Dave Starck, Team PatStrong win 2024 Lightning North American Championship in Ontario
by Kathleen Tocke 13 Aug 16:36 BST
August 7-11, 2024
David Starck, Jason Lutz and Adam Starck, sailing aboard Team PatStrong, bested the fleet of 68 Teams to win the 2024 Lightning North American Championship.
This was the USA qualifier for the 2025 World Championship to be held in Athens, Greece next June.
Sailing conditions were greatly affected by weather systems to the east and west of Lake Erie, but Mother Nature dished out epic conditions for most of the four-day event. Abino Bay, at the east end of Lake Erie, is known for big breeze and big waves in a southwesterly and it did not disappoint during the championship.
The Lightning Class has been ultra focused on its future. It was evident at the regatta. 43% of the total fleet were U32 sailors and 37% of the fleet were female sailors. Class President David Starck commented "the future of the class is in the hands of the youth. They are telling us what they want, what they need. It's no free lunch, but we are listening and reacting." The turnout was inspiring.
Full Results (hidden in Yacht Scoring "Official Notice Board" tab)