Pirates and Bandits: Recognizing Imaginary Dangers vs. Real Security Concerns when Sailing The World

[@genglandoh]

I am a project engineer and have traveled to 20 countries. These trips are normally for 3-5 weeks. I like to walk/explore when I am not working. My rule is if I walk into an area where there are no kids or old people turn around. I do this even when I am in the US.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

It's really nice to hear stories from someone who is actually living the experience right now.

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

In 45 years of off-shore and long-range sailing, often singlehanding the last 25 years, I never had a gun-point occurrence, neither with bandits nor bandits in uniform. No arms aboard besides signal pistols, harpoons sometimes, the usual tools from machete to de-nailer, and once four molotov cocktails we prepared for notorious wood-boat pirates in the Aden Gulf that we did not need to use in the end - didn't even _see_ 'em depite multiple sightings before and after we went through. Never had a dinghy stolen, never had a boat broken in, had some empty outside canisters and gasdrums stolen while ashore, once one winch got demounted overnight when I was partying ashore which I reckon was a fellow sailor rather than some local shore-bandid. Once had a "situation" with visibly starving, AK-armed brown people in the lower Red Sea who had a hard time to get to me by sail on their Dhau - me slightly overcanvassed and tacking in 20 kts on a hardly 40 foot cat ketch between the "no-no" tanker-highway and the Yemen coast. They almost saluted when they finally came near enough to shout and found out I had to be singlehanding because nobody showed no matter how much work I did on deck. I found special appreciation as a singlehander in various ports, from uniformed authorities lowering fees to craftsmen helping beyond normal service to fishermen and seafarers of any sort. I found: usually, poor people do not rob the poor sailor. We're still "rich" in comparison, but hard working and slim and calloused and running about in worn cloths having rusty chains, a visibly used deck and patched sails is sufficient to make good enough in the "poor" department to not become a target by any means but be seen as a fellow seafarer. Usually, the shiny well overfed tourists waving big bucks get cooked, hardboiled sailors on the other hand find support and help and friendship.

[@SailorJames]

Absolutely fantastic comment, thank you for sharing your experiences 🙏🏻

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

@@SailorJames Thank _You_ for putting in the effort of making and sharing those videos, James!

[@nextari]

i was thinking if i get really lucky about buying a 45' newer catamaran and sailing Indonesia & South Pacific for surfing and diving. Would you suggest against that as being too flashy or attention getting, and go for a basic lowbrow monohull? (I know you need to be careful in parts of Indo).

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

@@nextari I personally used to prefer the "real" sailboats aka monohulls with heeling properties and "adventurous" movements when sailing most of my life - hardest concession I made for a long time was the unstayed wishbone cat-ketch rigg - best rigg for ambitioned singlehanders by far. I can not deny the absolutely stunning living quarters aboard most modern catamarans however - always sitting right in the middle of everything, diving down into the "cellar" for another tray of ice from the freezer, a siesta or a power-nap with Your first mate only, sitting well above the waterline day and night, often with an inside second rudder/steering pilot at the nav station, lounging away Your days at sea .... these are arguments *_for_* the oddly shaped catamarans that aren't really rejectable tbh. Another point *_for_* the more modern cruising catamaran was its speed under sails - You can sail often fast enough to get away from occasionally buccaneering fishing crews well before any exchange of shouts (or projectiles, for that matter) even starts. Being "too flashy" can often be camouflaged with sloppy boatwashing discipline, cluttering the deck with canisters, gas drums, laundry all over the place or the old, stained and torn sprayhood put over the new flashy one as a visible layer of decay .... one of my friends did put on darkened, dirty patches randomly on his brandeffing new white plush of sails to make her look less of a target with good results. But: Usually, should You be "in situ" and people might ask You: "... where do You want to go next?", You often hear ".... don't go there, they're bandits and hoodlums and thugs over there!" Once You get to the bandit- and hoodlum-destination though, the people there will tell You when learning where You *_came from_* just now: "... what a lucky guy You are to be here now in one piece, because where You came from they're all bandits and hoodlums and thugs ...." So, You never know before going there and seeing Yourself.

[@nextari]

@@manfredschmalbach9023 love the suggestions! yes, nothing like knifing through the water, leaning out and testing the limits, and smaller cat's seem like they might "gallop" on choppy waves, not sure. I also wonder about all that difficult-to-measure torsional stress between hulls with each wave, potentially causing fatigue in the joining members. I was extremely fortunate to sail on a 72' cat through the Red Sea and Med, it had gone up to 28 knots with the spinnaker. We visited a few dive spots in Red Sea with buoy moorings floating 1 meter under the sea so they would not be seen. 20 years ago, wish I still had those coordinates, some of the best diving anywhere. Thanks for the great ideas for staying low profile and doing what you will.

[@obxarms7685]

I'm a Marine Corp Vet and an avid shooter all my life and I would never carry a gun on a sailboat unless it was like the apocalypse and I was escaping societal collapse. Everyone loses in a gunfight in a fiberglass boat. Evasion and tact like you said is the best bet. All you have to do is look at some of the worlds most renown war correspondents like Mike Yon who has been in the middle of the worst conflicts and famines and civil wars all over the world without so much as a pocket knife. He speaks 5 languages , knows the cultural and religious taboos, etc and keeps a low profile.

[@SailorJames]

Brilliant insight

[@obxarms7685]

@@SailorJames Wow, noone has ever accused me of brilliance before...(;

[@brianmaguire6814]

I'll be escaping societal collapse so it's condition 3 for me. YUT

[@DingbatGoldfarb]

being a grunt doesn't qualify anything you have to say as true. The dumbest people on earth join the military and they leave the military with little to zero knowledge of self-defense. fucking dork

[@tyzardoz]

Known areas of the Caribbean. Venezuela, Nicaragua, Honduras, Colombia. A friend of mine was attacked offshore near Barranquilla Colombia. We were boarded at anchor by 4 armed men at Taganga Santa Marta Colombia.

[@John_Long]

Great video James! As you said, this is a concern for anyone thinking about the solo sailing lifestyle and getting some resources that can help us to know what to look out for and places to avoid is really helpful, imo. Thank you for sharing! May fair winds be with you! 🌬⛵

[@Gregwilson3468]

Great video. There is a lot to be said for planning your route so that you dont sail to questionable areas.

[@thryce82]

I felt vastly safer in my years in Bangkok than I ever have in Hawaii or Texas. People are generally nice wherever you go. People should get out more.

[@Kespenny1]

Yup, me too lived in many Asian countries along with Mexico over a ten year the risks were visible not like our countries 😕

[@miken7629]

A boat represents a great deal of wealth, especially for people in areas that have nothing. Here in Houston & Galveston area in Texas, things keep disappearing, I suspect from other boat owners that underestimated cost of ownership and want my stuff. They stole my BBQ grill, hose, outboard engine, dinghy, teak drink holders, anything on the outside that's quick & easy. Once in Double Bayou, 2 people snuck up to my boat at night with electric trolling motor. I came out just to check my anchor light and they were standing on their boat right next to me. Once I saw them they looked at each other deciding whether or not to take me, I grabbed my gun and shot into the bank, they left. Had to keep watch all night and left at first light.

[@jaysweeney2032]

James, you got a good heart! Thank you.

[@nwohioan]

Great words James - These pretty much hold true for travel in general. Was in Saudi Arabia earlier this year and felt safer than being Ohio for much of the trip. Being smart about your belongings and keeping a level head will help avoid most issues, along with not putting yourself in legal jeopardy regarding arms.

[@luvndana]

Thank You for this Series.... I am cover a notebook page of your shared knowledge. I have rewound all vids a few times for my notes..

[@bowmanlegacies]

Phenomenal advice and a deeper window into how you and other solo sailors have to think. Thank you. Very insightful.

[@romanogreminger2875]

Excellent content James🙏🏻 I’ve also heard that a fire extinguisher can be a good deterrent 😊 imagine being sprayed with one of those 🤣😂👍

[@SailorJames]

Absolutely!

[@MKokruok1]

Thanks for touching on issues where others fear to tread. What will we ever ask you on live videos now, you have covered so many issues in this series.....well done!

[@TinCupChalice40]

From somebody who is extremely comfortable with firearms my first thought would be to bring one but your points are extremely valid I would not carry one after listening to your segment here.

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

It’s a shame in my view. A shotgun could be handy, and just the sound of chambering a round will chase most people off quick smart - and at sea a round or two in warning would generally chase them off too.

[@shanep5121]

I collect but I don't plan to bring any. In fact I'm selling a lot to help finance my retirement.

[@TinCupChalice40]

@@KeepItSimpleSailor yeah, but doing 20 years in a faraway forgotten prison scares the hell out of me

[@travistucker7317]

​@shanep5121 any neat gems you selling?

[@connannbarbarin3033]

​@@TinCupChalice40 from my research most countries (especially poor ones where you need a gun) will just put a seal on your gun safe (if bolted to the boat). So if you need it just brake the seal. That is ofc a crime, but in unlikely case you need a gun, a fine is not a big deal.

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Hi James, I’ve travelled to 29 different countries around the world and I always carry two wallets or money clips that you call in the states so if I go to get robbed I always give him the one that is a dummy wallet or money clip it always has money in it so they’ll get away with a little bit but they won’t get away with your credit cards etc etc. The only place I have been robbed in when I felt too safe, was Singapore on the MRT, underground railway keep up the good work. Love your videos very informative Cliff from Logan city Queensland Australia 🇦🇺 from the big island 🏝️

[@chhindz]

A couple decades ago, in Bahamas a boat got $25k fine for miscount of bullets.

[@AshleyH-kh8vj]

I love that you quoted/paraphrased Holly's tips for the topic of solo women's security. I've def found in even just my backpacking travels that the US is def the most dangerous place I have been. Looking forward to sailing away from here lol! Thanks for all of your tips

[@neilrush659]

Nice one James.....thanks for sharing this invaluable information. It's certainly something that has been on my mind, I guess if you box clever enough you can avoid trouble but there is always going to be a level of uncertainty regardless and I'm pretty sure you're going to be safe but never 100%. It's all certainly food for thought.

[@Brad.whatthe]

All valid common sense information which works if no one panics, cool heads prevail, I do like the thumb tacks preventers, a cattle fence tape ticker could be fun too

[@murphmurph2124]

Excellent points on the guns,and yes have sacrificial items to give up if necessary

[@janicechilders4885]

Just wanted to let you know what a great video this was! Thank you for sharing.

[@oogabooga590]

Excellent! Thank you 👍

[@adventuresoftheF.M.]

Great video series; TY. What exactly do you take with you when you leave Triteia? (Eg: wallet, phone, passport, cash, etc)

[@SailorJames]

Yeah all the things you mentioned, usually in a small dry bag, and a torch or headlamp in case I come back after dark

[@brianmock551]

Very, very sensible. Good.

[@jasleighgeary5893]

Another great video!! The idea of being boarded terrifies me, but I just wanted to make another comment about guns and self defence, (I'm not American, but have lots of American friends) and I know there are stand your ground laws in different parts there, but know that they don't exist everywhere, if you shoot and potentially kill someone, depending on the country you're in, that is murder or manslaughter or whatever they deem it is, even if it is self defence, so you may still be spending time in a foreign prison... just an extra thing to think about... I totally agree that prevention is the way to go and being vigilant with your safety, understanding where you are and doing lots of research. Once again, thanks for a great video!

[@obxarms7685]

Whatever camera you are using is awesome. Good eye for content too.

[@robinsommer6009]

THANKYOU Captain James 😍🤗🛡️🛡️🛡️🛡️🛡️🛡️🛡️🛡️🛡️🛡️🛡️

[@dannyfisher9223]

Thanks again James for all your insite and helpful knowledge 👍

[@DanO530.8]

James is a good man very knowledgeable thanks for sharing

[@jaydubya4727]

Thanks, James, for another interesting and entertaining lesson/video.

[@RobotZJ]

Great insight!

[@icysurfer1]

Great Points James. Some are also used on land, ya..? Thanks.

[@forestraven5271]

I don’t worry so much about pirates because most of the time I will be in the harbor on a live aboard. I worry about getting my boat broken into while doing errands. I’m like you , I m pretty much a loner an prefer to live by myself. I’m thinking of Ventura or Channel Islands Harbor . I live alone with a medium sized dog and she lets me know if someone has come on my property . I’m 70 but always aware of my surroundings and don’t venture around at night . One thing I noticed was KZbinr fish or go spearfishing but don’t seem to mention a fishing license or is it just the US that requires one ? Thanks for sharing 👍

[@SailorJames]

All the places I have visited since Los Angeles fishing license don’t exist 👍🏻

[@forestraven5271]

@@SailorJames Thank you James !

[@kimberiysmarketstrategy]

Great job!

[@agates9383]

Interesting video, I remember a video "Sailing Zatara" did at a meet and greet and the topic of firearms on the boat came up and they made the decision that the hassle of checking the gun in and out of non permissive countries was not worth it considering the REAL threat level while cruising - they totally agreed with you.

[@julianbatcheler9970]

And they sailed up the Somali coast and through Suez.

[@punkynoodle9370]

I’m flabbergasted that you would be on the high seas alone! I would probably just sit there and cry. How in the heck did you keep it together??

[@ef418]

Get yourself the best pepper spray you can find. The wrist rocket is a good idea but, they can be as deadly as a gun.

[@juanignaciomilanese1479]

Heard in north Brazil is quite common indigenous fishermen in canoe may approach you when offshore and kind try to scare you to get some money or the like (and typically works giving them something to drink, a bottle of whatever) Regarding the flare and the dinghy. If at night, just a powerful lantern light on the face is enough. Then I don't know in US, but in Argentina is mandatory to carry an axe, so is not a good idea to board some boat without some gun at least...

[@reyarmas7]

Your video is excellent and I totally agree a firearm on a sailboat far from solving something can complicate things even more ,,, the best recommendation is to stay alert and away from very conflictive places and in case of robbery collaborate not to resist and do everything that the criminals indicate... but I ask you about pepper spray or a taser stun weapon... do you think it could be penalized as if it were a firearm... happy day and a big hug from Venezuela

[@SailorJames]

#byefelicia

[@KornflakezRandomStuff]

Every channel I see just talking about firearms, like handguns and / or rifles. But what about a Compound Hunting Bow? Or a gun that is specific design to fire blanks or cs gas? Or a slingshot? Machete or Combat Knifes? What about tasers? Or guns that just fire rubberbullets? Would stuff like this also be critical or must be declared for customs?

[@SailorJames]

Anything that could be considered a weapon must be declared and will be taken in many counties and held until you leave (which means you have to leave from the same port you cleared in at, which is unrealistic in the tradewinds for most places)

[@KornflakezRandomStuff]

@@SailorJames I see. So in any case it would be good to check the local laws beforehand and not just assume because it is not a firearm, it is ok to bring it. But I would assume, any kind of knife / blade wouldn´t be so dramatic? Because it has an actual usecase on a boat, right? Anyways, thanks for your answer and be safe!

[@nextari]

good rap, was wondering all about this.

[@williamoberlander7932]

Thanks man

[@vc4850]

Good info.

[@romundhoward8685]

Thanks!

[@SailorJames]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@lookforward2life]

What’s the podcast called? Just found this channel. Excellent.

[@SailorJames]

www.svtriteia.com/podcasts

[@paulliebenberg3410]

Great series James. Landlubber for life with sailing fantasies. Recently watched Wind Hippy's tour of NZ and was shocked at how comfortable she was with leaving the bikes unattended at the van as they went off and did something else. Here in coastal California they'd be stolen in "60 seconds". FWIW a long time ago we spent a month driving through Mexico, the only theft was when a couple of Mexico City policemen shook me down for $100 US. Do have buddy whose renter was murdered while vacationing in Mexico.

[@SailorJames]

Yeah New Zealand is an amazing country like that

[@nextari]

lol people who brag about "how safe" mexico is and have never looked at the countless videos of butchered headless bodies by the thousands filmed by laughing narcos stabbing people in the eyes and genitals just don't have a clue.

[@davekimbler2308]

What is the general rule on firearms on a boat ? Do you need a license or permit or special training ?

[@SailorJames]

Every country has its own laws and rules

[@degenapedev]

I felt pretty safe in the Philippines its mostly the south sulu sea that you have to be careful about but yeah also a tazer or bear spray could be used for self defence keeping in mind the direction of the wind for bear spray of course..

[@kishoremamman-nt5id]

You are right about that

[@mitchsena2083]

Too bad about you missing the Philippines. There are so many beautiful places here too, but I definitely agree that it might not be safe for a solo sailor, especially if you leave your boat unattended for long periods of time while exploring. Sad to say, but that's just how it is. Excellent video as always James! I love the points you made about having guns too. Was always worried watching you leave your boat while exploring and wondered how you kept it secure. Keep safe man!

[@SailorJames]

I will certainly visit the Philippines by plane, it looks incredible

[@davidcaskie6680]

My understanding is that the issue in the Philippines is mostly in the southern islands and the strait between them and Sabah. And cruisers can group-up and get an escort through the area.

[@quickjumpingfoxes]

​@@davidcaskie6680Good to know

[@rebelnz7837]

I don't sail, but was adamant I would want a firearm if I did.. you changed my mind with what you said about possibly killing the father of a poor family who was just doing what he could to survive and feed his loved ones.

[@quickjumpingfoxes]

True. But what I learned from the comments here is that we living in the USA are caught in some toxic mental soup, the crazy polarized culture, the screeching of venal politicians has made us paranoid, always in Alert Mode. That other peoples (outside of Western Europe) do not live in such atmospheres.

[@Whitedogsails]

I would never leave the dinghy in the eastern Caribbean, 8mm chain min. I’m not paranoid🤣. And… be aware, cruisers also steal.

[@sailingsomeday5975]

Even though the paperwork is a PITA and I will have to skip some countries- I will bring my dog - you will find that in developing countries to a large degree people keep dogs for security. They tend to be afraid of any dog. Plus - she is my buddy and I would not want to travel without her.

[@SvengelskaBlondie]

5:24 In Sweden we have a saying that is "Tillfället gör tjuven" or "opportunity makes the thief"

[@SailorJames]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@130bowman]

Halon fire extinguisher makes good mace and club

[@Surfsail]

Baseball bat is perfect for self defense if you're worried.With a bat or billyclub your ability to adjust your reaction without killing them.

[@amandad7121]

love it xx

[@Bjornfreein83]

Explain wrist rocket please brother .

[@facubeitches1144]

It's a type of slingshot. They usually have a handle and a wrist brace. Some even have full stocks and even laser sights, though those are either for serious hunters or people with more money than sense.

[@MatthewFelgate-r4u]

I lived at roviana lagoon in solomon islands (western province). The way to anchor there is to go and see the chief and maybe gift a bag of rice to the village and ask if you can anchor there. Important to hang around standing in the water looking nervous and with your dinghy oaralkel to the shore and wait for someone to come and ask what you are there for. If invited ashore, pull the dinghy stern first up the beach. A big insult to bring the dinghy onto the beach bow first, or to go ashore uninvited.

[@RyanYoungATX]

How about something like a paintball gun with pepper spray balls or a crossbow? Would these be deemed firearms elsewhere?

[@SailorJames]

Even bear spray is considered a weapon in most countries

[@southernpaths2986]

For the most part, “safety” is an illusion anyway. Do your best to educate yourself, stay out of known bad situations (to the extent that you can) and enjoy life. If you wait for every danger to be removed you’ll never do anything worthwhile.

[@SailorJames]

Amen

[@tyzardoz]

5 large fenders stolen from our boat Santa Marta Colombia. Our boat physically moved at midnight by fishermen Santa Marta Colombia. 65lb cqr.. 200ft of HEAVY chain. Boarded several times by swimmers Santa Marta Colombia

[@SailorJames]

If you are cruising places known to have thieves you are making your own problems

[@MizzAugust7]

I used to do some wood work for boats that were out of the water in Key Largo. One was discovered & towed in, by only a corner of it sticking out of the water, I think I still have a picture of it (paper one) I counted 24 bullet holes in the hull & of course, no body was found . I just cant be convinced there arent still some pirates out there.-If they are robbing you- they know you have seen their face, so leaving you there...

[@SailorJames]

Considering the area you were working in is a well know drug running area it’s safe to assume it was not pirates

[@stevelawrie9115]

All great advice. you'd think it was pretty obvious but some people may have the wrong idea. I think Holly got robbed in Panama. At the end of the day it's only stuff, not worth your life.

[@SailorJames]

In the interview I did with her she said she hadn’t been robbed but it may have slipped her mind

[@GodAboveAll777]

20 sec in and now THIS is what I wanted to hear about...the pirate situation!

[@dopechannoodles9791]

I get your logic about not wanting to kill someone that comes to rob you. The hole in that logic is, what if they have no intention of leaving you to point the finger at them. You don’t know if it’s just a robbery or you’re going to be brutally murdered. I choose to assume the worst if someone is invading my property. You do you tho. At the very least go full crusader and put a sword and shield on your boat lol.

[@SailorJames]

Look up how many people in the last 30 years have been brutally murdered on their cruising boats world wide. I would bet it’s less than 10. But if you looked up how many would have been brutally murdered on their properties I bet it’s in the 10s of thousands.

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

I doubt you’d need to actually use it - for someone boarding the sound of chambering a round scares the bejesus out of anyone and most probably chase them off. At sea a warning shot in the air would do similar most times.

[@tyzardoz]

The couple in Grenada that were killed a few days ago make your point. The armed bandits that boarded us discussed drowning us, they also discussed trafficking my girl. I will sell my life dearly if we are EVER boarded again I assure you.

[@richardvandagrifft3270]

is the route from USA to grease safe

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

Firearms are just not something we as sailors can really do or want to do. And I agree they’re basically unnecessary. However, the risk of harm to crew during a boarding incident (or ashore for that matter) should not be discounted. Blades and blunt force weapons are commonly carried by criminal types. And more importantly - as unlikely as it is - those who have become used to violence will really mess you up in ways most citizens just don’t comprehend. So taking a hypothetical diversion for a moment …. if we could carry legally carry firearms aboard, I think some of us would give it serious consideration. First and foremost, a bit of red meat 🥩 restocking where hunting regulations (or local landholders) allowed would be great. A yummy goat curry or venison eye fillet here and there 🙂 😁 As to security (and still in the hypothetical world where you could carry a firearm) a firearm is the best leveller and deterrent you can have - and just the sound of chambering a round/shell is one of the most frightening sounds on the planet, and boarders would be swimming away pronto. At sea a warning shot or two in the air at a few hundred metres will chase off most threats, as most of them aren’t particularly brave and don’t really want to engage anyway. Flares and whatnot are relatively ineffective makeshift options if you did have to defend yourself/family/crew and unless you’ve done some sort of fight training anything that gets ‘hands on’ is somewhere you really don’t want to go. A super bright torch is a really good easy and effective option for any nighttime boarders as the sudden light alone will blind and frighten them quite well. If you get ‘hands on’ you’ve blinded them momentarily and have a blunt force weapon (the torch) in your hand- but again, ‘hands on’ without training isn’t a good option. LED rechargeable torches come in some seriously bright lumen options, including presets and strobes. And of course there’s the foghorn can - light and sound like that would be fun. Honestly irl - dinghy in davits, and a bright torch close at hand is generally going to solve most problems.

[@markleyg]

We had 7 kids board our boat in Tahiti in broad daylight with someone on the boat and aggressively try and steal our snorkel gear. They were so aggressive that they were physically fighting our crew member but he was was bigger and tougher.

[@SailorJames]

Sounds like y’all pissed off the locals

[@markleyg]

@SailorJames Really? That's how you interpret theft? Next time you are ripped off, remember it was your fault.

[@nedfisher3688]

Merci!

[@SailorJames]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@DarkSevariant]

Something i Would Add, Don't Tell Locals Where You're Going to sail to. Don't Let Someone Know, that Once You Leave Port, You're Going to sail for Two Weeks, Because A Bad Person Would Have a Two Week Window, to Hide a Crime. If They Know, When You're Expected at the Next Destination, They Have the Upper Hand. If Someone Asks, Just Say You're Going to Sail to the Next Village Down the Coast, and Going to Meet Up With Some Sailing Buddies, or You Have Some Maintenance Scheduled.

[@genglandoh]

Very good point about shooting someone.

[@shanep5121]

Patrick Childress from Brick House talked about throwing fishing line on the water so that it would get tangled in the prop of a boat that is chasing you. Do you think that could work?

[@SailorJames]

Not a very reliable technique

[@bigcmoore]

Wasp spray works great on unwanted critters. Just saying.

[@SailorJames]

😂 that would be effective for keeping me off someone’s boat

[@jasonmack4850]

Wasp spray and a zippo make a impressive display.

[@ryanhernandez2414]

this is a real concern to me, would i get in trouble for having a gun on my boat to protect my livelyhood. edit i agree with your argument flare is much cooler.

[@SailorJames]

You will only get in trouble if you don’t declare it but research the countries you want to visit ahead of time and know their laws. Some just lock up your gun safe, some take the gun until you clear out and some won’t allow you to enter

[@ryanhernandez2414]

@@SailorJames thanks I never want to be in a conflict, but I don’t want to lose either

[@beccacontis3101]

Once you leave America🎯🎯

[@WillN2Go1]

The people we meet in the world are much friendlier than the ones that live in our heads if we never leave the house. I've sailed in 8 countries so far - zero worries. The biggest dangers in my life are in order of risk: my own stupidity, traffic, weather, people not paying attention. Worried? You don't need a gun, you'll be better protected if you never rent a scooter. I think Holly has it dialed in. Trust your instincts -- especially if you're a woman, and even if you're more paranoid than you should be. Don't treat someone like a threat, just get away from them. Go towards groups of people. Getting the other boats to turn on their lights if there's a problem? Great idea. We should always be prepared to turn on our lights if something sounds wrong. (The worst mistake you can make will be interrupting people having it off in the cockpit. You'll hear giggling and a hand will rise up and wave.) Old cell phones, decoy wallets, etc I've heard called 'Gimmes' A thief has something, they're now more likely to leave sooner rather then go into the cabins. And as you're not likely to use the stuff you can hook it up to an alarm. Light and noise. Flare guns? Every account I've heard of a flare gun projectile hitting anything, including another person -- it bounces right off. As a deterrent a flare gun probably is effective -- until you fire it.

[@raycecil4643]

Also, I totally agree that the world is safer than the doom porn sellers want you to believe. In the USA, a lot of inland people like myself are fed the "your neighbor will kill you when SHTF" lie. I may be naive, but I think the people around me (very rural area) would band together and develop a productive community vs killing each other. To be totally honest.

[@alanabroad3471]

I'm surprised about the Philippines. Pity, I always fancied visiting Manila.

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

Most issues are restricted to the southern seas of the Philippines - Sulu Sea in particular - but anything north of Mindanao is fine.

[@XR_Poof]

We must keep in mind that we are more than just travelers; we are visitors. I wouldn’t want armed visitors rowing ashore in my community.

[@chrisbarriere101]

Older S&W flare guns are actually 12 ga

[@SailorJames]

Yeah but they could explode in your hand if you used a shell

[@chrisbarriere101]

@@SailorJames no i mean the really old ones pre 1989 are metal. We find em in old abandoned ski boats. They sell in eBay for like $800. Army used em in nam. When people find em they are like treasure

[@LydieBaillie]

actually Holly and her mother were boarded and robbed while anchored in Panama waters . After that the Panama marine authorities had a watch over her boat. She had to repurchase all her electronics after the robbery .

[@tyzardoz]

Do you know where Holly was in Panama when boarded? Caribbean side or pacific?

[@ianhale4466]

Hauling around a 9 pounder might be the best idea ☠️ fight fire with fire 😂

[@julianbatcheler9970]

I love the idea of having old computers and phones etc to give robbers. And yes anyone carrying a gun into a British territory and trying to hide it… if the authorities found it you would go to prison… not for life… if you have a clean record you would get five years.

[@tyzardoz]

GOOD sprayer filled with gasoline with a followup flaregun. Polespear. Crossbow. High powered laser green or blue (may cause permanent vision issues). Pirates are becoming a much more common issue than before.

[@SailorJames]

Pirates are not becoming more of an issue , you are just spending time in places that te known to have thieves

[@tyzardoz]

@@SailorJames there are thieves EVERYWHERE. Would you call Aruba a risky place? Someone tried to steal our dinghy from the beach (chained to a tree) in Aruba.

[@benshore7357]

How about a water blaster filled with hot pepper juice just in case

[@julianbatcheler9970]

James, thank you, thank you, thank you… this series is EXACTLY what I needed. Julian :)

[@rufrignkidnme4701]

how often is your boat boarded and searched by authorities.

[@SailorJames]

Never in all my years

[@rufrignkidnme4701]

thanks for the response. @@SailorJames

[@tony22wrx15]

I know someone who was in Mexico and was boarded by armed “police” men who demanded they paid them $3,000 US or they’d seize their boat and blah blah. Scare tactic but it worked, my buddies grandpa (captain of the sail boat at the time) paid up just to avoid issues.

[@connannbarbarin3033]

from my research most countries (especially poor ones where you need a gun) will just put a seal on your gun safe (if bolted to the boat). So if you need it just brake the seal. That is ofc a crime, but in unlikely case you need a gun, a fine is not a big deal.

[@emiliano4837]

16:12 which site?

[@rootbox]

I watch many solo traveler vids - car, van, motorcycle, boat , etc. I travel solo-female ( yes, gender adds a different dynamic). It's really not a big, scary world. There are more nice, good people than bad. Be smart. There are sketchy areas everywhere - don't go there.

[@SailorJames]

Absolutely

[@zingyflaps7757]

People that would be hesitant to shoot someone to save their own lives or their family and friends, I just don’t get the mindset. Maybe I’m just really heartless. But I’m not going to get murdered or worse because I’m going to feel guilty for protecting myself.

[@tyzardoz]

Attempted theft of our locked (chained to a tree) on the beach dinghy in Aruba.

[@marcgiroux5301]

What’s your take on tazers ? Are cruisers carrying those ?

[@SailorJames]

I don’t know any cruisers who are carry any and no one is concerned about safety because all of us have been out in the world sailing and know how to stay out of trouble

[@marcgiroux5301]

@@SailorJames If no one is concerned about safety then what’s the purpose of your video ?

[@Yeaitstemp]

My boat is small and don't look glamorous don't think I get targeted as much as a nicer looking yacht

[@tyzardoz]

We are on a 34ft rusty looking 50 yr old Steel schooner. Didn't stop us from being boarded by armed bandits while at anchor.

[@DavidD6969]

That wrist rocket with arrows is good and steel balls work great...

[@GingerNinja68]

Thanks for a great video. What about very pistols or flare guns?