Lightning class to award two boats to successfull applicants

(October 31, 2013) – The International Lightning Class Association is now accepting applications for the 2014 ILCA Boat Grant Program.

The ILCA owns two competitive Lightnings that are awarded to promising young sailors for the summer sailing season. The grantees are selected by a panel of experienced Lightning sailors based on the proposal that each team submits and through an interview process. The grant covers all regatta entry fees, boat insurance, and some travel money. It includes a nearly new boat, good sails and a mentor.

This is a unique opportunity for sailors over the age of 19 to experience Lightning sailing at its best. To date 76 young adults have experienced the Lightning Class through the Boat Grant Program. 8 are now boat owners and nearly half are still active in the Class. Boat Grant alumni include Bobby Martin ’07, Will Brown ’08, Clinton Hayes ’08, Caroline Patten ’11, Colin Smith ’13, and Mitch Hall ’13.

“After the first day of racing at the 2013 Lightning World Championship in Italy, 3 of the top 10 were all Boat Grant Alumni! It is incredible to see these young people learning the boat so quickly. They are all sailing really well,” boasted Class President John Faus.

Applications and proposals are due on December 31. Each applicant is required to provide sailing resumes, three references with letters of recommendation and include a cover letter explaining why they are the best candidates for the grant. Complete details on how to apply for this grant is found on the ILCA website: http://lightningclass.org/racing/boatGrant/index.asp

For specific questions or more information about the ILCA grant – contact:
ILCA Executive Secretary Laura Jeffers – 727-942-7969 or office@lightningclass.org

William Brown, Co-Chair – 201-264-7251 or wgbrowniv@gmail.com

Justin Coplan, Co-Chair – jocoplan@gmail.com

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About the International Lightning Class Association:
Today there have been over 15530 Lightnings built. The rig is simple, but offers sophisticated sail shape controls for a crew of three. The hull features a unique hard chine design that combines the stability that provides sail-carrying power, with flat bottom sections that promote planing. Optimum crew weight is 450 to 500 lbs. The boat weighs 700 pounds and sitting on the trailer with covers, sails and gear the all up weight is about 1100 lbs so it can be safely towed with almost any vehicle.

Many top sailors spent a lot of time racing Lightnings: Betsy Alison, Andy Horton, Jay and Jody Lutz, Greg and Matt Fisher, Tim Healy, Jeff Linton, Cory Sertl, Ken and Brad Read, Jody Swanson Starck, Dave Dellenbaugh, Terry Hutchinson and Ted Turner to name a few. Formore information visit: www.lightningclass.org