August 3, 2025
Update
Update: The True Cost — And It’s Not Just Money
We’ve been quiet for a bit, not because things have settled down, but because we’ve been pouring everything we have (and a lot we don’t) into trying to get back on our feet.
Since the lightning strike, our journey has changed completely. The freedom, the exploration, the joy… all of it has been clouded by stress, sleepless nights, and the mounting pressure of costs we never expected.
Just the hardware we’ve replaced so far, no labor, no shipping, no duty or VAT, all of which is still coming, has totaled $12,143.93. And we’re still not done.
We’ve had to pause the replacement of our AIS system and the built-in Isotherm freezer, another $2,400 we just don’t have.
And even when we can source what we need, we still face sky-high freight, import duty, VAT, and brokerage fees. (In case you didn’t know: the Bahamas does not exempt transiting yachts from duty. We didn’t know either.)
We’ve missed months of travel, and with it, the content we work so hard to create and share. The stress of coordinating shipping, clearing customs, trying to afford ice for what’s left of our freezer… it’s all added up.
We don’t say this lightly: this has been a very difficult time. We’re proud of how far we’ve come with what we had, and beyond grateful to those who helped get us here. But we’re still not through it.
If you’re able to help, or even just share this update, it truly means more than we can say.
Thank you for helping us stay afloat, in every sense of the word.
Lisa & Dave
Sailing Dark Angel
July 28, 2025
Update
Nearly Ready to Sail — But Still in Deep
We’ve made real progress: most of our essential navigation instruments are installed, and we’re finally able to begin planning a safer departure from the Bahamas. AIS is still pending, but we’re getting closer.
While we did receive some support through this campaign — and we’re incredibly grateful for it — the majority of the costs so far have been covered by our personal savings and credit. It’s taken a financial toll, and we’re not through it yet.
We’re still facing:
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VAT, duty, exchange fees, and customs brokerage on shipped parts
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The cost of hauling out in the Dominican Republic for keel repairs
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Replacement of radar or autohelm — both of which are still out of commission
We’re doing everything we can with what we have, but the road (or ocean) ahead remains steep. If you’re able to share our story or contribute, we’d be deeply thankful. Every bit truly helps.
July 27, 2025
Update:
Interview
Nearly Ready to Sail — But Still in Deep We’ve made real progress: most of our essential navigation instruments are installed, and we’re finally able to begin planning a safer departure from the Bahamas. AIS is still pending, but we’re getting closer. While we did receive some support through this campaign — and we’re incredibly grateful for it — the majority of the costs so far have been covered by our personal savings and credit. It’s taken a financial toll, and we’re not through it yet. We’re still facing: VAT, duty, exchange fees, and customs brokerage on shipped parts The cost of hauling out in the Dominican Republic for keel repairs We’re doing everything we can with what we have, but the road (or ocean) ahead remains steep. If you’re able to share our story or contribute, we’d be deeply thankful. Every bit truly helps.
June 23, 2025
Update:
Fundraiser!
We are absolutely blown away. 🥋🍽️💙
Our dear friends David and Luann in Ontario hosted a martial arts seminar and gourmet fundraiser to support our storm recovery — and raised $1200 in one afternoon. From teaching forms to cooking up a feast, they poured their hearts into every moment, and we’re deeply grateful.
To everyone who showed up to train, eat, and support us: thank you. Your generosity means more than we can say. The funds will go directly toward rebuilding our essential systems onboard.
From a lightning strike to this kind of light in our lives — we’re humbled. 🙏
#SailingDarkAngel #ThankYouCrew #MartialArtsForACause #Gratitude #SupportSmallCreators
➕
Our friends David & Luann hosted a martial arts + gourmet food fundraiser in Ontario, and raised $1200 for our recovery! 🥋💙
Huge thanks to everyone who came out. Your support helps keep us afloat (literally)
#SailingDarkAngel #Gratitude #SupportSmallCreators(Edited)
June 17, 2025
Update:
Progress!
Thanks to your incredible support, we’ve been able to purchase a Victron Multiplus Inverter Charger — the heart of our boat’s electrical system. We’ve now tested our AC systems to make sure they’re ready for action once the unit is installed. DC circuit testing begins today.
But there’s still a long way to go.
We’re currently running off a donated generator to power our computers, and our solar panels are charging our batteries (with one damaged solar controller hanging on by a thread). Once the system is fully installed, we’ll finally be able to test the batteries themselves — a big unknown in the aftermath of the lightning strike.
What’s still needed?
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Interface, control screen & battery monitor for the inverter charger
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A new solar controller
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Complete navigation suite: radar, wind instruments, autohelm, chart plotter
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Navigation and safety lights
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A haulout for keel repair — structural work we can’t fully assess until we’re out of the water
Every single donation helps us take another step closer to being fully operational again. We’re humbled and grateful for the support so far — and hopeful we’ll find a way forward with your continued help.
👉 gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-after-lightning-struck-their-boat
June 10, 2025
Update:
A very good friend and fellow cruiser has helped us to set up a GoFundMe campaign. If you can give anything at all it will be a big help and very much appreciated.
If you are unable to help, please share our story and our link to help us get the word out. Thank you so much!
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-after-lightning-struck-their-boat
We’ll update again when we know more. Right now, we’re safe, afloat, and focusing on repairs. Thank you to everyone who’s reached out. Your support matters.
June 7, 2025
What Happened?
On June 1st, anchored in one of our favorite Bahamian hideaways, our sailboat was struck by lightning during a fast-moving squall.
We had awakened feeling grateful and relaxed at one of our favorite anchorages in the Bahamas. We’d just arrived the day before, tucked into a calm, 360-degree protected spot. A few thunderstorms had rolled through the previous evening, gusting up to 29 knots, but we rode them out without issue.
Overnight, we had hit a huge milestone: 10,000 YouTube subscribers. We were planning how to thank our viewers when a squall showed up on radar. At first, it didn’t look bad, but it started to build.
As a precaution, we unplugged all our AC-powered devices, Starlink, computers, hard drives, camera chargers, and powered down phones and the iPad. The rain started to drive. Winds climbed. Still, we weren’t worried. Our Mantus anchor was well set; I’d dived on it the day before. We’d held in over 40 knots here previously. Engines on, just in case.
At 08:30, a massive gust hit. A neighboring boat recorded 62 knots—before their anemometer was ripped off the mast.
We dragged. Fast.
Engines on full didn’t prevent us from grounding, but Captain Dave was at the helm putting us back in deeper water. I ran to the bow in the pouring rain to bring up the anchor. Wind was steady around 45 knots.
“I have it!” I yelled, referring to our anchor being fully retrieved, signaling Dave to move forward so we could reset.
Then it happened.
A flash of blinding white light. A deafening crack.
Lightning struck us directly.
I dropped and covered my ears, eyes squeezed shut. I wasn’t touching any metal, thankfully. Dave was shocked through the helm—both hands on the wheel.
With no idea whether the engines were still running (gauges were dead), Dave shouted, “Drop the anchor now!”
I did.
Inside the saloon, the air reeked of burnt electronics. No visible fire. Bilges dry. Through-hulls intact. A small relief in the chaos.
We stayed on anchor watch all night as more squalls rolled through, uncertain how well we were holding.
Damage Report
We’re still assessing, but here’s where things stand:
Immediate impact:
- Our batteries discharged to the point of damage (10.59v)
- Solar controller failed but appears to have reset
- No generator, no way to charge or power systems
Damaged or dead:
- Generator (Honda EU2200i Companion)
- Batteries (Eco-Worthy 150Ah lithium, installed recently)
- Inverter/charger (Magnum MS2812)
- Lithium charger
- All navigation instruments:
- Autohelm
- Wind package
- Depth gauge
- Radar
- AIS
- Engine gauges (both engines still run—thank you, old-school mechanical diesels)
- VHF antenna
- Anchor light
- Trilight
- Navigation lights
- Cockpit lights
- Courtesy lights
- Deck work light
- Steaming lights
- Spreader lights
- Isotherm freezer (nonfunctional)
Unknown status (can’t power them up yet):
- Computers
- Hard drives
- Starlink
Unknown Status Update:
Our computers, hard drives and Starlink are up and running!
Connectivity:
No SIM cards available locally. We’re relying on Canadian roaming ($25–$50/day) and Staniel Cay Yacht Club’s Wi-Fi to send updates and coordinate repairs. We can’t power Starlink until we have a working generator again.
Connectivity Update:
Smitty in Nassau helped us purchase a used Yamaha generator. We’re back online with StarLink and our computers. Gas is very expensive for the generator, but it’s good to be back online.
If you can chip in for gas or any of the other huge number of items we need to replace, please reach out at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-after-lightning-struck-their-boat
Logistics:
We’re hoping to have a generator flown in with Makers Air. Ice has been keeping our thawing freezer contents stable. Thank you to friends in Florida who coordinated local support—someone brought us ice and charging blocks for our phones. That meant the world.
A final note:
No, we are not insured for lightning.
