What are the potential dangers of sailing during a thunderstorm?

Sailing during a thunderstorm poses significant risks primarily due to lightning strikes and strong winds. Thunderstorms are characterized by unstable atmospheric conditions that lead to intense wind gusts, often resulting in sudden wind shifts and squalls. These hazardous winds can make sailing extremely difficult and dangerous, leading to loss of control of the vessel.

Additionally, thunderstorms commonly produce lightning, which is one of the most severe dangers while on the water. Being on a sailboat increases the risk of being struck, as the mast can act as a lightning rod, attracting electrical discharge. A strike can cause severe injury or even fatalities, as well as damage to the boat's electrical systems.

The other choices reflect conditions that are not typical of a thunderstorm. Increased visibility and calm seas are often the opposite of what is experienced during a storm, where visibility may be reduced due to heavy rain and turbulent waters are likely. Enhanced navigation conditions would not apply in the chaos of a thunderstorm, where navigating can become challenging and unsafe.