(i) Steps taken by the captain to protect the ship when rough weather began:

1. Slowing the boat down: They dropped the storm jib and lashed a heavy mooring rope in a loop across the stern to reduce their speed.
2. Double-lashing everything: The captain made sure all items on the deck were secured to prevent them from being thrown overboard or causing injury.
3. Going through life-raft drill: The family and crew practised their emergency procedures to ensure everyone was prepared in case they needed to abandon the ship.
4. Attaching lifelines: The captain had everyone on board wear lifelines to prevent them from being swept overboard during the storm.
5. Donning oilskins and life jackets: They wore protective clothing and life jackets to stay warm, dry, and buoyant in stormy conditions.

(ii) Steps taken by the captain to check the flooding of the water in the ship:

1. Assessing the damage: Gordon went below deck to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the source of the flooding.
2. Initiating pumping efforts: He instructed Larry and Herb to pump out the water using the hand pumps and later utilized the electric pump.
3. Repairing the damaged hull: Gordon used a hammer, screws, and canvas to patch up the damaged starboard side of the ship, preventing more water from entering.
4. Clearing debris from pumps: When the hand pumps started to clog with debris, the captain worked to clear the blockages and keep the pumps operational.
5. Utilizing a spare electric pump: Gordon remembered the additional electric pump under the chartroom floor and connected it to an out-pipe, which helped remove more water from the ship.

The author, Gordon Cook, and his wife, Mary, undertook the sea journey to duplicate the round-the-world voyage made 200 years earlier by Captain James Cook. They had dreamt of sailing in the wake of the famous explorer for a long time, and for the past 16 years, they had spent their leisure time honing their seafaring skills in British waters. The journey was an opportunity for them to fulfil their dream and embark on an adventurous expedition, following the path of the renowned explorer and experiencing the challenges of sailing the world's oceans.

1. Knot - In addition to being a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, "knot" can also refer to a fastening made by tying a piece of string or rope together.
   Context: I learned how to tie a knot in Boy Scouts.

2. Stern - Besides being the rear part of a ship, "stern" can also mean strict or harsh in manner.

   Context: The stern teacher reprimanded the student for talking in class.

3. Boom - Apart from being a horizontal spar used to extend the foot of a sail, "boom" can also refer to a period of economic growth or a loud, deep resonant sound.

   Context 1: The booming construction industry led to a high demand for building materials.

   Context 2: The thunderous boom of fireworks filled the night sky on New Year's Eve.

4. Hatch - In addition to being an opening in the deck or hull of a ship, "hatch" can also mean to plot or devise a scheme or plan.

   Context: The group hatched a plan to surprise their friend for his birthday.

5. Anchor - Besides being a heavy device dropped from a ship to keep it from drifting, "anchor" can also refer to something or someone that provides stability or support.

   Context: His faith acted as an anchor during challenging times.