Olin Stephens April 2, 2003
The recent letter about Olin Stephens made a great point about an amazing man. Those of us dedicated our beloved square boat–the Lightning get to thank him in person every 10 years at our anniversary regattas. As a tribute to our history, the ILCA has purchased and is donating Lightning Hull # 1 to The Mystic Seaport Museum in August during our Woman’s, Junior’s, Master’s North American Championships in Connecticut. Anyone wishing to support this donation, may send to contributions to: ILCA P.O.Box 10747 Murfreesboro, TN 37129. Those Masters over the age of 55 with a total crew age of 130 years and invited to get a boat and join us!
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 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.
