The bilge check shows water is coming in faster than expected, and the main VHF was damaged in the strike. What should the skipper do?

A. Wait and see if the leak gets worse before calling anyone, even with the main VHF already damaged

B. Only call for help once the boat is already sinking

C. Use the protected spare handheld VHF (or a mobile phone if in range) to make a Pan Pan or Mayday call as appropriate, giving position, the nature of the problem (lightning strike, taking on water), and number of crew on board

D. Assume nothing can be done to call for help once the main VHF is damaged

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