lightning 368

I'd exchanged forum messages with Duncan on another, less active (and never to be mentioned) forum and, for what it's worth post it here too to pass on my experiences after 18-months in a Lightning at Haversham.  Most of it reinforces what's already been said, but it's great to see the boat getting the attention it deserves and so couldn't resist ...

The Lightning has a good size sail (same as a Laser) on a shorter, planing hull but is fully centre-sheeted and has a proper kicker and control lines led to both sides.

It turns on a sixpence and has a proper centreboard … both useful on small lakes.

It sails really well to handicap in light winds (especially at your weight) and is fabulous fun in a blow, when the aluminium / carbon fibre mast twists off to spill wind … but the mast is set well forward, so remember to sit well aft to avoid submarining. The hull is completely self-draining if you do go for a swim.

John Claridge is now building the new boats with an updated look, including a mylar sail – second hand boats come up on the various websites and shift quickly.

There are opens at Hillingdon, West Oxon, Haversham in Milton Keynes, Oxford, Cotswolds SC, Bolton and Dovestones in the Pennines … see the (some small) lake connection? - and at Cookham Reach on the Thames. The Nationals this year are at Pitsford in August and there is a Sea Champs at Mayflower in July.

So. Small lake + 11-stone + Lightning 368 = great combination.