There is a sudden flash and bang — the mast has clearly been hit by lightning. What is the skipper's first priority immediately afterwards?

A. Carry on sailing as normal with no checks at all

B. Assume nobody could possibly be hurt since the strike hit the mast, not a person

C. Immediately check the engine and electronics before checking on the crew

D. Check on every crew member for injury, shock, or burns before anything else — lightning can cause injury even without a direct hit, through current passing through the water or rigging nearby

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. 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