After confirming the crew are unhurt, what should be checked on the boat itself as a priority?

A. Assume the hull could never be damaged by a lightning strike

B. Only check the sails for damage, since lightning cannot affect the hull

C. Wait until back in harbour before checking anything on the boat

D. Check the bilge for any sign of water coming in — a lightning strike can sometimes blow a small hole where the current exits through the hull near the keel bolts or through-hull fittings, causing a leak that might not be obvious straight away

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