From: "Rafael Mier Maza" <sildriel_at_ciateq.net.mx> > It is clear then that the grounded mast is not in contact > with water to drain the current because that would attract all lightnings. I think you misread or misunderstood his comment. Masts are definitely grounded to the water - the usual path is throught the keel - sailboat keels are often lead. If the mast is stepped on deck, they use a heavy wire to connect to the keel. If stepped on the keel, they make sure there's a good electrical contact. If it is not grounded to the keel, the current will find another path and can do a lot of damage. I know someone who was in a ferro-cement sailboat in the Gulf of Mexico back in the 70's. They were in a storm and grounded the mast by wrapping some anchor chain around the shrouds and hanging it over the side into the water. They were hit by lightning and the current came down the leeward shroud and blew out the chain plates where the shrouds attach to the deck (I guess the lighting didn't like the dangling chains). They were hove-to and the shrouds were left blowing in the wind with a hole where the deck and hull used to be. They were able to jury rig a repair before the wind changed or were forced on another tack. Needless to say, they developed a healthy respect for lightning as a result! Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Aug 21 2002 - 15:37:32 PDT
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