Final answer:
In a storm, the best practice with a small boat is to seek shelter and keep the boat afloat, facing into waves and bailing out water. Turning on all lights, hoisting the sails, dropping anchor, or heading to shore may not be safe depending on conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When caught in a storm while in a small boat, the priority is to ensure safety and prevent sinking or capsizing. The best course of action is to seek shelter and keep the boat afloat. Dropping anchor may not be advisable in a storm, as this could potentially capsize the boat if the winds and waves are strong. Heading to shore might seem intuitive, but if the shore is too far or the conditions are too rough, it could be dangerous. Turning on all lights and increasing speed is not the safest option, because visibility might be poor, and increasing speed could lead to loss of control. Hoisting the sails and changing course is not the right option in a storm, as strong winds could easily overwhelm the boat. Instead, it is critical to reduce sail and maintain control of the boat, facing the waves at an angle that avoids being swamped.
Based on narrative excerpts, effective strategies for managing a small boat in a storm include staying alert, keeping the boat facing into the waves, and bailing out any water that comes onboard. It's also important to work as a team, take turns to rest when possible, and maintain hope of reaching safety.