Sail Boat

Sail Boat

What is the recommended procedure for dealing with a lightning storm while on a sail boat?

Thinking in terms of the aluminum mast used on most production sail boats being like a lightning rod, as well as the highest point/ object on the water.

Having been a sailer for 40 years this is a question I've often considered. The problem is I've never been given a good answer. I can tell you sailboats are hit by lighting more often than you would think, yet the numbers of fatalities is very low. There's one theory that the rigging, all the wires, actually act as a protective cone. But I've no proof it's true. On a more practical vein, lower all sails, put the anchor out and go below. Don't stay near the electronics or sit atop the engine. Good Luck!