During your boating trip, you naturally want to enjoy the nice weather. But what do you do if a thunderstorm suddenly rolls in? We’ll tell you what you can do to have a safe boating experience during severe weather. Curious about the tips? Keep reading to find out more.
Is sailing during thunderstorms really dangerous?
Even during the hottest summer days, a storm can suddenly appear. This can be unpleasant and stressful, especially if a storm escalates into a downpour or severe weather. Depending on your location and the type of boat you’re sailing, this could potentially put you in danger.
The power of water
All bodies of water have currents, which can quickly intensify when sailing far from the coast. Fortunately, many boats are built with strong materials that can withstand tough conditions! However, when lightning strikes, the water can quickly become an unsafe place for recreational activities.
Some people may find the idea of swimming during thunderstorms somewhat exhilarating, often romanticized in certain films. However, we strongly advise against swimming during thunderstorms. Why? There’s a significant risk of lightning striking the water. And well, we all know what happens when an electrical cable comes into contact with a full bathtub.
Safety on board
Whether you’re navigating remote or local waters, there’s always a risk of your boat being struck by lightning. If you’re sailing in a metal boat with an enclosed cockpit, ensure shelter and keep your sliding roof, hatches, and ventilation openings closed. It’s also crucial not to extend arms or legs outside.
If your boat is predominantly made of wood or plastic, lightning can pose greater dangers. Electrical currents always find a path to water, which can cause damage if, for example, your wooden boat has a metal mast. This could lead to hull splitting. To prevent such scenarios, our flat-bottomed boats and motorboats have wooden masts. On board, you’ll also find all necessary equipment for critical situations, including:
- Radio
- VHF radio (Marifoon)
- Depth sounder (Dieptemeter)
- Lifebuoy (Reddingsboei)
- Fire extinguisher (Brandblusser)
- Emergency flares (Voorraad noodvuurwerk)
- Ship’s horn (Scheepshoorn)
If other boats are nearby, try to maintain distance. A lightning strike can cause damage up to 10 meters from the point of impact. If you’re too close to another boat, yours may also sustain damage.
Lightning can also damage electrical equipment. It’s advisable to carry a metal box on board to store items like mobile phones safely. If sailing, lower your sails to reduce the risk of fire and help manage strong gusts of wind.
Thunderstorm on water! What now?
Every skipper experiences it at some point: thunderstorms on the water. You’re sailing from a dry area towards a downpour. What should you, as a skipper, keep in mind? And how do you keep your boat under control? Here’s what you should do during bad weather:
- Maintain course.
- Shelter in the cabin (if available).
- Keep the engine running.
- Distance yourself from the mast.
During normal conditions, it’s important to communicate your intentions clearly to other boaters. When thunderstorms strike, water currents can become stronger. Therefore, pay extra attention to your course to maintain control.
Stay indoors for safety whenever possible. Besides lightning, you may encounter unpredictable high waves or gusts of wind.
Are you on a motorboat? Keep the engine running to maintain speed and prevent it from failing to start. For a sailboat, it’s wise to keep a distance from the mast, as it’s more susceptible to lightning strikes
Preparing for a “dry” boating trip
Fortunately, nowadays we don’t need a crystal ball to predict the weather. When planning your boating trip, it’s important to consider the weather conditions in advance. A useful site for this purpose is Windy.com. Here you can find:
- Wind direction.
- Wind speed forecasts.
- Weather conditions for the upcoming hours.
While sailing, it’s helpful to regularly check the weather. This allows you to take quick action, especially crucial when a thunderstorm suddenly arises. Finally, the golden tip: try not to stress too much. Staying calm will make everything run much smoother!
After reading this article, you’ll know what to do during a boating trip in thunderstorms. If you’re looking for more boating tips, check out our other blogs. Feel free to contact us for questions and advice anytime.
