The Lightning, a 19 foot trailerable centerboard sloop, was designed by the renowned yacht designer, Olin Stephens of Sparkman & Stephens, as an affordable family day-sailor and racing boat. She has evolved into one of the most popular and competitive one-design racing classes in the world. The Lightning's rig is simple, but offers sophisticated sail shape controls. The hull features a unique hard chine design that combines the stability that provides sail-carrying power, with flat bottom sections that promote planing. The International Lightning Class Association protects the boat's design and licenses custom and private builders to build boats under its administration.

Whether racing or daysailing, the Lightning offers a combination of performance and stability that eludes most one-designs. The Lightning's hard chine and 130 lb centerboard give her the stability and power of a small keel boat going to weather in strong winds and allow her to carry a very large spinnaker for breathtaking offwind rides.

There's room in the cockpit for two couples or a family to daysail, but the Lightning is easy to ramp launch and light enough to trailer with ease. In the event of a capsize, she can be righted and sailed dry by her crew. The Lightning truly excels as a racing boat. It requires a wide range of different skills, both tactical and technical. At 700 pounds all up, the boat is tough enough to avoid frequent breakdowns, but light enough to plane wildly on reaches.

(adapted from the International Lightning Class Association)

The Lightning Fleet 486 has about 10 boats at Valley Sailing. Lightning members compete in regattas within its district
including Carlyle, Memphis, Decatur and Nashville.

If you are looking for an enjoyable and rewarding sailing experience and would like to find out more about the Lightning
Class and Fleet 486 please contact:

Lightning Fleet 486 Captain
Rick Conaway
Email to:janrick@swbell.net
(314) 838-6765