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My sons were asking

2K views 12 replies 6 participants last post by  paulk 
#1 ·
W
e were just out in the yard admiring the Lightning on its trailer, and one of them asked what kind of waves it can take.
What kind of weather can Lightning handle?
My two sons are about to learn how to sail in it this summer.
 
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#4 ·
I owned a Lightning for a few years and sailed it on LI Sound which is not known for its big waves.
I'm not sure that big waves are the main issue though. Capsizing a Lightning would be my main concern. In heavy chop and wind it might be very difficult to right the boat again and then bail it out. Some owners install extra flotation around the gunnels to add to the buoyancy of the boat if it gets swamped/capsized.
In modest sized waves (~ 2') the Lightning will pound a bit as it climbs over each, making it a bit of a jarring experience.
The hot shot sailors who race in "the Nationals" have been known to race Lightnings in some fairly substantial winds (~ 25 knots or so) and bigger wind usually means bigger waves, as we know.
Your boys will do fine if they can keep the mast pointed up.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Modern Lightnings have a better flotation setup than the ones we used to sail (which had none.) We got a gentle tow after capsizing in order to get the water out over the back of the cockpit. I crewed at the North American Championships one year, (100 boats), and as Caleb suggests, it blew about 25 knots. Coming from Long Island Sound, we had never planed in the boat before. We were all High School students, and weren't as heavy as many of the older sailors. To keep the boat flat we loosened the hiking straps until we ended up sitting on the topsides. (This is now called "droop hiking".) With that much wind, and a long fetch, the waves on Lake Ontario built up into a quick chop about two or three feet high, which the boat handled without too much trouble, though it was pretty wet. Before going out in conditions like that it might be better to get some practice in lighter air.
 
#7 ·
... and as Caleb suggests, it blew about 25 knots. Coming from Long Island Sound, we had never planed in the boat before. We were all High School students, and weren't as heavy as many of the older sailors. To keep the boat flat ...
I can only add to that I recall getting my Lightning up on a plane a few times in wind around 15 - 18 knots, maybe less with only two adults on board. A few times with my wife on board on a broad reach and another time with a sailing buddy when we raised the spinnaker and nearly crossed LI Sound from Huntington to Stamford, CT at a screeching pace.
The Lightning can go just like lightning but a lot can go wrong quickly when you are going that fast. Still, it is a blast to sail one if you can keep it from capsizing.
 
#6 ·
lightnings are more seaworthy than they appear.. but yes, like my old GP.. they pound terrible in the chop. If you can keep them upright, the biggest problem will be the crew giving up before the boat
 
#13 ·
Try without sails first. Pulling her over will be easier with the board up - but then you may want to lower the board to lever her back up. Getting that to happen may be tricky without gravity to help you. Seeing what works (and what doesnt') will be a good learning experience.
 
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