International Lightning Class Association

Class contact information.

Click below

Class Email

Class Website

One-Design Class Type: Dinghy

Was this boat built to be sailed by youth or adults? Both

Approximately how many class members do you have? 1600

Photo Credit:Douglas Wake

lightning sailboat racing

Photo Credit: Art Petrosemolo

lightning sailboat racing

About International Lightning Class Association

The Lightning truly excels as an affordable racing boat. The 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. At 700 pounds all up, the trailerable centerboard sloop is tough enough to avoid frequent breakdowns, but light enough to plane wildly on the reaches. Membership is diverse with sailors aged 8 to 80+. Many families sail together at top events and it is common to see females make up at least 40% of competitors.

The Lightning is sailed in more than thirteen countries and in the Pan American Games. A World, Master World and Youth World Championships are held every two years. North American, South American and European Championships are held each year as are innumerable regional and District championships. Major regattas attract some of the finest sailors in the world, but you find Class members friendly and the sailmakers’ complete tuning guides helpful at getting you up to speed in a hurry.

The International Lightning Class Association is one of the oldest and best organized class associations in sailboat racing. Its primary purpose is to serve its membership, preserve the integrity of the Lightning and provide high-quality competitive events. In addition, the Lightning Class publishes monthly e-blasts and a quarterly newsletter Flashes with up-to-date regatta news, boat brokerage and ideas on how to get the most out of your Lightning. The professionally managed association and dedicated volunteers are always on hand to assist both current and potential members.

If you’re looking for a boat you can be proud to sail, one that offers dinghy handling with the performance of a sport boat, a refined design that’s free of fads, complete with the technology of today for both racing and day sailing – look at the Lightning.

Boats Produced: 15630+

Class boat builder(s):

Allen Boat Company, Buffalo, NY: https://www.allenboatco.com/

WindRider International: https://www.windrider.com/

Approximately how many boats are in the USA/North America? 11,000+

Where is your One-Design class typically sailed in the USA? List regions of the country:

East of the Mississippi, Mid-West, Texas, Denver, San Diego, Pacific Northwest Click Here for Fleet Finder Map: https://www.lightningclass.org/content.aspx?page_id=451&club_id=93488

Does this class have a spinnaker or gennaker? Yes

How many people sail as a crew including the helm?  3

Ideal combined weight of range of crew:  490

Boat Designed in  1938

Length (feet/inches): 19’0″

Beam: 6’6″

Weight of rigged boat without sails: 700 lbs

Draft: (board down): 4’11”, (board up): 5″

Mast Height: 26’2″

Back to One-Design Central

Copyright ©2018-2024 United States Sailing Association. All rights reserved. US Sailing is a 501(c)3 organization. Website designed & developed by Design Principles, Inc. -->

Browse by Category

  • Coach of the Year
  • High School Sailing Team of the Year
  • Optimist Sailor of the Year
  • Sailing Fitness
  • Regatta News/Results
  • Boat Speed/Tuning/Sailtrim Articles
  • General Sailing News
  • Coaches Locker Room
  • From the Experts
  • Profiles in Pro Sailing
  • Featured Jobs
  • Marketplace Ads
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sail1Design

First Name*

Email Address*

November 30, 1999 by Sail1Design Editor Leave a Comment

lightning sailboat racing

Without Compromising Either One The Lightning, a 19 foot trailerable centerboard sloop, was originally designed by 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. Awarded ISAF International Class status, the Lightning is sailed in more than 13 countries and in the Pan American Games, and the class provides a professionally-managed association that is among the largest in all of one-design sailing. 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. A list of Lightning builders is available from the ILCA upon request.

Dinghy Responsiveness, Sportboat Performance

The Best Of Both Worlds 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.

Refined Design, Toda

The Best Of Both Worlds Whether you’re more interested in how a boat looks or how it behaves, it’s hard to beat the Lightning. The Class maintains an attitude that promotes conservative innovation, making the boat faster, safer and more maintenance free, while keeping prices affordable. Most Lightnings built in the last 25 years can be made competitive and it’s not uncommon to see them winning races right along with new ones. In fact the 1995 World Champion sailed a boat built in 1969! Modern Lightnings are built in foam-cored fiberglass with stainless steel centerboards and black anodized aluminum spars. The world’s top sailmakers give the class their best efforts. In short, there are enough controls to keep the most technically inclined happy, but it’s good tactics, boat-handling and hiking that win races.

The Best Competition In The World Or A Way To Get Away From It

The Best Of Both Worlds

Ted Turner, Dennis Conner, Ken Read, Dave Dellenbaugh, Dave Curtis, Bruce Goldsmith, Tom Allen, Neal Fowler, Steve Benjamin, Ched Proctor, Bill Shore, Greg Fisher, Andy Horton are just a few of the rock stars who have competed in the Lightning. After more than 60 years and more than 15,000 boats it’s easy to find a regatta when you want to. But whether you’re interested in serious racing or you just want to go for a joyride with the family, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Lightning. Club Racer Or International Icon

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 the reaches. A World Championship is held every two years. North American, South American and European Championships are held each year as are innumerable regional and District championships. Major regattas attract some of the finest sailors in the world, but you find class members friendly and the sailmakers’ complete tuning guides helpful at getting you up to speed in a hurry.

The International Lightning Class Association

Welcome To Our World

The ILCA is one of the oldest and best organized class associations in sailboat racing. Its primary purpose is to serve its membership, preserve the integrity of the Lightning and provide high-quality competitive events. In addition, the ILCA publishes a monthly newsletter Lightning Flashes with up-to-date regatta news, boat brokerage and ideas on how to get the most out of your Lightning. An annual Yearbook, containing many illustrated articles, reports on major championships, fleet reports and a complete association mailing list, is also published. The professional ILCA staff is always on hand to assist both current and potential members. If you’re looking for a boat you can be proud to sail, one that offers dinghy handling with the performance of a sportboat, a refined design that’s free of fads, complete with the technology of today for both racing and daysailing

Get The Best Of Both Worlds. Get into a Lightning. See you on the water. David Dellenbaugh, former Lightning World Champion and starting helmsman for 1992

America’s Cup defender America3

The Top 10 Things I Like About The Lightning: 1. There’s Lightning racing almost everywhere. 2. Some of the best sailors in the world sail the Lightning. 3. Lightnings are available from more than one high-quality builder. 4. Lightnings even 20 years old are still competitive. 5. The boat is one of the best crew trainers on the water today. 6. The class is not so strict as to discourage experimentation which makes the boat faster and easier to sail. 7. The Lightning has interested the finest sailmakers in the world so the sails and the tuning guides look great and are easy to use. 8. The Lightning is a very roomy boat for daysailing. 9. Lightning sailors sail hard, but they’re not too cutthroat – someone’s always ready to answer questions. 10. The class management is as good as you’ll find in one-design sailing. For more information about the International Lightning or to arrange a test sail in your area, call or write to the address listed below.

Design: Sparkman & Stephens, 1938 Over 15000 built More than 500 fleets worldwide Length: 19’0″ (5.8m) Beam: 6’6″ (2m) Displacement: 700 lb (318 kg) Draft (board down): 4’11” (151.3cm) (board up): 5″ (12.8cm) Mast height: 26’2″ (7.9m) Sail area (main & jib): 177 sq.ft. (spinnaker): 300 sq.ft. Crew (racing): 3

Class website: http://www.lightningclass.org/index.asp

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By submitting this form, you accept the Mollom privacy policy .

lightning sailboat racing

One Design Classes

Browse the airwaves.

  • Sailing News Articles
  • High School & College News Articles
  • One-Design Class Profiles
  • Tactics & Strategy
  • Sailing & Education
  • ICSA Rankings
  • Sailing/Yacht Club Profiles
  • Youth Sailor of the Year
  • Sail1Design Annual Awards

Helpful Links

  • Join the S1D Team
  • Accessibility Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
  •  Print This Page
  •  Text Size
  •  Scroll To Top

Facebook Logo

Restoration of Skaneateles Lightning #167

The Lightning sailboat was designed by the Naval Architectural firm of Sparkman & Stephens in response to a request from John and George Barnes, owners of Skaneateles Boats, Inc. The Barnes brothers were interested in building a one-design sailboat which could be used both for racing as well as family day sailing. The two firms collaborated closely on the design of the sailboat over a two-year period, and prototype Lightning #1 (now part of the watercraft Collection at Mystic Seaport Museum) was built in 1938. The boat received an enthusiastic response from the yachting world, and production began in earnest the following year.

lightning sailboat racing

Lightning Class Supporters

MarkSet Bot

  • AROUND THE SAILING WORLD
  • BOAT OF THE YEAR
  • Email Newsletters
  • America’s Cup
  • St. Petersburg
  • Caribbean Championship
  • Boating Safety

Sailing World logo

One-Design Showcase

One Design Lightning

About the DN Iceboat

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 off wind rides. The Lightning’s rig is simple, but offers sophisticated sail shape controls. 

Our 19-foot trailerable centerboard sloop has evolved into one of the most popular and competitive one-design racing classes in the world. Awarded ISAF International Class status, the Lightning is sailed in more than 13 countries and in the Pan American Games, and the class provides a professionally-managed association that is among the largest in all of one-design sailing. 

If you’re looking for a boat you can be proud to sail, one that offers dinghy handling with the performance of a sportboat, a refined design that’s free of fads, complete with the technology of today for both racing and daysailing – Get The Best Of Both Worlds. Get into a Lightning.

Class Information:

Class Contact:  Laura Jeffers, Executive Secretary

Class Contact Email:   [email protected]

Class Contact Phone:   727-942-7969

Class Website:   lightningclass.org

Social Media:   Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Youtube  

Class Specs

LOA:  19 ft. 

Beam:  6 ft. 6 in. 

Draft:  4 ft. 11 in. 

Weight:  700 lbs. 

lightning sailboat racing

Spark Plugs: The A Class’s Emmanuel Cerf

At the Helly Hansen NOOD Regatta St. Petersburg, the mover and shaker of the A Class catamaran fleet builds his world championship field of dreams.

nood regatta

Snowbirds Descend Upon the Helly Hansen NOOD Regatta St. Petersburg

Tampa Bay locals have it good year-round, but it’s more fun when winter’s escapees come to play.

Tom Allen

The Lightning Rod

The boat builder goes beyond family legacy in the Lightning Class, he’s bringing fresh energy to this vintage fleet.

lightning sailboat racing

Inside the Class: Lightning

On the morning of the final race, we sat down with a Lightning class legend and the fleet’s next generation to see what they could learn from each other.

Sailing World logo

  • Digital Edition
  • Customer Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cruising World
  • Sailing World
  • Salt Water Sportsman
  • Sport Fishing
  • Wakeboarding

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

  • Sailboat Guide

Lightning is a 18 ′ 11 ″ / 5.8 m monohull sailboat designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Nickels Boat Works, Inc., Skaneateles Boat & Canoe Co., Helms - Jack A. Helms Co., Siddons & Sindle, Lippincott Boat Works, J.J. Taylor and Sons Ltd., Lockley Newport Boats, Eichenlaub Boat Co., Mobjack Manufacturing Corp., Clark Boat Company, Allen Boat Co., and Loftland Sail-craft Inc. starting in 1938.

Drawing of Lightning

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

One of the most popular one-design classes in the US since the 1940’s. But fleets also exist in other parts of the world. Although originally designed for wood planked construction, nearly all boats since the early 1960’s have been built of fiberglass. Ballast above is max weight of centerboard.

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

  • About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Top phone2x

  • ☰ Menu
  • Wednesday Night Main and Jib Series
  • Sailing Documents
  • Wednesday Night One Design Lightning Fleet #216
  • Weekend Series
  • Members-only
  • 1 Wednesday Night Main and Jib Series...

The Bay City Yacht Club is the center of inner Saginaw Bay sailboat racing. We are home to Lightning Fleet 216, have an active Wednesday Night fun-racing program as well as a more competitive weekend series. We frequently host regional regattas and welcome inquiries to utilize BCYC facilities to host sailboat racing events.

Connect with us on Facebook To stay in tune with sailboat racing on the Saginaw Bay and the Great Lakes.

We have a number of different racing opportunities as listed below

The BCYC Main and Jib series runs from May to early October each year. The season is split into 3 series: Spring, Summer and Fall. Races are held Wednesday evenings. Races are run in accordance with US Sailing Racing Rules Of Sailing and utilize PHRF handicapping. Participants are slotted into fleets based on PHRF rating and boat type. Race results are announced at the BCYC clubhouse and online after each race. Season awards are presented at a festive, fun BCYC Sailing Banquet held in late October, early November of each year. Registration and entry fees are required.

The Saginaw Bay Lightning Fleet #216 has been located at the Bay City Yacht Club from the very start of the club in the 1950's. At BCYC, the fleet consists of over 12 boats who are active in the fleet racing program which occurs on every Wednesday night from May to September. The Bay City Lightning One Design Series involves a closed race course within a mile of shore and typically consists of 2-3 races each night. The results of each race is recorded and scores are tallied at the end of the season and awards presented.

The Lightning, a 19-foot trailerable centerboard sloop is 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 for crews of Men, Women, and Juniors alike. The Lightning is easy to launch and sail with a crew of 2-4 people and raced typically with a crew of three, it is also light enough to trailer with ease.

The BCYC Weekend Series runs from June through September of each year. Spinnaker, Cruising and Multhull classes are being offered. The weekend series is the more competitive series hosted by BCYC and consists of a mix of courses: short distance races within the BCYC Racing Buoy Course, long distance races 20+ nm in length that sail to the outer bay, and one night race to Tawas. PHRF handicapping is used. Race results are posted after the race online. Season awards are presented at the year-end BCYC Sailing Banquet. Registration and entry fees are required.

Great Lakes Multihull Championship Regatta

During August of each year, the BCYC looks forward to hosing the Great Lakes Multi Hull Championship Regatta. This regatta draws some of the best multihull sailors in the Midwest and frequently draws national competitors as well.

  • Regatta documents

BCYC Lightning Regatta

BCYC is home to International Lightning Class Association Fleet 216. Fleet 216 hosts an annual invitational regatta as part of the Michigan Lightning District traveling schedule.

For information on Fleet 216 or Lightning One Design racing, visit http://www.fleet216.com

Last updated 5:15pm on 27 March 2024

Welcome to our store

Item added to your cart

lightning sailboat racing

Nickels Boat Works

Couldn't load pickup availability

Lightning Details

The International Lightning Class is a 1938 Sparkman and Stephens design. This active racing class has grown to nearly 15,000 boats. The quality, performance and speed of the Nickels Lightnings are proving themselves for hundreds of current owners including North American and World Championship skippers. Why not join them with the confidence that you are buying the best there is?

The Nickels Lighting features a new hull and deck. The hull design maximizes down wind speed while preserving upwind performance, while the new rolled deck affords greater comfort when hiking in addition to our optimization of control line location. The new deck also provides for increased interior room for crew and skipper. We have also included a new location for fine tuning of the backstay. This new deck is stiffer insuring durability and strength.

Fully rigged w/ stainless steel centerboard: $24,995

A new Nickels custom race equipped Lightning includes:

  • Lightning Class Number—royalty and measurement certificate (from the class)
  • One color hull—one color deck New style rubrail white or black
  • Harken Equipment— Carbo blocks now standard
  • Mainsheet swivel with hexaratchet Jib sheet—Custom NBW jib car
  • Spinnaker guy and sheet Ratchamatic Jib uphaul—6 to 1
  • Twing lines with guy hooks Jib cloth—2 to 1
  • All block Boomvang 22 to 1 Backstay—8 to 1
  • NBW mast all lines internal Cunningham—4 to 1
  • Mainsheet bridle—Winward sheeting type, pull down
  • Centerboard hoist—10 to 1
  • Dual side controls—for backstay, mainsheet bridle, boomvang & cunningham with color coded lines.
  • 360 degree swivel cleat—on centerboard hoist 2 Hinged transom bailers
  • 3 padded hiking straps (your choice of color)
  • Large storage compartments in both cross seats
  • Lifting bridle
  • Nickels aluminum mast, boom, spinnaker pole and tiller with extension

Color Options: White is standard but for modest charge we customize for your color and striping

Rigging Options: There are numerous options. Give us your specifications and we will customize a price proposal for you.

Sails: Sails by North, Quantum and Vermont Sailing Partners. Current prices less 10% with new boat purchase. Covers are available from all manufacturers on request.

Also Available: Trailer - $1895 Spare Tire - $90.00 Aft Kick Stand - $35.50 (installed) Spare Tire Bracket - $37.50 (installed) 4 Stanchions - $449.00

Subscribe to our emails

Be the first to know about new collections and exclusive offers.

  • Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
  • Opens in a new window.

lightning sailboat racing

  • [ May 21, 2024 ] College Can’t Wait! Apply and Register TODAY for Fall 2024 Classes at Eastern Florida State College Brevard News
  • [ May 21, 2024 ] UPDATE: United Launch Alliance Atlas V Rocket Set to Launch Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft May 25 from Cape Canaveral Brevard News
  • [ May 21, 2024 ] WATCH: Florida Tech Scholar-Athlete Shane Carson Talks with Friday Night Locker Room’s Steve Wilson Brevard News
  • [ May 21, 2024 ] West Melbourne Police Traffic Homicide Officers Investigating Fatal Vehicle vs. Pedestrians Crash Brevard Crime News
  • [ May 21, 2024 ] WATCH: Florida Tech Alumna, NASA Astronaut Joan Higginbotham Speaks at Spring Commencement Brevard News

Home » Home » IT’S RACE WEEK! Thunder on Cocoa Beach Offshore Powerboat Race Festivities Underway

IT’S RACE WEEK! Thunder on Cocoa Beach Offshore Powerboat Race Festivities Underway

By Space Coast Daily  //  May 19, 2024

Enjoy four days and nights of parties and lots of racing action!

lightning sailboat racing

It’s Race Week! Don’t miss any of the pre-race party events. You do not have to be a VIP ticket holder to attend these parties—they are open to the public! Tonight High Octane Kickoff Party behind Sandbar Sports Grill – Cocoa Beach Friday night’s Thunder on Cocoa Beach Block Party (in downtown Cocoa Beach) and the Racers’ Welcome Party at Coconuts On the Beach and the official Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party each night at JT’s Social Bar.

lightning sailboat racing

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Thunder on Cocoa Beach offshore powerboat races will return for its 15th year on Florida’s Space Coast, scheduled from May 16 to May 19 and includes four days and nights of parties and lots of racing action.

The Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix is one of the most popular attractions for the whole family in Central Florida and draws the top race teams in the World to compete in various classes with Class 1 reaching speeds over 175 mph.

In addition to soaking up the vibe of a Powerboat P1 race filled with excitement, action and speed, spectators can also take in the atmosphere of the East Coast’s surfing capital.

Due to its warm weather, steady waves and world-class surf shops, Cocoa Beach welcomes around 2.5 million visitors each year , making it a top tourist destination. Once the racing is over, The Cover will be a popular destination, with Fish Lips Waterfront Bar & Grill on everyone’s list.

Class 1 is the premier class of offshore powerboat racing in the world and is considered to be one of the most spectacular marine motorsports.

A Class 1 race boat has twin inboard 1100 horse power engines.  Each boat has a two-man crew: the driver and throttleman. They work closely with their pit crews to decide the race set-up: the type of propeller required for the conditions, gear ration settings, the amount of fuel needed and race tactics.

For tickets go to ThunderOnCocoaBeach.com

All-New VIP Experience

A great race day experience is available for the biggest race fans as 2024 will usher in an all-new VIP experience for Thunder on Cocoa Beach fans.

Thunder on Cocoa Beach race officials said this year it’s all about where to be on Saturday and Sunday for race days.

“We have completely upgraded our VIP experience to offer a better experience and to enhance how and where you watch the race. You have more options for seating, dining and drinking for two fantastic days of racing – we’ve even included an option to pre-pay for VIP parking at Lori Wilson Park.”

For 2024, the only location for beach chalets is at the start/finish line located at Lori Wilson Park; there will not be chalets on the turns. For viewing options this year, you can choose from a VIP chalet ticket, a two-person lounger with umbrella ticket or amp up your weekend in one of our private cabanas.

lightning sailboat racing

VIP CHALET: The Thunder on Cocoa Beach VIP Chalet is getting a makeover. It will feature a dining area and cozy VIP lounge spaces. Sit and watch the race on LIVE TV in total comfort under our large, shaded tent and enjoy a complimentary buffet and two drink tickets. A cash bar will also be available.

TWO-PERSON LOUNGER WITH UMBRELLA: The two-person lounger chair set up with umbrella gives you a dedicated spot to watch the race without having to lug your own chairs and umbrellas. Each setup accommodates two people and includes table service. These tickets include access to the VIP Chalet and all the perks that accompany the VIP Chalet ticket.

PRIVATE CABANA: Sit in the middle of the action in your own private cabana. The two-person private cabana comes with two canvas loungers, a cocktail table, UV cabana shade, dedicated food/drink server, towel service, two drink tokens and a plate of food for each person. Got friends? You can add two more people to your cabana for an upgrade charge. Cabanas also include access to the VIP Chalet and all the perks that come with it.

PARKING: Parking is not included in the price of your ticket, but it can be added to your experience. This year VIP parking passes will be sold ahead of race day and are only valid with a TOCB VIP ticket.

There is a new location for Thursday night’s High Octane Kick-off Party. You can join the race directors, racers and other fans to celebrate the upcoming weekend’s races in the parking lot behind Sandbar Sports Grill and Twisted Tides.

As always, the race boats will parade down A1A on Friday afternoon at around 4 p.m. headed to the Thunder on Cocoa Beach Block Party located in the streets of downtown Cocoa Beach.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, May 16 – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.: High Octane Kick-Off Party behind Sandbar & Twisted Tides ; 10 p.m. – Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party brought to you by Xinsurance at JT’s Social Bar, inside the Cocoa Beach La Quinta Inn.

Friday, May 17 –  9 a.m, to 5 p.m .: Registration and Inspection, Race Village-Racer Village, Flounder Drive; 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Boat Parade, boats leaving from the ]ort between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to park in downtown Cocoa Beach; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thunder on Cocoa Beach Block Party in Downtown Cocoa Beach and meet the racers; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Coconuts on the Beach VIP party; 10 p.m., Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party brought to you by Xinsurance at JT’s Social Bar, inside the Cocoa Beach La Quinta Inn.

Saturday, May 18 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., VIP Experience Start/Finish Line at Lori Wilson Park; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Power Boats in Dry Pits, Race Village Flounder Drive; 10 p.m., Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party brought to you by Xinsurance at JT’s Social Bar, inside the Cocoa Beach La Quinta Inn.

Sunday, May 19 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Launching at Scorpion Marine; 10 a.m.to. 4 p.m., Power Boats in Dry Pits at Race Village on Flounder Drive; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., VIP Experience Start/Finish Line at Lori Wilson Park; 10 a.m., Start of first race; 6 p.m., Awards Presentation; 10 p.m., Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party brought to you by Xinsurance at JT’s Social Bar, inside the Cocoa Beach La Quinta Inn.

lightning sailboat racing

Similar Stories

lightning sailboat racing

FEATURED STORIES

lightning sailboat racing

Click Here to Sign Up for Text Alerts

Or Signup Below For Email Alerts!

facebook

  • CLASSIFIEDS
  • NEWSLETTERS
  • SUBMIT NEWS

Armstrong 300X250 Wing FG Board Range

The Philadelphia Cup Regatta Returns! Spectator-Friendly sailboat racing on the Delaware River

lightning sailboat racing

Related Articles

lightning sailboat racing

  • Today's news
  • Reviews and deals
  • Climate change
  • 2024 election
  • Fall allergies
  • Health news
  • Mental health
  • Sexual health
  • Family health
  • So mini ways
  • Unapologetically
  • Buying guides

Entertainment

  • How to Watch
  • My watchlist
  • Stock market
  • Biden economy
  • Personal finance
  • Stocks: most active
  • Stocks: gainers
  • Stocks: losers
  • Trending tickers
  • World indices
  • US Treasury bonds
  • Top mutual funds
  • Highest open interest
  • Highest implied volatility
  • Currency converter
  • Basic materials
  • Communication services
  • Consumer cyclical
  • Consumer defensive
  • Financial services
  • Industrials
  • Real estate
  • Mutual funds
  • Credit cards
  • Balance transfer cards
  • Cash back cards
  • Rewards cards
  • Travel cards
  • Online checking
  • High-yield savings
  • Money market
  • Home equity loan
  • Personal loans
  • Student loans
  • Options pit
  • Fantasy football
  • Pro Pick 'Em
  • College Pick 'Em
  • Fantasy baseball
  • Fantasy hockey
  • Fantasy basketball
  • Download the app
  • Daily fantasy
  • Scores and schedules
  • GameChannel
  • World Baseball Classic
  • Premier League
  • CONCACAF League
  • Champions League
  • Motorsports
  • Horse racing
  • Newsletters

New on Yahoo

  • Privacy Dashboard

Coast Guard rescues 7 after lightning strike disables boat in Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Seven people were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after lightning struck a boat, causing it to become disabled in Florida on Saturday.

According to USCG, the passengers were aboard a 24-foot vessel about two miles east of Cape Canaveral when the incident occurred.

All seven people were safely transferred to the Jetty Park Boat Ramp, where EMS was waiting.

Following the lightning strike, the 24-foot boat was anchored and the other Coast Guard officials issued a safety marine information broadcast to alert all mariners in the sea.

The owner of the vessel is currently working with commercial salvage for recovery operations, USCG said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.

Recommended Stories

Senua's saga: hellblade ii review: a series of unfortunate events.

Hellblade II is more of an extended, extremely anxious and violent vibe than a traditional adventure game.

Biden long avoided touting stock market gains. Now he can't resist.

President Biden long tried to avoid presidential releases touting stock highs. Then came a series of new market landmarks and the opportunity to bait Trump in an election year.

Rafael Devers hits home run in record 6th straight game to lift Red Sox past Rays

Rafael Devers is now just two home runs shy of matching MLB’s all-time record.

Scarlett Johansson says that OpenAI approached her to use her voice

OpenAI is removing one of the voices used by ChatGPT. Users found that it sounded similar to Scarlett Johansson, the company announced on Monday, and Johansson herself released a statement saying she hired legal council to inquire about the Sky voice and get exact details about how it was developed. "We believe that AI voices should not deliberately mimic a celebrity's distinctive voice—Sky’s voice is not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson but belongs to a different professional actress using her own natural speaking voice," the company wrote in a blog post.

Veteran WR DeVante Parker retiring after nine seasons in the NFL, just months after signing with Eagles

DeVante Parker struck a deal to join the Eagles earlier this offseason.

ETF Partners raises €284M for climate startups that will be effective quickly — not 20 years down the road

While many climate investors focus their efforts on breakthrough, deep-tech solutions, Patrick Sheehan at ETF Partners has other ideas. “I’ve actually got nothing against carbon capture and storage, apart from the fact it’s probably going to be commercialized too late,” he told TechCrunch. Instead, Sheehan and his colleagues are diving into more software-centric companies that promise to still move the needle.

Scarlett Johansson says OpenAI used her likeness without permission for its 'Sky' voice assistant

Actor Scarlett Johansson has accused OpenAI of copying her voice for one of the voice assisstants in ChatGPT despite denying the company permission to do so.

Lowe's Q1 earnings preview: Slower housing market, poor weather expected to hit results

Home Depot earnings showed Wall Street with what to expect from Lowe's.

Memorial Day sales 2024: You don't have to wait — shop now for early deals on Apple, Bissell, Ninja and more

The holiday weekend runs May 24-27, but you can already save big on your favorite brands.

NYC-Dublin real-time video portal reopens with some fixes to prevent inappropriate behavior

When putting a video portal in a public park in the middle of New York City, some inappropriate behavior will likely occur. The Portal, the vision of Lithuanian artist and entrepreneur Benediktas Gylys, was designed to bring people together and let them share common experiences. After it opened earlier this month, the vast majority of people who went to the portal on both sides of the Atlantic waved to each other, brought their kids and pets and did friendly human things.

Amazon has compiled the Internet's favorite viral goodies in one secret place, and they start at only $5

From beloved cleaning tools to inexpensive beauty finds, the 'net is gaga over these picks.

Dabo Swinney downplays the transfer portal & the House settlement nears

Dan Wetzel, Ross Dellenger and SI's Pat Forde react to Dabo Swinney's recent remarks about not using the transfer portal, why noon kickoffs are the worst, why small conferences are pushing back on the House settlement, and Dan's issues with a New York Times article on landscaping

VinFast crash that killed family of four now under federal investigation

The top vehicle safety regulator in the U.S. has launched a formal probe into an April crash involving the all-electric VinFast VF8 SUV that claimed the lives of a family of four, TechCrunch has learned. A spokesperson for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) told TechCrunch on Monday that its Special Crash Investigations division will "document the crash circumstances and the ensuing fire." The victims, who have been identified by the Alameda County Sheriff's Department as Tarun and Rincy George, and their two children, did not own the vehicle.

Is Dabo Swinney's transfer stance crippling Clemson?

Swinney didn't need transfers to build Clemson into a national powerhouse. But the times have changed and he may now be hurting the Tigers with his old-school approach.

iOS 17.5.1 fixes reappearing photo bug

If you’ve noticed deleted photos reappearing on your iPhone, download this software update now.

'Like sleeping on a cloud': Save up to $700 on Tuft & Needle's bestselling mattresses for Memorial Day

The popular mail-order bedding brand slashed prices on sheets, pillows, toppers, quilts and more.

Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs will be available this fall

A gaggle of PC makers rolled out their first Copilot+ PCs on Monday, but they all run on Qualcomm silicon. Intel said today its first chips to support Copilot+ AI features, will arrive in the fall.

Report: Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice attends OTAs amid offseason incidents

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice reported for the team's organized team activities amid his involvement in a multi-car crash and alleged nightclub assault during the offseason.

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson reportedly skips start of voluntary OTAs amid contract talks

The Vikings have stated that they believe Jefferson is the best receiver in football. Will they reach a deal that compensates him as such?

Macy's Q1 earnings preview: Declines expected as management weighs a buyout offer

Wall Street expects another quarter of sales declines for the department store chain.

IMAGES

  1. Lightning class to award two boats to successfull applicants >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News

    lightning sailboat racing

  2. Sailing: Bethlehem native Dick Moyer has made a second career of racing sailboats

    lightning sailboat racing

  3. Welcome to the International Lightning Class

    lightning sailboat racing

  4. Great Racing at Lightning NA's >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News

    lightning sailboat racing

  5. Image result for lightning sailboat

    lightning sailboat racing

  6. lightning sailboat

    lightning sailboat racing

VIDEO

  1. Sailboat Race 7/19/23 KBRS featuring Grace

  2. A Huge Sailing Landmark

  3. 00008 Lightning practice spinnaker

  4. Lightning Sailboat Model

  5. Sailboat Hit by Lightning

  6. Sailing Tips: Lake Sailing in Big Breeze

COMMENTS

  1. Home

    The Lightning, a 19-foot trailerable centerboard sloop, was originally designed by Sparkman & Stephens as an affordable family day-sailor and racing boat. ... The ice has melted and Finnish Teams are sailing! ... Ranking 1 Esko Aalto and Team rounded out the top 3 in the 6 race series. May 4-5 Results.

  2. North American Championship

    NA participants will need to qualify through their 2021 District Championship Regatta. This regatta will serve as the US qualifier for the 2022 World Championship that is scheduled for May 2022, Carolina Yacht Club, Wrightsville Beach, NC. When: Sunday, August 8, 2021 to Saturday, August 14, 2021. Where: Edgewater Yacht Club. Edgewater YC Website.

  3. Lightning (dinghy)

    The Lightning is an American sailing dinghy that was designed by Olin Stephens of Sparkman & Stephens, as a one-design racer and first built in 1938.. An accepted World Sailing class, the boat is one of the most popular one-design sailing classes in the United States and is also raced in several other countries.. The design was developed into a smaller boat, as a trainer for the Lightning, the ...

  4. International Lightning Class Association

    The International Lightning Class Association is one of the oldest and best organized class associations in sailboat racing. Its primary purpose is to serve its membership, preserve the integrity of the Lightning and provide high-quality competitive events. In addition, the Lightning Class publishes monthly e-blasts and a quarterly newsletter ...

  5. Results, Awards, Newbie Report &More!

    Thursday's forecast was terrific and the racing was beautiful. Three up on the rail, sailing in just shorts and and tee shirt. Shifty winds and nice breeze allowing for tactically challenging sailing in a fleet that was well matched for very competitive sailing. Three different race winners, with a lot of position changes throughout the racing.

  6. Why Buy a Lightning

    Why Buy a Lightning. The Ultimate One-Design Sailboat. Sean Fidler - USA 14969. The Lightning combines a perfect balance of sail / tuning adjustments with boat / crew size. At only 700 lbs., Lightnings are light enough to trailer and launch easily. They are also small enough to be sailed easily with 3 people.

  7. Lightning Class Circuit Wrap Up

    Learn more about Lightning sails from North: https://www.northsails.com/sailing/en/od/lightningFind your local North Sails loft: https://www.northsails.com/s...

  8. International Lightning Class Association

    International Lightning Class Association. 4,391 likes · 6 talking about this. International Lightning Class The International governing body for the Lightning Class Sailboat worldwide #ILCA...

  9. An interview with Allan Terhune Sr. on the 2023 Lightning North

    This elusive combination of attributes continues to make the three-person Lightning, which Olin Stephens (of Sparkman & Stephens fame) designed in the mid-to-late 1930s, a popular and competitive boat. Take, for example, the 2023 Lightning North American Championship (August 5-11), which is being organized by the International Lightning Class ...

  10. Lightning

    The International Lightning Get The Best Of Both Worlds Without Compromising Either One The Lightning, a 19 foot trailerable centerboard sloop, was originally designed by 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. Awarded ISAF […]

  11. Lightning Sailboat Rigging and Racing Tips

    A quick racing seminar at the 2019 Lightning European Championship after races were postponed due to weather. One of the great things about the Lightning Cl...

  12. Lightning Sailboat Racing (Full Race)

    Lightning Sailboat Racing (Full Race) - Chesapeake BayAnnapolis, MDNo Gas- Day 2: Final Race2015#boatingwithbilly #sailing #lightningsailing #chesapeakebaysa...

  13. Would YOU Race Lightning Sailboats in a STORM?

    The storm brought some crazy wind gusts that knocked down a handful of boats. About 15 boats had to retire from racing! Lots of fun getting after it in thes...

  14. #167

    The Lightning sailboat was designed by the Naval Architectural firm of Sparkman & Stephens in response to a request from John and George Barnes, owners of Skaneateles Boats, Inc. The Barnes brothers were interested in building a one-design sailboat which could be used both for racing as well as family day sailing. The two firms collaborated ...

  15. Lightning Sailing World Championship 2019

    Wrapping up a few weeks in Espoo, Finland with an awesome World Championship. After making an awful mistake of not checking the air tanks inside our boat aft...

  16. St. Pete To Shine Again

    The Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta in St. Petersburg is a key warm-up event for the Lightning class's hotly-contested two-regatta Southern Circuit with March events in St. Pete and Miami. J ...

  17. LIGHTNING

    Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and Racing", International Marine, Camden, Maine, 1991, states that a BN of 1 is generally accepted as the dividing line between so-called slow and fast multihulls. BN = SA^0.5/(Disp. in pounds)^.333 Kelsall Sailing Performance (KSP): Another measure of relative speed potential of a boat. It takes into ...

  18. Lightning

    The Lightning's rig is simple, but offers sophisticated sail shape controls. Our 19-foot trailerable centerboard sloop has evolved into one of the most popular and competitive one-design racing ...

  19. Lightning

    Lightning is a 18 ′ 11 ″ / 5.8 m ... <20: lightweight racing boat. 20-30: coastal cruiser. 30-40: moderate bluewater cruising boat. 40-50: heavy bluewater boat >50: extremely heavy bluewater boat. Capsize Screening 2.9 >2.0: better suited for coastal cruising. Capsize Screening Formula.

  20. Racing : Bay City Yacht Club

    Racing. The Bay City Yacht Club is the center of inner Saginaw Bay sailboat racing. We are home to Lightning Fleet 216, have an active Wednesday Night fun-racing program as well as a more competitive weekend series. We frequently host regional regattas and welcome inquiries to utilize BCYC facilities to host sailboat racing events.

  21. Lightning

    Lightning Details The International Lightning Class is a 1938 Sparkman and Stephens design. This active racing class has grown to nearly 15,000 boats. The quality, performance and speed of the Nickels Lightnings are proving themselves for hundreds of current owners including North American and World Championship skippe

  22. IT'S RACE WEEK! Thunder on Cocoa Beach Offshore Powerboat Race

    Registration and Inspection, Race Village-Racer Village, Flounder Drive; 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Boat Parade, boats leaving from the ]ort between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to park in downtown Cocoa Beach ...

  23. New Zealand SailGP Team

    Lightning Damages Wing. In January 2023 after sailing in Singapore while being towed back to the Tech Site the New Zealand boat was struck by lightning. Lightning was spotted near the spectator Race Village, which was promptly evacuated, before hitting the top of the New Zealand F50 mast. The kiwi team were ashore at the time of the strike ...

  24. The Philadelphia Cup Regatta Returns! Spectator-Friendly sailboat

    Race the return of the Philadelphia Cup Regatta this Saturday, May 25th. Back after a near-decade hiatus and hosted by the Liberty Sailing Club, entry is open to the following classes: J27, J22, Lightning, Flying Scot, Mariner, V15, Laser, Sunfish, and PHRF Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker Classes. The entry fee is $65 for dinghies and $75 for ...

  25. Coast Guard rescues 7 after lightning strike disables boat in ...

    TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Seven people were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after lightning struck a boat, causing it to become disabled in Florida on Saturday. According to USCG, the passengers were ...