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 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: spoiledbrat@spoiledbratdesigns.com 📱 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