Creating Growth in Lightning Class

The International Lightning Class Association’s Boat Grant program begins its 12th season by announcing three teams which are the 2018 grant recipients. The class annually selects applicants and provides a competitive boat, mentoring, insurance and substantial regatta expense reimbursement. The 2018 recipients will based out of South Carolina and Wisconsin.

2018 grant recipients:
• Carter Cameron and his team of Elizabeth Pemberton and William Hundahl are from Charleston, SC and will be sailing with the Charleston Fleet in the Southeastern District. Carter and his teammates currently sail for the College of Charleston Sailing Team and helped to win the 2017 College Nationals. Their mentor will be veteran Lightning sailor Patrick Hogan.

• Erik Elliott and his team of Cabell Sitter and Abbey Pomeroy will be based out of Wisconsin and the Midwest District. Both Erik and Cabell are recent college graduates from the University of Wisconsin, where they were active members of the UW Sailing Team. Abbey is a longtime Lighting sailor from the Midwest who will bring a wealth of Lightning knowledge to the team. Their mentors will be veteran Lightning Sailors Todd Wake, Bill Faude, Whitney Kent, and Craig Pomeroy.

• Ryan Davidson and his team of Stefan Kuehn and bowman/woman will also be based out of Charleston, SC and will sail with the Charleston Fleet. Both Ryan and Stefan are 2016 graduates of the College of Charleston. Ryan was the PRO at the 2017 College Nationals while Stefan was team captain 2015-2016. Their mentor will be veteran Lightning sailor Greg Fisher.

About the Lightning Boat Grant Program
In 2007 ILCA Class members Bill Fastiggi and Allan Terhune brought an out of the box concept to conception. They were awarded the 2007 US Sailing Leadership Award for their efforts in launching what would become a benchmark program across the sailing community. The Program gives selected young sailors an opportunity to experience Lightning racing at its best.

In the North America, the ILCA provides a competitive boat, insurance and substantial regatta expense reimbursement. The grant applications are reviewed and critiqued to listed selection criteria. The Class typically grants two boats each season but has granted up to five in one season.

Each applicant is expected to sail in a predetermined number of races, maintain the boat and equipment and exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship. The grant is for use of the boat and equipment for one season. At the end of the season the boat may be available for purchase, depending on the situation. Each recipient is assigned a “mentor” for the season. By providing opportunities for young adult sailors to experience the Lightning we are helping to ensure the ILCA will be strong for many more years to come.

In 2016 the program expanded to include South America. This program is funded by the ILCA Fund and annual donations from members.

Additional information… click here.

Source: Doug Wake, ILCA