Lightning Fleet 329 - 1st Annual Helly Hansen Regatta
Annapolis, May 2-4, 2025
Can you feel the energy?! This May the Lightning fleet joined the Helly Hansen Sailing World in Annapolis! While our class has participated in both the St. Petersburg, FL and the Marblehead, MA event, this is the first year the Lightning class ever participated in the Annapolis regatta. There was great competition on the course - 19 boats registered, 16 boats raced, and 5 different skippers enjoyed a 1st place win. This event was the start of a new tradition for the Lightning Fleet, and we are very much looking forward to next year! A special thanks to everyone at SSA, from the outstanding Race Committee to the entire club who not only encouraged our involvement, but they helped to make sure all participants felt welcomed to Annapolis. First class regattas happen when there is this kind of support from the entire club, and SSA excels at putting on great events!
The 2025 Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in Annapolis was a thrilling debut for the Lightning Class, featuring 16 competitive teams and seven intense races over three days. David Starck, also the Lightning Class president, praised the event: "This was my first time doing the Helly Hansen Regattas in Annapolis and was first class," Starck says. Starck noted the energy of the Annapolis Lightning Fleet as the main reason for the great first-time turnout for the fleet at the regatta. "The camaraderie amongst all the clubs - Annapolis, Eastport, and Severn Sailing - was incredible," he says. " The race committee on our course was excellent" - @sailingworldmag by @davereedri
Dave went on to comment on the ICLA class page" “The enthusiasm of Fleet 329 is inspiring and as noted above really made a difference in the success of the Lightning debut at the HHSWRS-Annapolis. It is hard work, really hard work! But more people will take notice, buy boats and join the fleet! This is the type of Fleet and District energy that we need to build and grow the Class.”
The entire fleet came together to help reach out to competitors, provide housing to out-of-town teams, and encourage younger teams to participate. These efforts really paid off! We had 11 out of town boats and 2 "under 32" teams (U32). Fleet 329 was pleased to award two $75 stipend checks to the U32 teams to help offset regatta costs.... congratulations to teams Abbie Probst & Tanner Probst.
Taking a page from ILCA President Dave Starck, we opted to host a Backyard “BYOB” BBQ in Eastport where 60 people showed up and celebrated the inaugural event! We were especially excited with the strong showing of the "under 33" crowd who participated. Presently, Fleet 329 now has three "under 33" boats: Alex Shewfelt, Bryan Burke/Amanda Dame, and Ed Lane. We're also super excited to welcome our youngest team to the fleet, who will start racing later this season - Walter Daigel & Eleanor Cowles! (big thanks to dads Jeff & Matt!)
The Lightning Fleet as a group opted out of racing on Sunday due to a wild-looking weather front. After the brief No Gas awards ceremony, distribution of the new “GOT Flashes” Lightning Stickers for days on water and a wet group photo, attendees took advantage of opportunities to enjoy a local brunch and/or hit the road early (and dry)!
Congratulations to the winners!
1st Annual Lightning Helly Hansen Sailing World/No Gas Regatta May 2-4, 2025
1st Place - 15611 Team Pat Strong, David Starck, Jenna Probst & Jody Lutz with 13 Points
2nd Place - 15532 Abbie Probst Allie Jones & Timmy Crann, with 21 Points
3rd Place - 15276 Sundog, Clint Neuman, June Neuman & Jeremy Wenig, 25 Points
The No Gas Results, Cumulative total from 3 Races on Sat (Sun was not Sailed)
1st Place - 15611 Team Pat Strong, David Starck, Jenna Probst & Jody Lutz with 4 Points
2nd Place - 15276 Sundog, Clint Neuman, June Neuman & Jeremy Wenig, 9 Points
3rd Place - 15532 Abbie Probst Allie Jones & Timmy Crann, with 12 Points
We hope you enjoyed the updates, and if you haven't began to race Lightnings yet and are interested in trying it, please reach out and I would love to help get you out on the water!
Sail Fast, Lisa-Marie Lane, Fleet Captain, Lightningfleet329@gmail.com!
