Traditional lightning rigging

[jtobrien910]

I'm relatively new to sailing and I'm moderately familiar with the rigging of modern lightnings. I don't know how it may have changed over the years. My only decent source is an book about rigging published by sports illustrated in the 70's and its not very detailed. I've spent a number of months restoring 1942 lighting #897 and I now have a sound boat, mast and some bronze goodies from 38' # 285. Now I'm trying to figure out what do do with it all. At least I'm done sanding for the time being. Any resources or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Tom Robb]

The Lightning Class Association comes to mind - especially if you ever plan to race it as a class legal Lightning or sell it to someone who might.

[Wayne Jeffers]

I second the suggestion to check the Lightning class association. http://www.lightningclass.org/index.asp

I’m not sure about the Lightning, but the boat which inspired the design, the Comet, used a 7-stay rig until the 1960’s when the current 3-stay rig was approved. I believe all older Comets that are still raced use the 3-stay rig.

Unless you are wishing to restore her to her original setup for reasons of nostalgia or whatever, I suggest you use the modern rig if possible.

Wayne

[Daniel Noyes]

Im sure there is quite a difference in in the rig hardware. I would stick with the old rig set up and just replace broken, coroded or worn out parts with something similar. I would go with new stainles stay's if the old ones look at all suspect.
Dan

[jtobrien910]

All the hardware is very old and in very good condition which is why I would really like to stick with it. I just can't seem to find anything that details anything but modern rigging. Thanks all though.

[StevenBauer]

JT, have you e-mailed the wooden boat contact from the wooden boats section of the Lightning Class page for your region? Either Craig, Bob or Vern. There's a woodie discussion group, too. And the Wooden Lightning Get Together happens in the beginning of July every year, bring your camera.

http://www.lightningclass.org/Woody/

[Varna]

I think D.N. Goodchild has the original Rudder(?) homebuilder article and plans available in reprint -I recall seeing the Lightning listed at the site...if you are looking for the early plans.