Pirates?

I was wondering... has anyone ever ran into any pirates, or know where they are common?

[Willallison]

What part of the worls are we talking about?
I was only reading today about a chap in the Phillipines who ran into two separate 'pirates' in the space of one 10 hour trip!
There are many web sites that can give you up to date info on pirating....if only I was able to give you an address....

[sailsnail]

Yes, I've had 'trouble' about 50 miles off French Guiana, twice while at anchor in Venezuela (thieves more than pirates but they can trash your boat) and twice in the same day by Haitians while going North in the windward passage. And most anchorages have their resident dingy thieves. But I wouldn't let it put me off cruising. They are usually at a disadvantage, especially if you have a gallon of gas and a few flares handy, and a good quality water-pistol filled with sulphuric acid. The Haitians backed off as soon as they saw the speargun.

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[PAR]

There are many places in the world that should be avoided by cruisers. Flying the US ensign can increase the problem in other areas. Most are looking for a quick grab and go situation and will look for a class A yacht of some expense. Letting chain plates leave rust stains down the top sides, leaving the boat a real mess while under way or anchored in these areas can cut down the risk. Personally I've only one instance with would be boarding and my boat was much better equipped to handle the conditions the fools tried to come along side me in. They were fast in a 21' center console, but I put up the big headsail, I'd just changed down and headed into the teeth of the freshening blow, set my mizzen stay sail and they could do little but bounce around in the swells. Barely under control, they gave up after a half hour of getting close, having their bow driven under by my pitching stern overhang, so they gave up.

This was off the coast of Panama in the late 80's. I've learned never to have a gun aboard while cruising out of US waters and they will cause much more harm then good. Having other then US ensigns aboard and flying them when necessary isn't legal, but would be a good idea in some areas of the world. If you do get boarded, a carton of Marlboro and case of Bud will get you out of most ugly encounters.

[yipster]

old funky pirates at least had their jolly roger flying i like to think...
reality is different, i call it thieves, murderers, peter blake recently beeing a very sad example.

http://www.blakexpeditions.com/flash.htm

Winning America's Cup Captain Murdered
New Zealander Sir Peter Blake killed by Amazonian Pirates

The world sailing community received a chilling reminder that piracy remains a "scourge of the seas" with the announcement that the charismatic Sir Peter Blake has been murdered by intruders who overwhelmed his crew.

Sailing Champion's New Career
The 53 year old Blake, Team New Zealand's winning skipper and a champion of the world environmental movement, was leading an expedition in South America when his boat was attacked in Macapa, Brazil, on Dec. 6th. According to a spokesman at OMEGA, the Swiss watch corporation which has been underwriting Blake's expedition, seven or eight intruders boarded Blake's 36mtr schooner, Seamaster at anchor near the mouth of the Amazon River.

Sir Peter sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Two of the other nine crewmembers were wounded in the attack, one shot across the back, while the other was struck in the face. The masked intruders then fled with some watches, an inflatable dinghy and a spare engine.

Unbeatable America's Cup Skipper
Blake, who first took the Auld Mug to New Zealand in 1995 and kept it firmly under Kiwi control in the 2000 contest, was a man of action and inspiration in a number of fields. In addition to his two America's Cup wins, Sir Peter also won the Whitbread in 1989, and the Jules Verne Trophy in 1994. He was the only person to compete in each of the first five Whitbread races, winning with Steinlager 2 in 1989-90. He also succeeded Jacques Cousteau as captain of the Cousteau Society vessel, Calypso 2.

Earlier this year, Blake announced he was relinquishing control of the Team New Zealand syndicate and in July he was named as a goodwill ambassador of the United Nations Environment Program.

Environmental Sailing Project
Blake and the crew of the Seamaster had just completed a two-month cruise on the Amazon, monitoring pollution and the effects of global warming. They were slated to clear customs and head up the coast to Venezuela when they were attacked. Blake's goal was to show children the wonders of the world around them, and formed Blake Expeditions to show them the world as seen from the deck of the Seamaster. This year alone he led an Antarctic expedition, as well as the voyage up the Amazon and recorded his observations and thoughts in an online logbook.

He leaves behind a wife and two children and many who will miss the effort and enthusiasm he brought to both sailing and environmental awareness.

from sailing

[xovlov]

stand and deliver!
this is my ship and we're taking over!

[safewalrus]

hey xovlov, nice ship pity about the 'motorised contaceptive' on the back tho'

[xovlov]

well, that's the USCG for you. we carry passengers.

[Bergalia]

Originally Posted by safewalrus

hey xovlov, nice ship pity about the 'motorised contaceptive' on the back tho'

Hey, Walrus - that gives me a further chance for a bit of 'Yank bashing...' Ever hear the story of when our American cousins were in the UK readying for D-Day - apparently the US Quarter Master ordered a dozen gross of contraceptives from Imperial Rubber Company for the troops to fit over their rifle barrels when wading ashore. The QM insisted that the rubbers be at least 18 inches long... The order came back with each one stamped "Medium'... But God bless the lads - we're here today because of them.

[BillyDoc]

Um, Bergalia, I don't get it.

Eighteen inches is about a medium size, isn't it?

BillyDoc

[Bergalia]

Unfortunately, BillyDoc,that's true for me now... But then, I spent 25 years in the Arctic Circle....

[BillyDoc]

I'm very sorry to hear that Bergalia . . . frostbite?

If it's any comfort, many a lass has told me that "size doesn't matter."

[MikeJohns]

Originally Posted by Mr.Pirate

I was wondering... has anyone ever ran [run] into any pirates, or know where they are common?

Have a look at

http://www.noonsite.com/General/Piracy

This is the best rescource for cruisers.

[Bergalia]

Originally Posted by BillyDoc

I'm very sorry to hear that Bergalia . . . frostbite?

If it's any comfort, many a lass has told me that "size doesn't matter."

I've heard that rumour too, BillyDoc... but unfortunately it left me with a 17 inch frozen stump...which, as I was wearing a kilt at the time...grew downwards... And the only way to overcome the discomfort of chaffed inner thighs is to wear cricket pads under the kilt...Luckily a not uncommon sight in Australia - hence my move to the Southern hemisphere

[safewalrus]

Ye gods a three legged oz jock in a frock, the mind boggles! I knew there was a reason I didna like ice in me whishk(e)y, ya ken!