During a lightening storm I would do everything in my power to quickly get off the water. The Coast Guard Nav rules (that don't apply in NH) allow taking any and all action to avoid causing injury or death on your boat even if it means violating the NAVRULES. (paraphrasing)
What I do object to is folks using a regular old downpour to ignore NWZs. I was going through the Gov Is channel NWZ when the skies opened up one afternoon, no lightening, no thunder, just an old fashioned summer downpour and I had some rocket scientist behind me, blowing his horn and riding my stern because I adhered to the NWZ rules.
Gee, image you're on a boat in 80 degree weather and in danger of getting wet...horrible! So all rules are off?
Right...My reaction?
I slowed down
