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.

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 – Paul White, Draycote Water SC:

Responsible for the overall running and administration of the CA.

Paul sails at Draycote Water SC, near Rugby. Paul is a very experienced sailor and one of our top helms, finishing 2nd to Robbie Claridge at the 2018 Nationals, and also 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 Lightning go faster

  Paul White

 

Vice Chairman – Penny Yarwood, Up River YC:

Responsible for deputising for the Chairman.

Penny sails at Up River YC on the tidal River Crouch in Essex. Penny is one of our top helms, and finished 3rd in the 2018 Nationals,

Along with our Secretary, Caroline Hollier, she is currently leading the female challenge to Robbie Claridge for the top spot in the Nationals, and has racked up an impressive list of results on the Travellers Trophy circuit, including winning it overall in 2017.

 Penny Yarwood

 

Honorary Secretary – Caroline Hollier, 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, winning the 2018 Inland Championship.

  

Caroline Hollier

 

Honorary Treasurer – John Butler, Sutton-in-Ashfield SC:

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

John only joined the class in 2018 after seeing reports of the new Mk3 and talking with his old friend John Claridge, who he competed against for several decades in International Moths.  John’s new purchase was his retirement present to himself, and he is definitely keen but mid-fleet material at present.  John can be seen at most opens racing his british racing green coloured Mk3 “Amadou”.

 John Butler

 

Publications – Simon Harris & John Butler:

Responsible for the publications and CA information.

At the 2018 AGM Simon & John agreed to jointly tackle the important task of producing the 2019 Yearbook, updating Publicity material, and assisting Wayne Jenner with updating the website with results, etc…

  Simon Hopkins

John Butler

 

Publicity – currently vacant:

Responsible for Publicity and Marketing

This role is currently being covered by the Paul White, Simon Harris and the whole class committee.

 

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 & John Butler. Wayne sails at Abbey SC and due to a demanding career is no longer a regular on the open circuit, but a huge Ambassador for the class.

 

Sailing Co-ordinator – Simon Hopkins, Up River YC

Responsible for the Events Calendar and Open Series.

Simon has been sailing Lightnings for 7 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 2016 he reach the pinnacle and cleaned up the travellers series winning the Nationals en-route. If you want something fixed, or want to upgrade something, Simon is the man to ask…

  Simon Hopkins

 

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.