NIC COMPTON is the author of How to Survive a Lightning Strike, published by Ivy Press (aka Life Skills, Chartwell in North America). He is writer/photographer specialising in sailing - but with a keen interest in environmental issues. He has written 15 books and recently completed an MA in Global Political Economy at Sussex University, and co-wrote two books about economics. He currently lives by the River Dart in Devon, UK, from where he sails a Romilly 22 called Ramona. More information at www.niccompton.co.uk.