The storm is now close and lightning has been seen. There is no time to reach harbour. What should the crew do on board?

A. Have everyone hold onto the metal rigging for stability during the storm

B. Get crew away from the mast, rigging, and any metal fittings, move below decks if possible, and stay low and away from anything connected to the rigging or metal stanchions

C. It makes no difference where crew stand or sit during a thunderstorm

D. Stand at the highest point of the boat to get a better view of the storm

A. Wait until lightning is actually seen close by before considering any change of plan

B. Assume thunderstorms at sea never carry any real risk to a small boat

C. Start heading for the nearest safe harbour or shelter straight away, and check the forecast/VHF for any thunderstorm warnings — anvil clouds and thunder are a clear early warning that a lightning risk is approaching

D. Carry on with the original passage plan exactly as before, since the storm is still some distance away

A. Leave every piece of electronics fully connected and in use throughout the storm regardless of risk

B. Throw all electronics overboard before the storm arrives

C. There is no point taking any precaution with electronics during a thunderstorm

D. Switch off and unplug non-essential electronics where practical, and place a spare handheld VHF or GPS in a metal oven or microwave (acting as a basic Faraday cage) as backup protection against a strike