Pirates!

This is a topic that has been top of mind for a lot of our friends and family.  In fact, this is the most commonly asked question we get when folks hear about our future travels. 

The fact is, piracy is real.  Maritime piracy, according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982, consists of any criminal acts of violence, detention, rape, or depredation committed for private ends by the crew or the passengers of a private ship or aircraft that is directed on the high seas against another ship, aircraft, or against persons or property on board a ship or aircraft.

The most common type of 'piracy' we could encounter would be theft.   Stealing a dingy, items left out on the boat, etc. could happen - and this is classified as 'piracy'.  In most cases, it is theft.  We lock our cars when we leave them parked in a city.  We lock our doors at night in our house.  All to protect ourselves and belonging from being hurt/stolen.  This is no different than on our boat.  We will lock our boat, dinghy, put valuables out of sight, etc. -- just as we normally would on land.

Piracy Gulf of Aden & Somalia
The more dangerous type of piracy - with the recent news in particular of 4 Americasn being killed - occurs perdominatley near the gulf of Aden.  This is the 'hot' spot for real life threatening danger.  Especially with the recent events this week.

We will NOT be sailing this route to the Mediterranean.  Most likely, we will have our yacht shipped from India.  Life is too short, and this is not worth the risk.  The good news, we are 2-3 years away from even being remotely close to this area.  If anyone wants to volunteer and be crew during this passage...please let me know.  I will make you captain for the month, and meet you in the Med. :-)

Piracy in Perspective


Denver 'piracy' in past 3 months
No one likes to hear about some guy with a gun boarding your boat, robbing your family.  All scary stuff.  Like anything, we have to be careful and street smart.  We have lived in Denver for 8 years...and never have been robbed or had anything stolen.  You might ask...why do I bring this up?  See the map on the right.  This is a map of crimes that have occurred in the past 3 months in Denver...all would be classified as 'piracy' had they occurred on water.  My point is simple.  No matter where we live - on land or on the water - we have to be careful, and apply similar principles to keep family and belongings 'safe'.  It is common sense....

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