2025 Lightning Class Boat Grant Program

The Lightning Class has revealed the three teams selected for the 2025 International Lightning Class Boat Grant Program. Since the inception of the program in 2007, over 50 young teams have experienced the Lightning Class’ high level of racing and camaraderie. More than 10 of these teams continue to actively race and own boats in the class today.

The program provides boats and mentoring to recipients over 19 years of age, along with covering entry fees and some of travel expenses.

“Our 2025 teams are a mix of recent and current strong collegiate sailors, underscoring the Class’s focus on encouraging young sailors to continue their involvement in one-design racing after college,” stated program co-chair Ryan Davidson.

Andrew Hopkins and his teammate of Susanna Hopkins and Mary Bevans hail from Charleston, SC. Andrew moved from Walled Lake, Michigan where he met his wife Susanna on the Clemson University Sailing Team. Susanna’s sister, Mary competed on the College of Charleston Sailing Team and rounds out the all-family team.

The team intends to compete in and around the Southeastern Lightning District and will be mentored by local Lightning sailors, Greg Fisher and Ryan Davidson.

“We hope to build upon the legacy of the program by competing with enthusiasm and emphasizing fun and learning,” said Andrew Hopkins.

Grant recipients Hobart and William Smith collegiate sailors Will Murray, Heather Kerns, and Tess Weber are eager to show their strength among the Boston and Buffalo lightning fleets this summer. With plans to compete in the North American Championship and the Women, Junior, Master North American Championships, the team will be mentored by some of the class greats including Pan-American competitors and North American Champions.

“After sailing Lightnings in the past, I knew this was the perfect next step to continue developing as a sailor while forming lifelong connections within the class,” said Will Murray. “I’m excited to compete, learn, and contribute to this incredible fleet”

Also hailing from Charleston, SC is Axel Stordahl and his team consisting of Garrett Grenauer and Noelle Owen. This group of college alumni from College of Charleston has been together for the past five years.. Axel and Garrett won the 2022 and 2023 College Match Race National Championship while team captain Noelle led the varsity team to be recognized with the Fowle Trophy in 2021 for their all-around team excellence.

The team intends to compete in and around the Southeastern Lightning District and will be mentored by local Lightning sailors, Greg Fisher and Ryan Davidson.

One Design Champion Ched Proctor is giving back to the sport and helping to pave the way for the next generation. Proctor recently joined the Boat Grant Committee as co-chair with Davidson.

“It’s so much fun to watch and race against these youngsters!” said Proctor. “I look forward to getting to know and sailing against this year’s boat grant class.”

The Boat Grant Committee included Davidson, Proctor, Karl Allen, Bill Fastiggi, Bill Faude and Matthew Schon.

Details: www.lightningclass.org/boatgrant