2009 Lightning Boat Grant Recipients Announced

The International Lightning Class has just announced the recipients of the prestigious 2009 Boat Grants.  This ground breaking program is in it's third year of existence and has recieved nothing but rave reviews.  We're looking forward to another successful summer sailing season, particularly in the Central New York District.  The future of the district is looking bright!

Here is the press release from the class office:

After a tough review process, the 19 applicants for the coveted Lightning Boat Grant spots have been narrowed down and finalized.  Five talented and promising young teams will receive high-quality boats and equipment, reimbursement for certain travel expenses and priceless advice from their assigned mentors.  The Boat Grant Selection Team is happy to announce the 2009 Boat Grant Recipients:
 

Graham Leonard:  Henderson Harbor Yacht Club
ILCA Mentor:  Jack Jones
Graham, an '08 SUNY Albany grad, currently serves in Buffalo, Ny with AmeriCorps VISTA combating poverty.  With plans to attend law school in 2010, he has an impressive history promoting and growing sailing in the Henderson Harbor area.  We look forward to seeing Graham and his team-- brother Andrew and friend Eliza Pope-Collins-on the race course.
 

Jessica Lombard: Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club
ILCA Mentors:  Mike and Valerie Holly
Jessica and her all-female crew of Stephanie Boucher and Caroline Trottier are motivated to be the best-prepared team on the race course.  Coaching in the Montreal area has given her the experience to know the benefits and balance of on-water training, fitness and mental preparation.  Keep your eyes to the North--Jessica's influence coupled with the spark from the 2008 Lightning Junior Worlds (held in Montreal) should ignite some new interest from the youth in this area!
 

James Morton: Orient Yacht Club
ILCA Mentor:  George Koch
Currently attending Connecticut College, James has spent quite a few summers making his rounds of the Orient Yacht Club Lightning Fleet.  Whether it be as steady crew or stand-in skipper, his enthusiasm has overflowed into club's junior sailors.  With a goal to compete in the North Americans, this team should be a common sight in the New England area this summer.
 

Dan Thompson: Annapolis and Sodus Point
ILCA Mentor:  Mike Healy
As the assistant sailing coach with one of the top sailing schools in the country, Dan knows the dedication and preparation necessary for sailing success.  In his case, Dan's goals are not purely results-driven:  he wants to find a class to settle into.  We are confident he will find the dedicated, friendly and competitive atmosphere of the Lightning Class to be amongst the best!
 

Ainsley Thomson:  Annapolis and Rochester
ILCA Mentor:  Alan McReynolds
As a graduating high school senior, Ainsley's list of quality references only seemed to be outdone by her list of potential crew.  With the enthusiasm she has shown for furthering her sailing career, we can only expect that a new crop of Lightning sailors will be coming from upstate New York!
 

For additional information see www.lightningclass.org