FlashBlast - July 3, 2026
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Single advertisements are available for each Flash Blast. For more information or to reserve your spot please contact Laura in the Class Office or at 727-942-7969.
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THE PRESIDENT HAS A CHALLENGE FOR YOU...
Dave Starck just dropped the President's Blog and the message is loud and clear: if your team isn't registered yet... what are we doing? Get it done.
Dave's challenge: lock in your teams for the WJM and North American Championships, and encourage other sailors to register too. No pressure, no stress, just a friendly nudge that registration is open. Entry fees go up at the end of July, so why wait?
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Team Canada Takes Gold at the 2026 Youth World Championships!
That's a wrap on four days of racing on Lake Tuusula, Finland! Sixteen teams from eight countries battled shifty winds and inconsistent breeze to close out the 2026 Youth World Championships, and Team Canada brought it home.
Sailing out of Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, Rory Walsh sailed with Andre and Gustave Deseau to take the win with 14 points. Huge congrats to the whole team! Fantastic sailing by all competitors, and thank you to our hosts!!!
| | | | OHHH CANADA!
42 boats are already registered, and there's still time to jump in for the 2026 Lightning Canadian Open Championship next weekend at the Buffalo Canoe Club! Four countries will be racing to qualify for the Pan American Games, and with the North American Championships just a month away, expect a stacked, competitive fleet. You don't want to miss this one. CAN WE BREAK 50?! | | |
Road to Lima 2027
Official Qualification Events – International Lightning Class
The International Lightning Class is pleased to invite sailors to participate in a series of premier regattas that will contribute to the qualification pathway for the Pan American Games Lima, Peru 2027.
| | |  | July 10-12, 2026
4 qualification spots
Buffalo Canoe Club
Point Abino, Onterio, Canada
42 boats already registered. Expecting 50+ boats. 4 Countries are already registered, BRA, CAN, CHI and USA. Clinic Friday afternoon, racing Saturday and Sunday.
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 | August 3–9, 2026
2 qualification spots
Paracas, Peru
Pre-Pan American Test Event. Practice at the host location for the 2027 Games!
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 | September 1–5, 2026
1 qualification spot
Salinas, Ecuador
Expect typical Salinas hospitality.
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| North American Championships
NOR's, On-Line Registration is now LIVE!
Register Today!
August 6-9
August 10-15
(Note: US Qualifier for April 2027 Worlds - St Petersburg, FL)
25 BOATS ALREADY REGISTERED! | | | | Rock Star Raffle Update!
Because of the difficulties with the Class website, we’re extending the drawing until July 12 at the Canadian Open. Also, to ensure that more people can participate, we’re reducing the raffle price to $20/ticket, or 3 tickets for $50!
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The Lightning Class Turns 90 in 2028… And You're Invited!
SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 30 - JULY 2, 2028
Mark your calendars, because this one's big: in 2028, the Lightning Class turns 90! Fleet 1 and the Skaneateles Country Club have helped us celebrate plenty of milestones over the years, and now it's time to start planning for 90 years of Lightning sailing.
Head over to the event page to see how you can get involved, and save the date!
| | Executive Committee Action - June 1, 2026
The Executive Committee extends Vakaros Rase Sense test period for certain events through December 2027 using compass, timer and RED/GREEN OCS Display only. Read the full Action including reasoning. This amendment replaces and supersedes the Amendment to Article VIII posted April 30, 2026.
TOWN HALL RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE!
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The Lightning Class Says Hello to 3 Fleets This Summer!
Summer's here and the fleet family is growing! We're pumped to welcome three new and reactivated fleets to the Lightning Class:
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NEW Fleet 528 — Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club (MI District), sailing out of Coloma, Michigan
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Reactivated Fleet 296 — Odd Winds Fleet (US @ Large District), sailing Lake Jacomo in the Kansas City Metro Area
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Reactivated Fleet 246 — Winnipesaukee Yacht Club (NE District), sailing beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
| | CLASS STORE!
New! Nylon Webbing Belt with Aluminum Slide
Marine Blue or Light Silver - One Size, fits to 42 Cut to length with scissors and heat end to seal. $30
MOLA Hoods! - All sizes and colors IN STOCK!
Lightweight PowerGrid allows for the speedy evaporation of sweat and keeps you warm & mobile as a mid-layer for chilly days on the water. $79
Or REFRESH your sailors favorite HAT! So many to choose from.
| | |  | Call For Bids - 2027 North American Championships AND 2028 Youth World Championship
Bid deadline is August 1, 2026 with announcement of 2027 NAs Hosts at the 2026 NAs in Sheboygan.
NA's venue conducive to terrific sailing as well as on shore activities ideally between September and November 2027. See Full Details in 2027 NAs Call For Bids
Women's, Junior and Masters NA's venueconducive to terrific sailing as well as on shore activities during the Summer of 2027, preferably in the beginning of August. See Full Details in the 2027 WJM NAs Call For Bids
2028 Youth Worlds
Bid deadline is September 1, 2026 with announcement of 2028 YW Host by October 1, 2026
Host Venue location - North America. Ideal event dates in June or July 2028. See Full Details in the
| Meeting Notices:
The Annual Meeting of Members will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 0800 Central Time at the Sheboygan Yacht Club. In addition to in person at the NAs, pending local technology it is our intent to also hold this meeting virtually on Zoom for those not able to be present. A Virtual Meeting invitation link will be emailed to members prior to the meeting.
At this time at least 1 item will be presented for vote: the 2026-2027 Proposed Slate of Officers that will be presented by the Nominating Committee. This item and any others will be posted and emailed to members per the Constitution.
The next Governing Board meeting will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at noon Eastern Time via Zoom. A Virtual Meeting invitation link will be emailed to all District Commodores, Vice Presidents and the Executive Committee prior to the meeting.
At this time there are no items that have been presented for vote.
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MI Districts & Bay City Regatta: Grant Hilger, Drew Hilger, Jake Hilger - GREAT REPORT!
CNY Districts & Champagne Regatta: John Newell, Owen MacDonald, Sarah Costich - GREAT REPORT!
Champagne Regatta - Classic Boat Division: Bob Astrove, Roger Slade - GREAT REPORT!
Youth World Championship: CAN Team: Rory Walsh, Andre Deseau, Gustave Deseau
Cazenovia Flash Bash: Connor Godfrey, John Ring, Emma Hawko GREAT REPORT!
Southern Districts/Juby Wynne: Tom King, Gavin Smith, Ashley Kark
Mississippi Valley District Championship: Matthew Burridge & Team GREAT REPORT!
Lake Erie District Championship: Connor Godfrey, John Ring, Emma Hawko
James Island Father's Day Regatta: Ryan Davidson, Jo Ann Fisher, Todd Fanning
European & Finnish National Championships: Sakari Pesola, Saara Kuisma, Arttu Tolvanen
Crescent Sail YC One Design Regatta: Kevin Morin and Team
Dixie District Championship: Jason Werner & Team
Evans Regatta & MW Districts: Steve Harris, Jim Harris, Wei Si GREAT REPORT!
Combined CAD and MET District Championships: Billy Martin & Team GREAT REPORT!
Lansing Sailing Tune-Up Regatta: Scott Watkins, Steve Varnum
John DeBennetti Regatta: Philip Parshley & Team
Windshift Regatta: John Varley, Bucky Buchanan, Skylar Newton
Chicago Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta: Abbie Probst, Elizabeth Starck, Amy Simonsen GREAT REPORT!
Please be sure to submit your results with CREW NAMES to the Class Office via EMAIL office@lightningclass.org . If you have a short summary and a few photos even better!
If your regatta isn't listed - be sure to add the event to the ILCA Event Calendar and send in results after the regatta! | Upcoming Regattas through August 2026:
Click on the event for more info or
If you need help listing your events please contact Laura in the Class Office. |
Lightning Class Finland - Keiteleregatta
Country Qualifier (4 slots) for 2027 Pan Am Games. Canadian qualifier for the 2027 Worlds. Optional clinic, debrief and dinner to be held Friday afternoon. Racing Saturday and Sunday. Open to all Lightnings.
Monthly Lightning racing in Colombia!
Lightning Class Finland - Päijännepurjehdus
Join Fleet 79 for two days of racing on beautiful Lake Michigan! PERFECT practice for the WJM NAs!
Seven races over Saturday and Sunday on beautiful Loon Lake in challenging inland lake conditions. Saturday evening a really pleasant get-together at the Walsh's historic cottage. Loon is the Central Canadian District's first half of the Districts, so count on excellent competition.
Long Is. District Championship
Racing in Marblehead! NOTE Corrected Date from initial posting.
Henderson Harbor YC Welcomes All!
UPDATE: Midwest District Championships moved to Evans Regatta in Green Bay on June 13-14. All are invited to this multi class race weekend! Party "on the bricks" Saturday night with live band! Possible return of the bounce house, too!
Monthly Lightning racing in Colombia!
Sailing in Peru - Host of the 2027 Pan Am Games! This regatta serves as a Country Qualifier for the 2027 Games.
Come and explore Milwaukee and race on beautiful Lake Michigan!
Lightning Class Finland - R4 Airistoregatta
SAVE THE DATE! Get ready for some great racing in Sheboygan, WI! You'll have your fill of cheese, beer, brats, and FUN!
Lightning Class Finland - Viapori Pint
Havre de Grace, Maryland - Yes, inflatable Ducks are used as marks!
Come join Skaneateles Country Club, Fleet 1 on beautiful Skaneateles Lake. To encourage participation awards will be include those for best finish by a Classic boat as well as that with a wood mast, in addition for overall awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Lightning Class Finland - R5 Hamina
Fern Ridge Reservoir near Eugene, Oregon is a big lake with 1.5-mile beats available for racing. This is a multi-Fleet regatta. The food is wonderful!
Gorgeous sailing on Thunder Bay of Lake Superior. Two races Saturday with starts in South Bay, Amethyst Harbour, around closer islands and Temple Reef, then each finishing in South Bay. Sunday, one race, again starting in South Bay, Amethyst Harbour, out and around Caribou Island and finishing in South Bay. Idyllic sailing in fabulous scenery. A great party Saturday evening at the Bailey's. Yes, the sauna will be really hot!
Double Down in Sheboygan! Keep your boat in Sheboygan between the NAs and Brotz Regatta!
| Limbaugh Fund Support!
The Limbaugh Fund is designated to support the education, training, and the promotion of Junior sailing. Uses of these funds have included support for the Youth World Championships, grants for junior programs, funding Junior racing clinics, trophies, promotion of youth regattas, and U32 regatta fee subsidies.
| | Major Championship Regattas |
Country Qualifier for 2027 Pan Am Games (pending approval). Canadian qualifier for the 2027 Worlds. Optional clinic, debrief and dinner to be held in the U.S. Friday afternoon. Racing Saturday and Sunday. Open to all Lightnings.
Come and explore Milwaukee and race on beautiful Lake Michigan!
SAVE THE DATE! Get ready for some great racing in Sheboygan, WI! You'll have your fill of cheese, beer, brats, and FUN!
After a short break in 2025, Lightning action is back in Jacksonville! This year the regatta will be double billed and also serve as the Atlantic Coast Championships!
The Chilean National Championship is BACK in Pucon!
3 Days of Racing in St Pete - now the Midwinter Championship- leave your boat in the area and you will be ready for the St Pete Winter Champs in March and the Worlds in April!
Includes a Master's Winter Championship - Great tune-up for Worlds in April!
Open event for skippers 55+ and combined crew of 130+ as of 12/31/2027
Coming back to Peru! Same location as the 2018 Games.
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2026 Lightning Boat Census
Did you know that nearly 15,700 Lightnings have been built since 1938? And where are they all?
This year, the Lightning Class is going to find out. The Class is conducting a boat census to discover the whereabouts and condition of as many of our boats as possible. The Census will enable us to update our boat registry, engage with boat owners, discover how the boats are being used, and understand people’s plans for them. The results will be used to shape our efforts to grow existing fleets, create new ones, get good used boats into the hands of emerging U32 and collegiate skippers and increase our sailing footprint as we head towards our 100th anniversary in 2038.
Read more at Boat Census Kickoff Information or
go straight to the census and report your boat at Boat Census Survey. | | | | Local Boat Grant Playbook
Growing Lightning fleets starts with getting people on the water. Our Local Boat Grant Playbook is a practical guide for anyone thinking about starting a boat grant program or improving one that's already running.
Inside are the frameworks and examples needed to build a program that fits: different ownership models, funding strategies, how to structure operations, and tips for overcoming challenges like volunteer burnout or keeping participants engaged. We've talked to successful programs across North America to bring together what actually works in the real world.
This playbook provides options and real examples so fleets can choose what works for their unique situation.
| | | | Laura Jeffers
Executive Secretary
(727) 942-7969
| | Carly Starck
Social Media & Regatta Results/Reports
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