This is a list of some of the things our Lightning Fleet has done to encourage growth.

1. The most important factor is people who really care about building the fleet and are willing to devote the time to it.

2. If there is an appropriate existing racing organization, join it instead of trying to create your own program. Maximize the on the water time. A good organization provides race committees, liability insurance for organized events, a larger social framework, excitement of sailing with many other sailing classes, etc.

3. Be active in any sailing organization the fleet is part of, and help with race committee, etc.

4. Keep costs for boat storage, race fees, and social events reasonable.

5. Be wary of scheduling too many events.

6. A venue where boats can be left with the mast stepped and with easy access to the water is really important. Having such a facility was a major breakthrough for our fleet.

7. Focus on high turnout at routine local events helped our fleet grow more when we emphasized out of town regattas.

9. During routine local events don't get excited when someone occasionally has two people sailing instead of three.

10. Take the rules seriously but keep it in perspective, e.g., take time off the water for discussions.

11. If there is always a huge gap between the slow and faster boats, do something to resolve it, e.g., have experienced people crew for the new skippers a few times, get together on the water for "boat tuning," have the fleet champion do a clinic, etc. In unusually windy conditions, if there are inexperienced skippers, consider such things as a "no spinnaker" rule for a race.

12. Hold at least one fleet party during the off season and other social events during the season, but keep it simple. Our best party in years included a cookout at the marina and "racing" in borrowed 8 ft. prams.

13. Emphasize social events an entire family can enjoy.

14. Find a place where the fleet can gather after the weekly races. It can be the clubhouse, a restaurant, pizza place, etc. This really helped to solidify our fleet.

15. We send an e-mail message fairly often during the season to keep everyone up to date.

16. Stay in touch. Call new members before important regattas and help to find crew, repair boat, etc.

17. Share crew lists, phone numbers, and information about events, logistics, suppliers, points of contact, etc.

18. When a member of the fleet travels to a major regatta (California Circuit, NAs, etc.) spread the word about what it was like.

19. Write articles for newsletters, etc. Recognize the accomplishments of fleet members and make the "world" aware of your sailing program. Try to reach first timers, experienced sailors who may want to try a Lightning, and ILCA members who may be moving to your area

20. Boat shows are great opportunities. We've had a booth at the Denver boat shows several years in a row and have displayed a Lightning.

21. Establish good relationships with other fleets and sailors throughout the area. When you meet someone interested in another fleet, help them make contact with that fleet. We often hear from people who found out about us by asking a sailor from another class about Lightnings.

22. Set realistic growth milestones. It is a slow process. Any fleet of less than 15 boats probably should be considered a "building" fleet.