time Olympian Luke Ramsay. “The racing is super competitive, while the Class is friendly and open to helping us learn the boat.”

Come for the sailing, stay for the camaraderie. Now is the time to jump in and give it a try!

New and used boats are available immediately. Brand-new hulls ready for a motivated owner and our class office can help you find exceptional used boats.

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IS THE LIGHTNING CLASS FOR YOU? (Hint: Yes, it is.)

Whether you’re chasing podium finishes or just getting back on the water, the Lightning Class meets you where you are and pushes you further.

Are you a serious racer? The Lightning delivers high-level, tactical racing against some of the best sailors in the sport. With deep fleets and championship-caliber competition, it is the perfect platform to sharpen your skills and measure yourself against top talent.

A former college or youth sailor? Our U32 regattas are packed with the next generation of standouts. Fast, competitive, and hungry to win, it is an ideal way to stay in the game and keep progressing. Check out the U32 Regatta and the community you don’t want to miss out on — Explore U32

Getting back into racing after time away? The Lightning offers a welcoming, knowledgeable community that is eager to help you get up to speed quickly, without sacrificing the quality of competition.

Looking for a class your whole family can enjoy? From juniors to Masters, the Lightning is built for all ages and stages. Many teams span generations, making it as much about time on the water together as it is about results.

The North American Championships regularly draw competitors from their teens to their 70s, a testament to the class’s accessibility and longevity. With dedicated events for Masters, U32, Women, and Juniors, and a track record of champions who have succeeded across multiple classes, the Lightning truly offers something for everyone.

Whatever your goal, there is a place for you and a fleet ready to race.

FIND YOUR NEXT REGATTA

Get up to speed at premier Helly Hansen Regattas in Annapolis, Chicago, and Marblehead, or choose from more than 70 events across the full Lightning Class schedule.

The 2026 North American Championship, August 10–15 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, will be a standout summer event and serves as the U.S. qualifier for the 2027 World Championship in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Lightning Youth World Championship takes place June 22–26 in Finland, highlighting the class’s global reach and next generation of talent. Looking ahead, U.S. Pan American Games Trials are tentatively scheduled for January 2027, offering another pathway to compete on an international stage.

Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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