Sven Yrvind · video

What this video covers

Sven Yrvind wraps two handheld GPS units and spare batteries in bubble wrap followed by two layers of heavy industrial aluminum foil to protect them from a lightning-induced electromagnetic pulse aboard his high-latitude boat build.1:13 The foil acts as a Faraday shield, keeping the backup units functional if the boat's primary electronics are destroyed by a strike. He notes the GPS units are difficult to operate — it took him roughly half an hour to locate the longitude and latitude display — but considers them essential last-resort navigation tools.0:20 Fresh batteries installed in 2026 are rated good through 2032.0:36 A phone is wrapped the same way and stored alongside the GPS units.1:32 Each foil package is labeled and bagged.2:33 The setup gives him multiple independent navigation backups: two GPS units plus at least one phone, all shielded and ready if primary systems fail. A Faraday wrap of bubble plastic plus two layers of aluminum foil is a low-cost method to store backup electronics against lightning damage on a long-range passage boat.

More from Sven Yrvind

Four Sheets of Divinycell for the Hull Sides – I Think That's Enough.Oct 2026Nervously Cutting the Divinycell Sheets.Oct 2026Trying to Get the Sheerline Right.Oct 2026More molds up.Oct 2026

From Sven Yrvind — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed 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.