Keeping the momentum going

With an increased emphasis on youth and school sailing in the USA, attracting new and younger people to established one design classes has suffered. Sustaining health has led to initiatives which not only lead the horse to water, but also show it how to drink.

The International Lightning Class Association held the second annual U32 Invitational Regatta which attracted 75 competitors, with sailors between the ages of 21-32 descending on the New Jersey Shore for a fall exhibition at Metedeconk River Yacht Club.

After Friday’s welcome night, racing commenced on Saturday, providing short-course sailing on the Metedeconk River that reminded many competitors of their days in college. A benefit of the Lightning is that sailors can enjoy that quick-hitting style of racing or mile-long courses in the ocean depending on location and regatta.

This regatta also proved to be a promotion for the Lightning Class’ Boat Grant Program, as 2025 recipient Will Murray and his team of Heather Kerns and Lucas Goodin dominated the field. Team Murray won three of four races en route to becoming the second-ever U32 champion. A Hobart-William Smith alumnus, Murray skippered his grant boat throughout the 2025 season, including a top-15 finish at the North American Championship.

“The U32 Regatta was a perfect example of what makes the Lightning class so special — intense, tactical racing mixed with an incredibly fun and welcoming atmosphere,” Murray said.

“The program is such an important opportunity for younger sailors to get involved, build connections, and see what makes this fleet so special. Sailing the grant boat has given me the chance to experience this community firsthand, and it’s easy to see why so many people stay in the class for life.”

Separate from the scored races, MRYC’s PRO Keith Taboada – a longtime Lightning sailor himself – ran the annual “Rum Bucket Race” to end Saturday’s sailing. The race featured a fixed barrel course around the Metedeconk River, ending with a finish in front of the club. Team Murray continued their dominance to capture the rum bucket as well.

Saturday evening included the regatta dinner, a live band, dancing, and a MRYC bar that stayed open longer than usual – just for the U32 crowd.

The biggest goals of the U32 Regatta are to introduce sailors to the Lightning and welcome back those who have not sailed the boat in several years.

Overall, nearly one third of the participants were first-time Lightning sailors which matched the inaugural edition at Buffalo Canoe Club (Ridgeway, ON), with the 2025 regatta featuring sailors from as far as Colombia and Chile.

“After a tremendous 2024 inaugural regatta at the BCC, our goal was simple: keep the momentum going,” said Jason Lutz, who chaired the 2025 regatta. “This age range is certainly a demographic that all major classes and yacht clubs should be emphasizing. We are certainly grateful to the Lightning Class and MRYC for supporting this initiative.”

Finally, the overarching goal of the U32 program is to keep these 75 sailors involved in Lightning sailing. Before the awards ceremony, sailors were reminded of the many local, regional, national, and international opportunities in the Lightning Class. Murray, alongside 2024 recipient Emma Hawko, spoke to the crowd about how rewarding their experience in the Boat Grant Program has been.

Details for the 2026 U32 Regatta location and date will be released over the winter.

Source: Lightning Class