I'm 2 miles up wind from put in. Storm is upwind. I'm 2 miles upwind from other side of bay.
Which way do I go? I don't think out running it is an option by heading down wind to other side of bay.
If getting hit by storm what is done. Do you get in the water away from the lightening pole. Or pray.
here in the lightning capital of the world (tampa bay area) .... we get storms about every afternoon in the summer
my plan of attack:
1. watch the local weather reports before sailing, - carry a smart phone with weather radar apps
2. keep listening for thunder
3. keep your eyes to the sky for dark clouds or rain
4. when you first realize storms are around - head to home port or have an alternative plan
5. when caught in a storm, i FEEL it's better to get to shore, drop the sails and get away from the mast
6. i have asked online and in person - i have only heard of 1 person that has seen a boat underway hit (a small sunfish - female skipper was fine, boat had 1000's of small perforations from vaporized water drops inside the hulls) - but people have been killed on the beach (being near a grounded boat) unstepping a mast and hit by lighting
7. boats on anchor or worse, grounded at port seem to get hit the most
If getting hit by storm what is done. Do you get in the water away from the lightening pole. Or pray.
in the water is the last place i want to be ... dont touch metal, dont sit in a puddle on the tramp and pray
Edited by MN3 on May 19, 2015 - 11:30 AM.
MN3