In addition to the widely adopted electronic safety equipment, we’re planning to fit two less well known “ultimate safety” systems which, like a life raft, will probably never be needed. Each of them adds roughly 1% to the cost of the boat – not insignificant but, on the other hand, surely worth it if they add peace of mind in exceptional circumstances. 

Sertec CMCE Lightning Strike Prevention

Yes, I did mean prevention not protection! Read on…!!

Electric storms are becoming both more frequent and more intense in susceptible regions which is bad news for all sailors and, in addition, catamarans are statistically more likely to be struck by lightning than monohulls. Amanda and I (OK, especially Amanda!!) really dislike electrical storms, particularly offshore. If we have interweb connection when storms are around Amanda instantly develops a morbid addiction to the BlitzortungLive app, which graphically shows lightning activity strike by strike in real time. Phones, iPads and VHF sets etc are stashed in the Faraday cage oven (one day we’ll forget and cook them after they’ve survived a storm) and any suggestion of going to the (carbon) mast to drop the mainsail can be quite unpopular… for days.

So, I researched lightning protection systems and discovered a company called Sertec, in Paraguay, who have developed a lightning prevention system called CMCE. It has been used on airports, tall buildings and merchant ships for a number of years and, more recently, Sertec have developed smaller units suitable for yachts.

My physics education went no further than A Level so please visit https://sertec.com.py/cmce/Brochure-CMCE-ENG-v5.pdf  for proper explanation and watch this video clip https://youtu.be/29WMElhJUqo – but here’s my attempt at a crude summary of how it works:

• Powerful charges build up within storm clouds
• Below the clouds an opposite charge builds up on the earth’s surface
• The cloud sends down “leaders” looking for routes to balance the load
• “Streamers” go up from the ground and when a leader finds a streamer, lightning strikes
• Streamers can be prevented (through de-ionisation) in the area protected by the CMCE 
• Preventing streamers prevents 99% of lightning strikes

How cool is that?!!

The CMCE is fitted to the top of the mast and requires a modest sized cable (because it only carries milliamps from the streamer) down to a ground plate. This is in marked contrast to lightning conductors which basically attract lightning and attempt to conduct the massive charge to ground without damage en-route…. Which is a tall order.

I think a CMCE has to be worth it for the peace of mind and, of course, to avoid the risk of extensive logistical problems and major cruise interruption while getting lightning strike damage repaired.

The system is most straightforward to fit during the build process and I believe CM will offer it as an option to all clients. It is also quite possible to retro-fit the system to most boats and, for example, UK based Falmouth Yacht Services now offer installations up to superyacht size. 

There should be another benefit to fitting a CMCE system. Lightning strike repairs and logistics must be about the highest value insurance claims, other than total loss. All insurance companies should be encouraged to recognise the lower claim risk of yachts equipped with a CMCE, through a premium reduction. I believe some already do.

UpSideUp Capsize Prevention

Let’s be honest, one of the differences between monohulls and multihulls is that multis are very stable upside down. Their form stability makes them highly unlikely to capsize but it has to be good to minimise any chance of it happening. 

With our easily driven boat in cruising mode, we’ll set up with the smallest sail-plan needed to deliver solid average speeds, which will give a high safety margin. Nevertheless, just like the improbability of lightning strike, random events can occur, so we think it’s worth adding a last layer of protection with an UpSideUp system.

UpSideUp is a French brand by Ocean Data System, initially developed for extreme race boats and now, as the multihull cruising market has grown, also offered in simpler formats ideal for cruising boats. http://www.oceandatasystem.com

At its most complex, their “Master” system on race-boats can be equipped to release the sheets if heel or pitch angles exceed set levels – release the sheets if rig loads exceed designated levels (to prevent damage) – record loads on rigs, chainplates etc for structural and performance analysis – stop the boat if member of the crew falls overboard – other high tech functions. 

At the other end of UpSideUp’s complexity and cost spectrum, we’ve chosen their simplest “Easy” system which detects heel and pitch angles and automatically releases the sheets if they exceed pre-set levels. It will also have quick release buttons in the saloon and cockpit so one touch will release the sheets – equally valid in a MOB situation. 

Fundamentally, the system we have chosen comprises: 

• Control unit which detects the heel and pitch angles  
• Pneumatic actuator which triggers the sheet release 
• Cam cleats by the winches which hold the sheets – automatically released by the actuator 
• Manual quick release buttons

 

Perhaps this system is a psychological luxury for our cruising style but, as with the lightning prevention system, for 1% extra cost we think this is a much more worthwhile addition than some of the home comforts chosen by many boat buyers!

Additional Electronic Safety Equipment

Most blue-water cruising boats have some or all of this gear but, for completeness, these are the other key items we’ll carry:

Iridium GO!

Satellite comms “router” that allows phones, tablets and laptops to connect to the Iridium network to make calls, send / receive emails and, crucially, when coupled with Predict Wind weather forecasting, download forecasts and routing information. Weather and routing info, plus Rush’s fast cruising potential should allow us to avoid the worst weather – adding one of the greatest safety (and comfort) factors for offshore passages.

Garmin inReach Mini Tracker

A satellite comms gadget which also uses the Iridium network to ping our current position at frequent intervals so “shore crew” can follow our progress – and spot if we stop… It can also send alerts to rescue services and send / receive text messages, so provides relatively low-cost satellite comms back-up, should the Iridium Go! fail. 

EPIRB

This unit, when activated, sends an alert via a satellite system to shore-based emergency services, who then initiate rescue by appropriate means – ship / nearby smaller vessel / lifeboat or helicopter if within range.

PLB

Effectively a small size EPIRB. Amanda and I each have a Kanad PLB attached to our lifejackets, which we wear at night and in bad weather. The PLBs can be activated should we fall overboard to initiate rescue via emergency services, as with the EPIRB.

Personal AIS

We also have an Ocean Safety MOB1 attached to our lifejackets. If one of us falls overboard it automatically activates when the lifejacket inflates, triggers a loud audible MOB alert on Rush’s B&G system and displays its location on the chart plotter – a huge help to being found / recovered by our own boat.