SDA206: Lightning Strike Shatters Our Bahamas Dream
This day changed everything for us.
In this episode of Sailing Dark Angel, we work our way up the Exumas chain from Big Farmers Cay to our favorite anchorage at Thomas Cay, searching for calm waters away from swell and wakes.
Our peaceful spot turns chaotic as a squall builds into a nightmare thunderstorm, threatening to drag our anchor.
Then the unthinkable.
A direct lightning strike hits us.
⚠️ Lightning Strike Update
We were directly struck by lightning. Navigation systems, running lights, anchor lights, work lights, a large freezer, and even our keel were damaged. We’re still facing VAT, duty, exchange rates, customs brokerage, and a costly haul-out for keel repairs in the Dominican Republic. Current items still needing repair/replacement include our Isotherm freezer in the saloon, our AIS and keel repairs.
Also, our newly replaced wind instruments aren’t working. Facing shipping and customs for replacement.
If you can help, even a share means the world:
🙏 https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-after-lightning-struck-their-boat
🍹 Rum tasting article in Latitudes and Attitudes magazine – it’s delicious!
https://digitalmagazine.latsatts.com/sailingdarkangel-5456
🌊 Our Bahamas snorkeling article (also in Lats & Atts)
https://summer2023.latsatts.com/theresthisplace#a_aid=640782a615fd9&a_bid=0e47bed1
🎒 We take our Ugowear waterproof bags EVERYWHERE!
Amazing company, amazing gear.
Affiliate link: https://ugowear.com?aff=34
⛵ Join the journey
Lisa’s personal blog is being added now.
Like what you see? You can even buy us a beer 🍻
🛠️ Help us keep sailing
Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/KYJVC8ZWGHY2
🎥 Become part of the Crew on Patreon
Without a Crew, a Ship Has No Direction.
https://www.patreon.com/sailingdarkangel
📰 Our first article in Pussfoot Magazine!
https://www.pussfoot.com/blogs/water/sailing-dark-angel-sailing-and-slow-cooked-ribs
👕 Dark Angel & Be Nauti Swag
https://spoiledbratdesigns.com/product-category/sailing-dark-angel-clothing-and-accessories/
Want something custom? Email: [email protected]
📱 Join us on social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sailingdarkangel
X / Twitter: https://x.com/SailinDarkAngel
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sailing_darkangel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailingdarkangel
🎶 Opening and closing song: “Who We Are” by Miah
Check out his band NINETEEN EIGHTY SEVEN
https://nineteeneightyseven.com
Lisa & Dave
Sailing Dark Angel
#boatlife #catamaran #islandspirit #sailing #cruisinglife #sailboats
© Sailing Dark Angel 2025
This day changed everything for us.
In this episode of Sailing Dark Angel, we work our way up the Exumas chain from Big Farmers Cay to our favorite anchorage at Thomas Cay, searching for calm waters away from swell and wakes.
Our peaceful spot turns chaotic as a squall builds into a nightmare thunderstorm, threatening to drag our anchor.
Then the unthinkable.
A direct lightning strike hits us.
⚠️ Lightning Strike Update
We were directly struck by lightning. Navigation systems, running lights, anchor lights, work lights, a large freezer, and even our keel were damaged. We're still facing VAT, duty, exchange rates, customs brokerage, and a costly haul-out for keel repairs in the Dominican Republic. Current items still needing repair/replacement include our Isotherm freezer in the saloon, our AIS and keel repairs.
Also, our newly replaced wind instruments aren't working. Facing shipping and customs for replacement.
If you can help, even a share means the world:
🙏 https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-after-lightning-struck-their-boat
🍹 Rum tasting article in Latitudes and Attitudes magazine – it’s delicious!
https://digitalmagazine.latsatts.com/sailingdarkangel-5456
🌊 Our Bahamas snorkeling article (also in Lats & Atts)
https://summer2023.latsatts.com/theresthisplace#a_aid=640782a615fd9&a_bid=0e47bed1
🎒 We take our Ugowear waterproof bags EVERYWHERE!
Amazing company, amazing gear.
Affiliate link: https://ugowear.com?aff=34
⛵ Join the journey
https://sailingdarkangel.com
Lisa's personal blog is being added now.
Like what you see? You can even buy us a beer 🍻
🛠️ Help us keep sailing
Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/KYJVC8ZWGHY2
🎥 Become part of the Crew on Patreon
Without a Crew, a Ship Has No Direction.
https://www.patreon.com/sailingdarkangel
📰 Our first article in Pussfoot Magazine!
https://www.pussfoot.com/blogs/water/sailing-dark-angel-sailing-and-slow-cooked-ribs
👕 Dark Angel & Be Nauti Swag
https://spoiledbratdesigns.com/product-category/sailing-dark-angel-clothing-and-accessories/
Want something custom? Email: [email protected]
📱 Join us on social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sailingdarkangel
X / Twitter: https://x.com/SailinDarkAngel
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sailing_darkangel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailingdarkangel
🎶 Opening and closing song: “Who We Are” by Miah
Check out his band NINETEEN EIGHTY SEVEN
https://nineteeneightyseven.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WaNVPlzMwFn7WCVT3gVcJ
Lisa & Dave
Sailing Dark Angel
#boatlife #catamaran #islandspirit #sailing #cruisinglife #sailboats
© Sailing Dark Angel 2025
SDA206: Lightning Strike Shatters Our Bahamas Dream Locations
- Thomas Cay (26.2333333,-77.55)
Sailing Dark Angel
We're Lisa & Dave. We love to travel anywhere warm and friendly, to explore, meet new people, see new places, and share what we see. Sailing Dark Angel is our unscripted tale of learning a whole new life. Freedom and adventure on the water, living an alternative lifestyle. We decided our YouTube channel would reflect the new experiences and discoveries we make. We don't have a ton of experience for 'how-to' videos and the only advice we offer is to get out and live life. Don't wait for it to come to you. We hope to inspire people the way we've been inspired. Join us aboard Dark Angel, our beautiful 2006 Island Spirit Fortuna 401 catamaran. Share our dreams and adventures with us
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