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.
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🌊 Sailing Dark Angel follows our real-life journey sailing the Caribbean aboard our Island Spirit catamaran, sharing the challenges, adventures, and everyday moments of liveaboard sailing life.
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📰 Featured in sailing media
Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine
🍹 Rum tasting article
https://digitalmagazine.latsatts.com/sailingdarkangel-5456
🌊 Bahamas snorkeling article
https://summer2023.latsatts.com/theresthisplace#a_aid=640782a615fd9&a_bid=0e47bed1
Pussfoot Magazine
https://www.pussfoot.com/blogs/water/sailing-dark-angel-sailing-and-slow-cooked-ribs
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🍹 The Dark Angel Cocktail
We created our own signature drink, the “Dark Angel,” which placed 3rd in a Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine contest.
If you’d like to try one yourself or order one at your favorite watering hole, here’s the recipe:
Kraken Spiced Rum
Ginger Beer
Muddled Mint
Slice of Lime
If you try it, let us know what you think!
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⚓ Marine Electronics Support
We trust Sea-Tech Systems for expert marine electronics advice and support aboard Dark Angel.
If you're planning upgrades or troubleshooting onboard systems, these are the guys we rely on.
https://seatech.systems/
See how they helped us:
https://seatech.systems/2022/02/16/sailing-dark-angel-tests-sea-techs-marine-electronics-advisor-service/
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🎒 Gear we trust
We take our Ugowear waterproof bags EVERYWHERE.
Amazing company, amazing gear.
Affiliate link:
https://ugowear.com?aff=34
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🛠 Help keep Dark Angel sailing
Amazon Wishlist
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👕 Dark Angel & Be Nauti Swag
https://spoiledbratdesigns.com/product-category/sailing-dark-angel-clothing-and-accessories/
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🎶 Opening and closing song
“Who We Are” by Miah
From the band NINETEEN EIGHTY SEVEN
Miah generously allowed us to use this song on the channel from the very beginning, and we've loved it ever since.
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WaNVPlzMwFn7WCVT3gVcJ
https://nineteeneightyseven.com
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Lisa & Dave
Sailing Dark Angel
© Sailing Dark Angel 2026
