Practical Sailorvideo
Bahamas Lightning Strikes Catamaran, FRIES EVERYTHING!
July 26, 2025 · 20 min · 13K views · Black Point, Bahamas
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.▶ 17:23
More from Practical Sailor
From Practical Sailor — 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.