Boat Grant: Lightning
You Want to Race. You Don’t Have a Boat. Here’s What to Do.
Want to compete in a tight one-design fleet but buying a boat just isn’t in the cards right now? Good news — boat grants exist, and they’re more accessible than you might think.
Take the Lightning class. They own several Lightnings kept in solid racing condition and loan them out to young sailors each summer. Selected teams are expected to compete in regattas and take care of the boat like it’s their own — because for the season, it basically is. The International Lightning class has a robust boat grant program in the United States, and it could be yours for the year.
What the grant covers:
- Regatta entry fees
- Boat insurance
- Some travel money
- A dedicated mentor to help your team hit the ground running
How to apply: Teams must have three sailors, all at least 19 years old. Fill out the grant application on time and you’re in the running.
What’s it actually like?
“The Lightning class is very encouraging and wants to see us succeed. Before we go out on the water each day, people are always stopping by to check our boat and give us helpful tips.” — Beatrice Lazarski
“We normally crew on other people’s boats, and this is a great way to take responsibility for our tuning and boat maintenance. It’s a good opportunity to learn what it’s like to actually own a boat.” — Penelope Casper
Ched Proctor, founder of the boat grant program, puts it simply: “What we’re trying to do is make getting into this sport accessible and let young people find out what a great boat and class this is. It helps them understand the value of good gear and how to take care of it.”
Ready to go? Start here:
How to Apply · Boat Grant Flyer · About the Program
