by Guest » Wed Jun 20, 2001 5:18 pm
You could also employ the sheep approach. When the wolf comes, he only takes one from the herd--usually the weakest/slowest/etc...
How's this apply to sailboats and lightning you say? Simple. Store your boat next to a boat w/ a taller mast than yours! :^) Caught in a storm on the lake? Get close to that Catalina 32 w/ the 35' mast. It's true some of the bolt could arc to your mast, but the bulk of the energy will follow the best and shortest path to ground and that won't be you.
I've talked w/ a windsurfer from New Mexico who was struck by lightning. Blew a hole in his board, scared the heck out of him, but he survived unscathed. Contrary to what some think, you want the most conductive mast you can find if you are struck. You want the mast to be a MUCH better path to ground than yourself.
Kevin Clark (kevin.clark-at-usa.alcatel.com)