Navigating Through a Severe Thunderstorm: Our Journey to Dubrovnik

TLDRWe encountered a severe thunderstorm while sailing to Dubrovnik. Despite the challenging conditions, we safely navigated through a narrow gap and reached our destination.

Key insights

⚡️We experienced a severe thunderstorm that caught us by surprise.

🌧️The storm caused heavy rain, making visibility difficult and increasing the risk of colliding with rocks.

⛵️We had to quickly lower our sails to prevent damage and motor through the storm.

🚩We successfully navigated through a narrow gap between an island and the mainland, avoiding shallow waters and rocks.

🌄Despite the challenging conditions, we reached Dubrovnik safely and were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Q&A

How did you prepare for the thunderstorm?

We made sure to secure loose items on deck and closed all hatches before the storm hit.

Did you encounter any other difficulties during the storm?

Besides the heavy rain and strong winds, we also had to deal with reduced visibility and the risk of colliding with rocks near the narrow gap.

What measures did you take to avoid getting struck by lightning?

We turned off all electronic instruments and put our phones in the oven, which acts as a Faraday cage.

How did you navigate through the narrow gap?

We carefully followed nautical charts and used our iPad for navigation. We also communicated with other boats in the area to ensure our safety.

What was your experience like after reaching Dubrovnik?

Once we reached Dubrovnik, we were relieved and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. Despite the challenges, we were proud of our successful navigation through the storm.

Timestamped Summary

00:12We encountered a severe thunderstorm while sailing to Dubrovnik.

03:16We started our journey from Italy and were excited to reach Dubrovnik.

08:59The storm intensified, making visibility difficult and forcing us to lower our sails.

12:22We navigated through a narrow gap between an island and the mainland, avoiding shallow waters and rocks.

14:19We encountered a cardinal marker, which indicated the way to go.

16:26Despite the challenges, we successfully reached Dubrovnik and enjoyed a beautiful sunset.