The International Lightning Class has opened nominations for its inaugural Lightning Hall of Fame, marking a historic milestone for one of sailing’s most enduring one-design classes. The 2026 class of inductees will be the first honored under the new program, which celebrates the legacy of the Lightning sailboat and the people who have shaped the fleet since 1938.
The Lightning Hall of Fame is a joint collaboration between the International Lightning Class Association and the Finger Lakes Boating Museum. Its mission is to recognize the sailors, boat builders, sail makers, and individuals or organizations who have been instrumental in supporting and strengthening the Lightning Class over the decades. Inductees accepted each year will be formally recognized with dedicated displays in a designated Lightning Hall of Fame area of the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport, New York, as well as through online and public recognition by the Lightning Class.
Nominations for potential Hall of Fame inductees are now being accepted via an electronic form or a printable mail-in form available through the Lightning Class website. Each nomination form should identify one or more specific categories to be associated with the nominee. Other than current members of the Nomination and Selection Committee, there are no restrictions on who may submit a nomination, and Lightning Class membership is not required. Nominators are encouraged to include any additional supporting material with their submissions.
The Lightning Class Executive Committee will appoint a four-person team to serve as the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. The committee will also include one Finger Lakes Boating Museum board member to help approve the final inductees.
Key dates for the nomination and selection process are as follows. The deadline for nomination submissions is April 1, 2026. The Hall of Fame Committee will report names to the Executive Committee by May 1, 2026. The Executive Committee will announce the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees on June 1, 2026. Inductees will be formally presented at the 2026 North American Championship in August 2026.
Anyone with questions about the nomination process is encouraged to contact the International Lightning Class Hall of Fame Committee by sending an email to office@lightningclass.org.
