Saltpeters 1

We returned to Redcliffe (Queensland Australia) in late 2005 and prepared for the Christmas new year festivities, it was decided to spend new years eve at Tiger Mullet channel, near the infamous Pin, Take heed. one should never listen to those mono skippers.

The night of 30 December 2005 started with a thunderstorm but it moved to sea early, however, about midnight a new storm rolled in this one much more intense. With sleep now impossible we stood in the cockpit and watched the spectacular airshow.

A bolt cracked overhead and hit the VHF antenna at the top of the mast and turned it into a sparkler. Surprisingly it caused no other structural damage, however some of the electrics did not survive the introduction of several hundred thousand volts.

Although no path could be clearly identified the lightning bolt found and destroyed, the VHF radio, solar regulator, main switch panel, auto helm head, one tacho, the ignition packs on both outboards, and one battery. Strangely it did not damage the wind instrument or TV antenna on the mast head or any of the navigation electronics/computers, TV, Stereo System, wiring or rigging.

Although we were not injured a man on a boat 50m away who happened to be holding his anchor chain was knocked unconscious and badly bruised.

In closing, Saltpeter has since been repaired. I would like to mention Trident Insurance who despite my misgivings about insurance companies were excellent, Thank you Phil.

Unless any one knows of any other Easy being struck by lightning, I claim a first for Saltpeter.

As with many other readers, we are a bit slow in cyber space with all the jargon and must thank Jay who pointed me in this direction of this site.

Cheers Peter and Kitty

Saltpeter, a 10.5ss was launched in December 2004, with little preparation we pointed her north for the great winter odyssey in company with Zero one of the first built Easy 32's.

Although the weather was less than kind we had a great adventure and had the pleasure of meeting several Easys, Arete, Tiata, Smiley, Etheral, Taamena.

As this story is not about this trip and is another story in its own, I won't go on.

Update on Lightning (Late March 2006)
I'm afraid someone has stolen Peter G's thunder: or lightening if you like. The first easy 32, then named Easy, when purchased by her third owner, was renamed Pelican. Now I'm not a suspicious person, but the paint was barely dry on the new name when she was struck by lightening and suffered a similar set of electrical problems. You could have been forgiven for thinking that the gods were not happy!

But the story had a happy ending, when our brave and fearless caped designer came up with a solution to the dilemma. You see the new owners thought Easy didn't have a name, thinking that the Easy on the side was the brand name, and we had never made a name plaque for her, so a new one was fashioned to name her Pelican .

Suitable incantations were said, and more champagne was sacrificed (we do what we can) and the gods were appeased.

The boat went on to have fabulous adventures and continues to do so. Hooray!!!

Take it Easy
Anne

PS Incidentally they were in the same area near jumpinpin when they were struck. The boat lives in Darwin.