By Nicole
It was a dark and stormy night… Isn’t that how good horror stories start? Well, that basically sets the scene for what happened a few nights ago.
While at anchor in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica, Bella Star took a direct lightning strike.
We were ashore enjoying our first taste of Costa Rican beer when a severe thunderstorm moved in bringing torrential rain, intense flashes of lightning and deafening cracks of thunder. As cruisers, we live with the reality of a potential lightning strike, but it’s something we never really thought would happen to us.
No one was hurt—that’s the main thing—but Bella Star sustained major damage and is out of commission for the time being. Virtually all the electronics were fried, including the VHF, SSB, Pactor modem, autopilot, chartplotter, alternator/regulator, inverter, battery charger/monitor … and the list goes on.
The last few days have been stressful and trying—I’ve cried more than once—but we’re working with the insurance company to come up with a plan. We want nothing more than to get Bella Star out cruising again, and that’s what we’re going to do.
We’ll keep you posted…
Glad everyone is OK! This news made me tear up - I'm so sorry Nicole. I hope you guys can get back out on the water soon!!
ReplyDeleteUgh! We've been following your blog since San Francisco (via Estralita's blog posts) and we feel so bad for you guys. Hang in there, at least there's no structural damage and she is still floating...and you had insurance. We sailed outside the U.S. last winter without insurance and we're now going to rethink that for the next cruising season based on this post.
ReplyDeleteNicole and Aaron, we wish you nothing but the best and hope you can resolve this as soon as possible. We are so glad that you are safe and were not on the boat.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, Alison and Craig
Oh you guys... we're so sorry to hear of Bella Star's 'light up'.. Thank goodness you two are ok. Things can be fixed... that's why we have insurance... so try and find the good in this.. you'll have a bit more time than you planned for touring and learning about Costa Rica. And, the SV Bella Star will get returned to her previous beautiful condition. Keep taking good care of each other... and hang in there. Lots of love, CJ and Kathy
ReplyDeleteWow! So sorry to hear that!We are going crusing in 2 years! Picking out our boat and getting prepared! One more son to get thru school and then its our turn! Enjoy Costa Rica and angel blessings! You will be crusing again in no time! We enjoy your blogs! Gary and Susan from Fla.
ReplyDeleteOHHHH, we are so sorry to hear of your damages. Yes we do live in fear of this event that happened to Bella Star. Keep pushing on, we know how bad that can feel some days, but we stand here encouraging you:) rick and deena on Talaria in Golfito
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on your recovery from the lightening strike. If you come up to San Diego to get parts or anything, let us know and Natalie and I will be glad to help. What insurance company are you using that has coverage all the way down there?
ReplyDeleteHi Nate and Natalie. Thanks for the well wishes! We have Pantaenius insurance, and they've been great so far... Hope that continues! :)
Delete-Nicole
Oh what a nightmare! Hope you can get things resolved without too much trouble and the insurance company comes through for you.
ReplyDeleteVerena & Mike
s/v Camille -- pacificsailors.com
Luckily you averted the tragedy of any bodily injury - sorry to hear that Bella Star sustained such massive electronic destruction though. Those of us that follow your blog/adventures are saddened by your loss and setback - be assured we are hoping things get resolved quickly with as little damage to your pocketbook as possible. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteHugh
Markdale, Ontario, Canada
Such a blessing you were not on board, but how heartbreaking! We hope the repairs/replacements are speedy!
ReplyDeleteJohn & Jenni
s/v Gallivant
So sorry to hear this you guys, but glad you are safe. I really hope you can get back out there soon.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Angela
s/v Ghost
OH MAN!! Aaron and Nichole, we are so sorry to hear this. I guess at some point you have to start looking for that silver lining...you both are OK, You did not mention any flooding, so the thru hulls did not "light up" and try to let water in, and when this is all done, you will all brand new stuff to play with on the balance of your adventure!! Remember, the difference between an ordeal and an adveture is the attitude, and you two always have the greatest one!! Hang in there, we are sending good thoughts!!
ReplyDeleteTom & Jeanne
SV Eagle
So sorry to hear this. We suffered a complete electronic meltdown in the Solomon Islands, but had no insurance to help defray the costs of replacing everything. We had to sail thousands of miles without navigation equipment and it was a challenge. Glad you're at least in a better situation. Good luck getting underway again! Love your posts.
ReplyDeleteWendy Hinman
SV Velella
Author of Tightwads on the Loose
THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteAaron and I wanted to send a big thank you for all the support and well wishes! It makes a crappy situation a little brighter. We're making progress, tearing out damaged gear and getting our lists together for the insurance company. Bella Star will be shipshape again soon, I have no doubt.
Thanks again!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you guys weren't onboard! If there's any help we can give from here just let us know.
ReplyDeleteIt's all part of the adventure, eh?
Susan & Ken
Wow! So glad you are ok. Poor Bella Star! Hope the repairs are fast and you get out there soon. We leave in a couple years and our countdown is beginning....
ReplyDeleteKathi
S/V KTooT
Stupid lightning. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your lightning mishap! I can empathize with your situation... our house was recently hit by a tornado, no serious damage and no one hurt, but a major disruption none the less! Here's to making lemonade out of lemons, and hope you are able to get sailing again soon. You guys are an inspiration to me and my dream of cruising before 40 someday soon!
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes,
Steve
s/v Flood Insurance
Hey guys - I am so sorry! But so very glad to see you're okay!!
ReplyDeleteLet me know if I can help in any way. I'd be happy to pickup and ship anything you need...or whatever! Maybe even get on a plane and deliver! (Not kidding, though would have to get the wife to approve) :)
Let me know if I can help.
Glen
Hi you guys... CJ here. We're sure thinking of you and hoping for the best. I check every day to see how you're doing... any chance of an update? Is there anything we can do to help? Thanks for keeping in touch... big hug. CJ
ReplyDeleteSV Shannon
Aw man, that's terrible - we're so sorry to hear you have to deal with this mess - although we're glad you are safe and sound. Bon courage!!
ReplyDeleteThe Nyon crew
So glad you are doing alright. I guess you could have had worse... and the support could have publically not been there as it was from those who love you. I have been in a lightning storm on a race across Lake MI and wow was that a trip!! We think of you daily. I am so proud of you guys for continuing you journey with such vigor and excitement to live life fully!!! Congrats!!! Hope sweet Bella Star gets or is mended quickly. I wrote in your svbellastar@gmail email. I sent a copy of our blog. feel free to post it or not. Light and calm seas your way.
ReplyDelete