Lightning Class dangles a big carrot

The health of one design dinghy classes was once secured by recruiting teen sailors as crew, and over time these young people would beg and borrow to become active class members. But in the 1980s, youth sailing programs in the USA began focusing on scholastic competition, and the flow of new blood slowed.

Since then, one design classes have launched various programs to capture the post-college crowd, with the International Lightning Class Association hosting its inaugural Lightning U32 Invitational Regatta for sailors aged 21-32 on August 24-25 at Buffalo Canoe Club in Ridgeway, ON.

The event, which provided boat charters and housing at no cost, filled 32 boats with nearly 100 young sailors current and new to the Lightning Class from across the country (and South America!) to experience the class camaraderie and competitive sailing.

If young people aren’t introduced to the options in sailing during their teen years, it is much harder to figure out how to stay active in their twenties. So, the Lightning Class dangled a big carrot, with the weekend consisting of a welcome cocktail party, on-shore lightning clinic, racing, regatta dinner, beach games, raffles prizes, and awards.

By all accounts, participants made new friends and created interest for their next Lighting event. Mission accomplished!

Event information – Photos – Results