Practical Sailor · video

What this video covers

A lightning strike hit an Island Spirit 2006 catamaran anchored at Pipe Creek, Bahamas, destroying nearly all onboard electronics and electrical systems.4:38 The strike occurred during a 60-knot squall while the crew was on deck attempting to re-anchor after dragging.6:05 The surge fried the inverter-charger, a Victron CCGX display, one solar controller, and the salon freezer.10:30 The vessel’s 05 mechanical Volvo diesel engines remained operational, though all gauges failed.8:22 The crew’s Starlink, computers, and phones were unplugged and survived, as did an Axiom 12+ chart plotter.12:04 The strike left the boat without AC power for three days, forcing the crew to rely on external assistance for charging.11:21 The incident also caused minor damage to the keels from the initial dragging event.6:43 The crew, who had recently upgraded to lithium batteries, faced significant repair costs and import duties while preparing for an offshore passage to the Dominican Republic.10:14

More from Practical Sailor

Bayfield 36 – A Cheap Bluewater SailboatAug 202610 Sailing Mistakes You’ll Only Make OnceAug 2026Bayfield 32 Boat Tour - The Canadian Cruiser That Crossed the AtlanticAug 2026Which Boats Are Easy to Sail? 7 Features That MatterAug 2026

From Practical Sailor — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.