Mark Bryant was introduced to sailing at the age of 5, learning to sail on Silver Lake just south of Buffalo, NY. Sailing on a Opti / Sabot thing, Mark would often sail to far North and be retrieved by friend Bill Neal. Late 1962 Matt Bryant Sr. Purchased a Javelin, which was sailed until late 63 when the original Lightning 1616 " Putt - Putt " began the Lightning tradition in the Bryant family.
Eight short years later at the age of 14, Mark captured the final spot of 29 to compete for the Lightning North American Championships... That’s an age record which stands today. 5 years later he won the Jr. Lightning Championship.
In 1980 Mark shocked the Lightning world with his innovative spar trim and new age intensity. Winning that year woke the class up, it was really exciting, and put me on top, says Bryant.
In 1990 after winning 9 Major Championships able body sailing came to an end.
Disabled Sailing begins while coaching disabled at Chicago event 2003........ Dr. Anne Allen, doctor for US Sailing Disabled team notices Mark inability to walk and offers a full spine exam. The news is go home, Dr. Anne assist to find the surgeon to perform a major lumbar laminectomy
Follow up MRI’s indicate Liasons on his spine, multiple test now offer MS as an issue.
Special Awards :
1988 A Sailor of the Century Buffalo Canoe Club
1988 Boat of the Year J/24 Buffalo
1989 Boat of the Year Holland 40 Chicago
2006 Named a Legend of the Lightning Class
Able Body Championships
1976 North American Jr. Lightning Champion
1978 North American Lightning Champion Crew
1980 North American Lightning Champion
1982 South American Lightning Champion
1984 North American Lightning Champion
1985 5th Lightning Worlds
Runner up Championships
1973 Sears Cups Seattle, WA
1974 North American Lightning
1975 World Lightning
1979 World Lightning
Disabled Sailing
2007 Lost by 1 point in 2.4mR at Paralympic trials for Quindau, China
14 th IFDS Worlds, 2007 Rochester NY
3rd St. Pete Midwinters 2006