Looking back, the storm had been visible building on the horizon for some time before it reached the boat. What is the main lesson?

A. Once a storm is visible, it is always too late to do anything useful

B. Watching the sky and checking the forecast regularly, and heading for shelter at the first clear sign of a building thunderstorm, gives the best chance of avoiding the situation entirely — once lightning is close overhead, options become very limited

C. There is never any point checking the sky or forecast for storm signs

D. Thunderstorms at sea always arrive with no warning signs at all

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