The Lightning Boat Grant Program is once again offering promising young sailing teams the chance to compete in one of the strongest one-design fleets in the sport. After another outstanding year in 2025, with exceptional applications from eager young sailors, the International Lightning Class is building on that momentum heading into the 2026 season. If you are over 19, consider this your personal invitation to apply.
The Lightning Class will provide boats to several promising young sailing teams for the upcoming season. Recipients receive race-winning boats equipped with new sails, new rigging, and covers, along with an assigned Lightning Class mentor to help them reach the front of the fleet. In the boat park, grant recipients become part of a community that genuinely wants them to succeed and enjoy every weekend of racing. On the water, those same people will do everything in their power to keep you behind them. Would you want it any other way?
Past recipients have spoken highly of the experience. Axel Stordahl, a 2025 recipient, described the program as an incredible opportunity for his team to continue racing at a high level after finishing college sailing. He expressed deep gratitude for the chance to race a brand-new Lightning for the year and looks forward to remaining part of the fleet in the future.
Andrew Hopkins, also a 2025 recipient, called it one of the most enjoyable sailing experiences he can remember. He praised the Lightning Class for being incredibly welcoming and for putting significant resources into making it a world-class experience.
Will Murray, a 2025 recipient and the 2025 U32 Invitational Champion, highlighted how important the program is for younger sailors to get involved, build connections, and discover what makes the fleet so special. Sailing a grant boat gave him the chance to experience the community firsthand, and he noted it is easy to see why so many people stay in the class for life.
The boat itself is provided free of charge. The program also covers all entry fees and many travel expenses. The Lightning Class has been a vital experience for many of the best racers in the world. If you are a young sailor looking for the opportunity of a lifetime in competitive one-design racing, this program could be exactly what you need.
