60% of responding Hunter owners would run for cover if they saw an electrical storm coming, according to last week's Quick Quiz. If you were in that uncomfortable position, what would 'run for cover' mean to you? What would be the safest, most protected course of action? Or, if that wasn't your anser, what, if anything, would you do to maximize your safety? Publish your striking answers here.
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Running for Cover
If inland or coastal and within range of safe harbor, I'd definitely try to get there. Any protection from the strong gusts associated with a front is a great help in keeping crew safe. Once at the harbor, the rule is generally to secure all but essential equipment; that means actually disconnecting it from the boat. My rig has a hinged connector plate. All of the boat's electronic equipment has power, cable, and antenna connections/connectors mounted to a two shelf hinged system. (One for power, the other for antennas, etc.) When electrical storm is near, I turn all equipment off and disconnect the connector system. Naturally, all of the above depends greatly on the amount of time one has to "run". If safe harbor is not available or timely, knowing the direction or path of the storm is very helpful. I could alter course, reduce sail, and possibly direct the vessel to the "weakest" possible point of the storm. When course is changed all crew prepare by disconnecting electronics, etc., setting up for gust and/or knockdown (secure all hatches, install companion boards, secure missile hazards, etc.), getting safety harnesses and gear ready if not already (heaving lines, tethers, jacklines, Type IVs, etc.), and don't touch anything metal. (This is one reason I am a firm disbeliever in metal hand rails on a crusier. I'd install a teak wheel, too, if I thought it would perform as well as the Destroyer.) The helmsman gets to wear the electrician's gloves and hold the wheel with thick innertube rubber.
If inland or coastal and within range of safe harbor, I'd definitely try to get there. Any protection from the strong gusts associated with a front is a great help in keeping crew safe. Once at the harbor, the rule is generally to secure all but essential equipment; that means actually disconnecting it from the boat. My rig has a hinged connector plate. All of the boat's electronic equipment has power, cable, and antenna connections/connectors mounted to a two shelf hinged system. (One for power, the other for antennas, etc.) When electrical storm is near, I turn all equipment off and disconnect the connector system. Naturally, all of the above depends greatly on the amount of time one has to "run". If safe harbor is not available or timely, knowing the direction or path of the storm is very helpful. I could alter course, reduce sail, and possibly direct the vessel to the "weakest" possible point of the storm. When course is changed all crew prepare by disconnecting electronics, etc., setting up for gust and/or knockdown (secure all hatches, install companion boards, secure missile hazards, etc.), getting safety harnesses and gear ready if not already (heaving lines, tethers, jacklines, Type IVs, etc.), and don't touch anything metal. (This is one reason I am a firm disbeliever in metal hand rails on a crusier. I'd install a teak wheel, too, if I thought it would perform as well as the Destroyer.) The helmsman gets to wear the electrician's gloves and hold the wheel with thick innertube rubber.
the batteries
actually an electrical storm can be a very useful event - i knew of someone - yes a phycist - who ran into one to charge his batteries. somehow he arranged a copper conductor and other simple gear to charge a couple of batteries. yes he was at sea on a 35' ketch. he said, in simplicty, that he used the principle of copper conduit that runs down church steeples and towers to prevent damage to those ancient and historical artifacts found a great deal in europe - those that might not have been blown down in yesterday's hurricanes. necessity is the mother of invention.they say. any physicists on the site to xplain more. phil's shop manager might 'ave sometink more to sell after tis. biscuit.
actually an electrical storm can be a very useful event - i knew of someone - yes a phycist - who ran into one to charge his batteries. somehow he arranged a copper conductor and other simple gear to charge a couple of batteries. yes he was at sea on a 35' ketch. he said, in simplicty, that he used the principle of copper conduit that runs down church steeples and towers to prevent damage to those ancient and historical artifacts found a great deal in europe - those that might not have been blown down in yesterday's hurricanes. necessity is the mother of invention.they say. any physicists on the site to xplain more. phil's shop manager might 'ave sometink more to sell after tis. biscuit.
commen down here
Down here in SW fla, severe thunderstorms are an every day event in the summer. It has always been my policy to run if I'm able (close enough to a port/anchorage). If I'm outside in the Gulf I just reef the main, douse the jib and fire up the motor. The rest is basic seamanship. For us nearly every storm is an electrical one. One extra note, I advise everybody not to touch anything metal, the steering is done with the help of bungee cords. I handle the metal wheel as little as possible.
Down here in SW fla, severe thunderstorms are an every day event in the summer. It has always been my policy to run if I'm able (close enough to a port/anchorage). If I'm outside in the Gulf I just reef the main, douse the jib and fire up the motor. The rest is basic seamanship. For us nearly every storm is an electrical one. One extra note, I advise everybody not to touch anything metal, the steering is done with the help of bungee cords. I handle the metal wheel as little as possible.
Running sounds nice
Running sounds nice, but here in the Chesapeake it is seldom an option. If you are out in the bay, at 6 knots your not likely to get far between the time a typical afternoon duster is spotted and the time it hits. One should expect local thunderstorms nearly every afternoon in a typical summer and be prepared to weather whatever mother nature has to throw at you. Eventhough we usually start early and try to be where we are going by 3:00 P.M. - before the average storm forms- we usually get caught too far from shelter at least once in a season. Typically, we douse all sail, start the engine and motor on our intended course as the storm approaches. The boat should be totally closed up and the crew on deck in foul weather gear, PFDs and harnesses. When the storm hits, put the engne in neutral, turn the stern to the wind, and enjoy the ride until the storm passes. We usually let the autopilot steer (often 5-6 knots under bare poles) so we don't have to touch the wheel. Conservative? Well, these dusters have been known to have hurricane force microbursts that last for five or ten minutes. Not much time to form large waves, but the wind can cause havoc. Everything must be secure.
Running sounds nice, but here in the Chesapeake it is seldom an option. If you are out in the bay, at 6 knots your not likely to get far between the time a typical afternoon duster is spotted and the time it hits. One should expect local thunderstorms nearly every afternoon in a typical summer and be prepared to weather whatever mother nature has to throw at you. Eventhough we usually start early and try to be where we are going by 3:00 P.M. - before the average storm forms- we usually get caught too far from shelter at least once in a season. Typically, we douse all sail, start the engine and motor on our intended course as the storm approaches. The boat should be totally closed up and the crew on deck in foul weather gear, PFDs and harnesses. When the storm hits, put the engne in neutral, turn the stern to the wind, and enjoy the ride until the storm passes. We usually let the autopilot steer (often 5-6 knots under bare poles) so we don't have to touch the wheel. Conservative? Well, these dusters have been known to have hurricane force microbursts that last for five or ten minutes. Not much time to form large waves, but the wind can cause havoc. Everything must be secure.
Approaching land in an electrical storm....
Although we feel far from comfortable at sea in an electrical storm (sometimes the hail is the worst if you don't dare to leave the helm to the autopilot or windvane) we have learned the hard way to be even more leery of being near land. During 6 months aboard Bob Buchanan's" Windtryst: (Hunter 33.5) in the summers of 1991 and 1992 we encountered numerous electrical storms and got hit twice, both times while we were in the harbor (Havre de Grace) with our keel in the mud. Fortunately, only one of these happened while we were onboard, cowering on the bunk in the forepeak, trying to stay away from the metal rods and mast support. For a brief moment the sound of the strike was deafening while the cabin filled with blue light. Most electronics were toast; but we were OK. However, during a particularly bad electric storm we weathered in the channel there, two people tried to land their powerboat on one of the islands and run for cover. They were both struck dead by lightning in the process. So, FWIW, we prefer to take our chances out on the water with a little searoom, while trying to stay away from metal objects. Henk and Nelleke Meuzelaar "Rivendel II"
Although we feel far from comfortable at sea in an electrical storm (sometimes the hail is the worst if you don't dare to leave the helm to the autopilot or windvane) we have learned the hard way to be even more leery of being near land. During 6 months aboard Bob Buchanan's" Windtryst: (Hunter 33.5) in the summers of 1991 and 1992 we encountered numerous electrical storms and got hit twice, both times while we were in the harbor (Havre de Grace) with our keel in the mud. Fortunately, only one of these happened while we were onboard, cowering on the bunk in the forepeak, trying to stay away from the metal rods and mast support. For a brief moment the sound of the strike was deafening while the cabin filled with blue light. Most electronics were toast; but we were OK. However, during a particularly bad electric storm we weathered in the channel there, two people tried to land their powerboat on one of the islands and run for cover. They were both struck dead by lightning in the process. So, FWIW, we prefer to take our chances out on the water with a little searoom, while trying to stay away from metal objects. Henk and Nelleke Meuzelaar "Rivendel II"
Run Where?
Running for cover could mean different scenarios. If I could reach an anchorage/marina - I'd go for it, allowing myself enough time to set the hook or get moored. If I were in open water with no safe haven - I'd try to get around it. If it was enevitable that I was going to get hit - I'd prepare for a wild ride.
Running for cover could mean different scenarios. If I could reach an anchorage/marina - I'd go for it, allowing myself enough time to set the hook or get moored. If I were in open water with no safe haven - I'd try to get around it. If it was enevitable that I was going to get hit - I'd prepare for a wild ride.
indeed!
Good question, Paul: run where? My wife and I were having dinner during one nasty electric squaw, so we "ran" down to the aft cabin and had a picnic there while the lightning did its thing. Figured the stern to be the safest place since we don't have a backstay to conduct electrons in that direction. A hidden advantage of the B&R rig, no?
Good question, Paul: run where? My wife and I were having dinner during one nasty electric squaw, so we "ran" down to the aft cabin and had a picnic there while the lightning did its thing. Figured the stern to be the safest place since we don't have a backstay to conduct electrons in that direction. A hidden advantage of the B&R rig, no?
Start the diesel{
A sage sailor told me to start the diesel if you find yourself in an electrical storm, as a diesel will run without batteries or electrical hook-up once it's started, unlike a gasoline engine. Therefore, if you do get struck by lightning, you may motor to port, even if your instruments and electrical system are toast. Chris Webb s/v Grand Cru II
A sage sailor told me to start the diesel if you find yourself in an electrical storm, as a diesel will run without batteries or electrical hook-up once it's started, unlike a gasoline engine. Therefore, if you do get struck by lightning, you may motor to port, even if your instruments and electrical system are toast. Chris Webb s/v Grand Cru II
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