what procedures should be followed when lightening is eminent

[30boat]

I'm also confused.I've been in a lightning storm and it is scary!

 

[Elessar]

this is 100% not correct! It reduces the chance of being hit and the only difference it makes if you are is to what gets destroyed.

 

[Elessar]

yes! or earth the shrouds over the side. Or both.

 

[Cliveshep]

Quote: "Confused. This is an interesting thread, but I can't really draw any conclusion from what's been said. Surely there must be a simple, definitive and correct way to deal with this situation. What IS the right thing to do if you are out in the sea, miles from anywhere and there is lightning storm head your way? "

Stand on deck, bend over and clutch both ankles, put head between legs and kiss a@rse goodbye?

 

[alan_d]

[ QUOTE ]
Surely there must be a simple, definitive and correct way to deal with this situation.

[/ QUOTE ]

What on earth makes you think that? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Remember, for every problem there is a solution which is simple, elegant and wrong.

 

[dulcibella]

Problem is that the physics of lightning is still incompletely understood and research is difficult, so all "solutions" are pragmatic and not properly evidence-based.

 

[geoffatstanpit]

The lightning physics is indeed about as well understood as earthquakes and volcanoes but it is usually possible to estimate which direction the storm centre is going and if you can, shape a course to leave it to port. If it develops a circulation it will be anticlockwise (northern hemisphere) and that gets you a run which helps you scuttle out of its way. Remember that thunderstorms don't always travel the way the wind has been blowing all day! The one that came by here Thursday night travelled north west into a northeasterly wind.

 

[Appleyard]

Park next to a boat with a taller mast.

 

[Elessar]

true. unless he's earthed his mast in which case as far as the lightning is concerned he hasn't got one.

 

[oldharry]

This is one of the oldest chestnuts on the forum - its a subject that has been trotted out many times before, and all the same answers are coming up - contradictory as ever. If you think you know how lightning works, and how to secure your boat from being struck - then do it! IMHO whatever you do wont make any difference, but if it makes you feel better.....

Various solutions have been added in the past that haven't been mentioned yet - all crew members putting on rubber gloves to reduce shock risk from metal bits (and male members some other rubberwear not mentionable on a family forum was also suggested!). Sticking a yellowwelly over the mast top to insulate it (who goes up to do that in a thunderstorm wasnt answered). Taking up golf: I think actually more golfers than yotties get struck by lightining staistically, so perhaps not so sensible.

An American research programme investigated the efficacy of lightning protection devices which are big business over there. Some of them (including some of the most expensive one) were actually found to attract lightning thereby increasing compensation lawyers profits 'in a flash' so to speak! Though I dont doubt the makers small print had all the right 'non liability clauses'

In my opinion the option of prayer is probably as effective as any gadget - and a whole lot cheaper! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Oh and BTW - it works: I was out on the boat in last thrusdays storms, and never got struck once /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[ColdFusion]

Sticking what is effectively a metal rod high above you increases the chance of being struck by lightning. You can't take the mast down when you're out at sea but you can take action to minimise any damage caused by creating a good path to earth and for safety's sake it clearly makes sense for this path to be outside - away from occupants who may be inside. The most effective way to do this from what I've read is to wrap the anchor chain around the mast and drape it over both sides of the boat, as someone has already said above.

 

[oldharry]

All very well Coldfusion but lightning doesnt like to go round corners, so that earthing the mast via the anchor chain, its just as likely to blast its way straight through the the bottom of the hull, particularly if the mast is keel stepped. A few Cms of Glass fibre or timber doesnt present any barrier at all!

 

[Twister_Ken]

There's a story about a lighting strike at sea in the new PBO. Not a nice experience.

 

[cliffordpope]

It is apparently a fact that no member of the peerage has ever been killed by lightning. So try and inherit a peerage before setting sail.

I don't think life peerages necessarily confer immunity however, and not even much eminence.

 

[Elessar]

This is absolutely correct. But many still seem to be missing the point about what a "lightning conductor" is for? It is not capable of or intended to conduct lighnting, it is intended to conduct the static charge to earth to reduce the chance of you being struck.
If you are struck, the presence of the "conductor" will undoubtedly change the path takes through the boat. But that path will not be predictable and you would not be having a good day if it happens.
Foxy is en route to New York at the moment - when he gets there I hope he sees this and recounts his "being struck in the med" story. When you hear it you will not want to be struck, so you'll earth your mast AND wear tights, a red coat and a wig just in case it helps!

 

[raven]

Decent article on the subject in this months PBO - pages 42 / 43 provide a readers experience of being struck by lightning in the Solent - crew injured and equipment damaged.

I take some comfort from the fact that, sailing a steel boat, I'm effectively cocooned in a Faraday Cage......

.......Go on someone, burst that bubble /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

NB - Sorry Twister Ken - Just seen that you already flagged up the PBO article