Class Committee

Constitution and Governance:
As you are no doubt aware, the Class Association (CA) is run by small committee, drawn from the membership on a voluntary basis. Elections to the committee are made at the Annual General Meeting, which is held on the middle evening of the National Championships event, normally held at Northampton SC at Pitsford Reservoir.

Committee members are elected for a one year term, which can be extended as necessary. There is no time limit on membership of the committee or of any particular post. The rules governing the Class Association are decided by the Committee.

The Main Committee can create sub-committees as necessary to ensure the smooth running of the Association and co-opt members as necessary, but such appointments need to be ratified at the following AGM.

Main Committee
The Main Committee is formed of the following members:

Chairman – Jason Gallagher, Denholme SC:

Responsible for the overall running and administration of the CA.

Jason joined the class a few years ago and is one of our growing number of northern members. He has rapidly become one of the key drivers withing the fleet as for years was noticeable in his florescent boat. Now with his new red Claridge machine is troubleing the front ofthe fleet. Denholme SC has a pretty litle lake, in West Yorkshire.

 

Vice Chairman – Paul White, Draycotte SC:

Responsible for deputising for the Chairman.

Paul sails at Draycote Water SC, near Rugby. Paul is a very experienced sailor and one of our top helms, sailing all kinds of dinghies at various clubs around the country. He is always at the front of the Lightning fleet whatever the venue and the go to guy for any advice you may need to make your Lightnng go faster

 Paul White

 

Honorary Secretary – Caroline Key, West Oxford SC:

Responsible for the compliance of the CA with relevant rules and procedures.

Caroline is a legend of the Class, having been Honorary Secretary since 2000. Caroline has been sailing Lightnings since ???? and is a regular contender at the front of the fleet. A real expert in light winds and on inland water, Caroline is seldom out of the front three.

 Caroline Key

 

Honorary Treasurer – Emma Dodds, Manor Park SC:

Responsible for the financial management of CA funds and membership matters.

Emma was most recently our vice chair, picking up the treasurers role in 2014. Emma sails her very brightly coloured Lightning at Mnaor Park Sailing Club.

 

Publications – Rupert Whelan, Whitefriars SC:

Responsible for the publications and CA information.

Rupert sails at Whitefriars SC on the Cotswold Water Park, near Swindon. He has been sailing for more years than he cares to remember, having started at the front end of Fireflies as a child. He has spent his life looking for a singlehanded boat which brings as much enjoyment as sailing the Firefly, and in the Lightning he may finally have found it. As well as racing, Rupert spends time coaching juniors at his home club. Sadly coaching sessions often clash with Lightning Open events.

 Rupert Whelan

 

Publicity – Lee Bratley, Manor Park SC:

Responsible for Publicity and Marketing

Lee sails at Manor Park and was previously the Class Vice Chairmans. A keen LN sailor Lee and Emma are regulars on the open circuit. Always the center of the party, Bratley Dodd Towers, also known as Lee and Emma’s tent is always the social venue of the event. Basic message is ‘bring wine’.

 

Web Site – Wayne Jenner, Abbey SC:

Responsible for Website and online activities

The past chairman, Wayne continues to support the Class website with the help of Simon Hopkins. Wayne sails at Abbey SC and is a regular on the open circuit.

 

Sailing Co-ordinator – Simon Hopkins, Up River YC

Responsible for the Events Calendar and Open Series.

Simon has been sailing Lightnings for 6 years now after following his son Matt into the class. A very experienced sailor he grew up sailing National 12’s, Larks, Europe’s to name a few. In 2017 he reach the pinnacle and cleaned up the travelers series winning the Nationals on route. If you want something fixed, or wnat to upgrade something, Simon is the man to ask

 

Class Builder – John Claridge
Royal Lymington YC: Responsible for Measurement and of course building the Lightning 368.John hardly needs an introduction, having been involved in the dinghy world for more years than he cares to remember. At his workshops in Lymington, John develops and builds new Lightnings and offers a parts and repair service, which many of us have used.		 John Claridge

 

Technical Sub-Committee:

We have just one sub-committee at present, that being the Technical Sub-committee.

Under the Chairmanship of Simon Hopkins, supported by John Claridge and Paul White, this sub-committee is responsible for revising the Class Rules and Measurement issues. The aim of this sub-committee is to ensure the one-design philosophy is maintained and that developments do not create a situation where older boats become un-competitive.

If you have any queries about the management or governance of the CA please consult the Chairman, contact details can be found on the Contacts Page.

Technical Standards and Class Rules can be found on the ‘Flash and Other Documents’ Page of the Website.

A copy of the CA’s constitution is available under the Class Documents tab.