When PIRATES Attack! Our Sail Plan In Case of an Encounter

Pirates of the Caribbean, is a real thing. We discuss our plan and our defenses in the unfortunate event of encountering pirates while sailing along the Nicaraguan Bank of the Caribbean Coast. WE discuss weapons, ideas, and offer suggestions, and basic tools to have on board your boat to help keep you safe while sailing in these pirate infested waters. We also discuss the slippery slope of having guns onboard.
We are open to hear your thoughts and even your suggestions while living on board and encountering pirates while at sea.
Thank you for watching the Adventures of WE!
DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND EVEN CONSIDER BECOMING OUR PATREON!
/ wesail

[@davidyoung6501]

Working the 6pm to 6am nightshift on a printing press and 'escaping' the boredom by watching another of your fab vid's. I can send you a photo of my wife in a bad mood - hang this over the side of your yacht as a perfect deterrent against Pirates. It'll scare the life out of them, they won't come anywhere near you 😉😉. Seriously, keep safe out there.

[@matthewhenderson756]

OMG, I spit my drink out on this one. LOL

[@WEsail]

HAHA we LOL'd in public!! Thanks for that !

[@bigoceansmallboat]

Ok so I'm a little behind the curve here, but I just fell across this. Firstly I have a night vision monocular, it's an image intensifier, I've had for 10 years and use it a lot for spotting fish trap markers, but also for unlit vessels, they are available on E-bay for about $80. I have gas masks and boiler suits for all the crew, it makes us look like we're in uniform, and anyone approaching seeing the gas masks may think there are easier targets. Like you I have smoke and also home made rockets that leave a large white trail, a few of those across their bows may make them think twice, just like you I want to sow the seeds of "this may not be an easy target" in their minds. I have pepper gel balls that fire from a regular paintball gun using compressed air from a dive cylinder, the best part about these is that, if you hit someone with one they can't run away from it as it sticks to them. I also have flash bangs. You've obvious given it a lot of thought, but not everyone does. I say whatever you decide is right for you drill it regularly so with one word everyone knows exactly what to do and when.

[@WEsail]

WOW LOVE these ideas!! I had thought of a flag bang and really hope to locate a few when we make a trip back to the states in June... LOVE the idea of paint ball guns hooked to dive tanks, never thought of that!! I'm glad you have given so much thought to this, and than shared with us too!! Thanks!!

[@ralphholiman7401]

The main thing is to have a plan, thought out, and ready to employ, before hand. And, hoping really hard, that nothing bad happens, is not really a plan. And, I agree, that if your plan, isn't designed to win the encounter, what's the point?

[@Ri-Ci]

Good on you guys for having a plan. However, I think you can make it better suited for the type of piracy you should expect to encounter in Asia. I'm in the Navy and have seen my share of piracy and crazy maritime events. As a sailboat, the best deterrence I've observed is going in a group. In the Gulf of Aden, the Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean, multi-national coalitions composed of different navies conduct patrols against piracy. Most "pirates", ones who board vessels, are more interested in grabbing stores than hijacking vessels. Most incidents are reported in port and at anchor, usually, they board vessels and take as much as they can get and leave. They always steer clear away from groups of vessels. They attack like hyenas, waiting for that lone tanker or pleasure yacht. The real pirates who kidnap and take you for ransom are pretty well-armed and do a swarm tactic using a mothership as a base for fueling and to coordinate the attack, in the Gulf, these are the large dhows with the tall antennas. They usually don't target sailboats because it's quite a poor return for the effort. 4 speed boats with AK-47's and RPG's are not going to be deterred by your pistol. Please don't transit the serious pirate alleys of the world such as the Indian Ocean without a better plan such as going in a flotilla and knowing the contact info for the navy patrols in the area (In the Indian Ocean it's CTF 151 and another task force led by the Chinese which I've never worked with). The Sulu Sea in the southern part of the Philippines is an area to be avoided altogether even if you have your own cannon onboard. Those pirates are pretty ruthless, well-armed and well-funded, and are not picky when choosing targets. Even though America has a no-ransom policy, they're the only group that is undeterred by this and behead hostages who do not pay the ransom. Please stay out of this area, if you want to cruise the Philippines, take the central route through it which is quite safe and offers adequate typhoon protection. From commercial vessels that have survived pirate attacks, sailboats can learn a few things: the most important asset is a good line of communication and AIS (use Class A, B is not a good choice for ocean cruising), next is a plan (which you have), and the most important to survival is being able to securely lock themselves inside the vessel (usually the engine room or a high-security berth). Are you an accurate shot? Have you practiced with a pistol on a boat? It is very different than being on land. Most of my gun shoots have been on a moving vessel and I definitely score much better on land, also pistols have the worse stability. Can you lock yourself inside and call for help? This is the fastest way to get pirates to back off, the threat of another vessel showing up especially a commercial tanker that has longer range comms. What's your communications plan? Can you contact the CG or Navy yourself or are you able to have a commercial vessel relay your mayday? What's your antenna's range? In coalition patrolled waters we are employing drone surveillance and these drones have a sort of AIS receiver. I cannot stress enough how having an AIS transmitter makes it easier for Navy ships to respond to distress calls. When you make a distress call, usually a maritime patrol drone or aircraft scans that area to get an accurate position to send a warship. While it hovers above you, the drone or aircraft is recording the entire thing. These pirates know the countdown is on and they will usually scurry out because the drone can tail them and have security forces intercept. Keep making calls on VHF 16 for "Coalition warship" -- whenever I hear those words I give the message my full attention. Commercial mariners also know if they hear a boat in distress to relay the message to maritime patrol forces, so keep making calls. Don't say "I have a suspicious vessel" or something like that, say "I'm being pursued/attacked by pirates" when you have dhows or skiffs tailing you. I lost a lot of minutes getting help directed to a commercial vessel because the master kept saying "I think I may have been attacked" -- his vessel was already on fire. Don't be timid in using CH 16, that is the appropriate time to make noise and get everybody to your aid. If the pirates block 16, then use DSC. Practice using DSC so you know how to use it. The pistol is great for defending yourself in the marina from thieves in the night. Out on the high seas, you'd be better off throwing a molotov cocktail. Give some thought to your tactics, how are you deploying that line to disable their engine? If they're going 25 knots they can easily avoid it unless you make a 90-degree turn. How do you make sure you don't damage your own engines? Have you practiced the maneuver? Can one of you call for help while the other maneuvers and keeps abreast of the situation? Have you assigned roles on who's going to do what in case of the attack? Do you know the country or maritime forces that patrol that region, will they respond or are they passive about the problem? Bluewater pirates aren't like the smash and grab variety that plague the marinas and anchorages, they're well-armed and have a good plan in cutting off your communications (attack in narrow chokepoints or bends where LOS radio signals are compromised). They're also prepared for an armed encounter and are very good shots, they will aim for the stern to disable your engine to lower the chances of escape. Thanks for sharing the video highlighting the problems of piracy still ongoing. Some noteworthy incidents that highlight the importance of communications and a plan: Incident of Attempted Piracy thwarted by multi-national coalition and commercial vessel: www.noonsite.com/report/gulf-of-aden-attempted-piracy-february-2018/ Yacht employs a great anti-piracy plan by coordinating their transit with the local Coast Guard: www.noonsite.com/report/malaysia-sailing-through-eastern-sabah-and-borneo-with-a-military-escort/

[@WEsail]

Man, this message was AMAZING!! Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to send us such a well informed comment!! We know we have so much to learn, and that each piracy area has its own challenges and unique defences as well... we are eager to learn and adapt to the changing dangers, both natural and tactical, and messages like these are pure GOLD to us, thanks again! Stay in touch and keep watching! Warren and Erica

[@kiritosao2661]

As to the whole gun debate... Three gun rule. Something in .308 Win / 7.62mm NATO, 10X scope, 20 rd. box magazine fed. 5.56 doesn't have the range or penetrating power. This would be used for holes at or below their water line, cockpit glass, any antenna mounts. Once they realize you could cut off their communication, threaten the control of the boat or possibly sink them, they have to make a decision as to whether to continue the pursuit. 12GA. Shotgun. My preference is the Mossberg 590 with the bayonet mount. The advantages of 12 GA. are the variable ammo and with the Bayonet they face a close quarters stand-off weapon. Ammo for the 12 GA. should be staggered. Two warning shots of 00 buck then slug/00/slug/00/slug/00. Always get the 7 shot extender. You can also get flares and incendiary rounds for 12 GA. Nothing like a boat fire to scare them away, especially in a multi-boat attack. Set the first boat you see on fire and their own survival becomes a real factor in the equation. .22 Ruger. While the .40 is nice but it presents new problems in confined space. Control and target acquisition. You also punch through people which could hit your own people inadvertently. Tactically, the ideal would be up close and personal. Put the barrel in their eye-socket and pull the trigger. Gross, I know, but highly effective. If they aren't dead they are incapacitated. Deal with the next threat and if they're still a problem then go for the other eye. (I don't have a great deal of sympathy for people who violently take things from people) You forgot two weapons: A Knife. Doesn't have to be fancy. It does have to be practical, comfortable and designed with knife fighting in mind. I personally own thirty or more knives. I have a folding knife I carry everywhere. I have my army bayonet, several Ka-Bar's as well as double edged fighting knives. My recommendation is based on my experience thus it is only a suggestion. Ontario SP1 Spec Plus Marine Combat Fixed 7". I find it well balanced and takes an edge well. It has a synthetic grip which works well whether wet or dry. At $45 get a few and keep them in different places around the boat. Since all the knives would be the same there would be no adjustment as to which knife you picked up from where. And if it goes over the side with the pirate then the cost isn't extravagant. Whatever you pick should be something you are both comfortable playing catch with. Get a couple of wooden or rubber knives to train with. Your brain. Of all the weapons today, the human mind is the most formidable. Nothing on that boat, except your lives, is worth your life. Also, all weapons require training. Personally I recommend Aikido / Ju-Jitsu. The art of using someone's energy against them. You can learn from KZbin, practice on a beach and then figure out how to use the boat as a weapon in close quarters combat inside the boat. A gun, a knife, tail dragging rope, flares and CQB all require practice, working with your partner so you know how they will react. You own a gun but have you been offshore and practiced with them. Put a beer can in the water and hit it. Your training your brain and building muscle memory. Suggested viewing: Look up small boat tactics on KZbin. Get a copy of Sun Tzu's "Art of War" and read it together Visit www.noonsite.com. Intel on what's going on in your area. " The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. ... Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win." -- Sun Tzu " If you know your enemy and yourself you will be victorious in every battle. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle." -- Sun Tzu Always have a plan, then have a beer. Then the next day you look at your surroundings, the environment, the lay of the land. And then you make a new plan. The plan is never stagnant, it adapts to the life around it. Once you have a plan then enjoy your day. Stay safe. Kirito

[@WEsail]

This is GREAT, thanks so much for such a well thought out and informative message! We completely agree with you and will always be adapting and improving our protection plan, and comments like these are so helpful!! Thanks again Kirito!!

[@kiritosao2661]

@@WEsail You're welcome. One further note... If you know anything about "Black Hawk Down", know this. Never use the same plan twice. The development of a pattern makes you predictable. Never be predictable. Targets are not chosen because they are lucrative. They are often chosen because they are easy. Predictability makes you an easy target. Have fun and enjoy. Kirito

[@vincentnelson569]

About your plan of preventing a boarding party,,,, tie the ropes to your boat so they can not board the rear of the boat as the rope will tangle in their prop. Do not just throw the rope at them and hope they hit it. With the rope following your boat from the side and rear it will be retrieved at the end on they might try to grab it. That is when you turn and hit the gas . You could pull them out of the boat or capsize them, or better have the bad guys run over there own man.

[@WEsail]

Hey Vincent, super solid recommendation! Thats how we will do it from now on! Thanks for the message!! Cheers

[@LJL98]

Thanks for sharing. Not sure if your list is specifically for the Caribbean. But when you’re in Asia. Nearly no boats have ais, plus fishing boat pretty much never reply to hails on VHF and they do follow you, they do get very close to you. It’s terrifying. They will come right along side you and wave. In most cases they are curious. Some times they are just super poor, been on the water all day and are hopping you will throw some food or water over to them. But they are super friendly. Just something to think about when you get into the pacific. And even areas in South America. So please think about this and Don’t panic until you see sure signs of aggression.

[@WEsail]

Absolutely great comment! I completely agree with you, there are many friendly boats out there that will approach and we will be careful, we will always assume that they are friendly while being prepared for foe... and not react negatively until we know for sure! Thanks for commenting!

[@sailingboats2980]

A good discussion of a very real issue. Polyester rope floats and IMO has a better chance of tangling a prop. Start dragging the tangle ropes when you are at level 2 and start releasing them at level 3.

[@WEsail]

Sailing Boats awesome, thanks very much for the info!! Really appreciate you taking the time to comment!

[@markw1791]

Yeah I grew up with ALOT of guns too.I would not go out there without my arms either.

[@WEsail]

Awesome Mark, thanks for the support!

[@BirdDog.]

Not sure I would advertise that. You will end up in jail if they find it and broadcasting it will let customs know you have one. A lot of these people watch these channels. I would go back and edit that out. I personally like the circuit judge with 410 bird shot. Poke holes in the haul and spreads out. Say what you want about 410, I wouldn’t want to be on the other end of that. Take down 2 pirates with one shot.

[@stevegould1730]

Bird Dog .410 from a boat??? Zero range and no real penetration at distance. Minimum of 12GA with 00 buck or slug. 3” magnum. AR15 or AK47 are a nice visual and active deterrent. Seriously though, a revolver?

[@BirdDog.]

Steve Gould but on a boat I need something I can hide. Plus at night I like the spread of bird shot. Sure if I could sail with a AR I would but I’m thinking practical. I don’t need to be cleaning bodies and plugging holes in my boat at the same time. You sit on the receiving end of bird shot under 15 ft tell me how that feels. I’ll give you that bird is weak and I may stuff it with 00 but I would feel good either way. I’m not using my gun unless boarded. Circuit Judge is the hand gun I would sail with. Most likely I’ll have to ditch the gun at sea at some point do to laws so I have no problem throwing a judge away.

[@skiyalater626]

So as to say you will carry you pea shooter to combat an arsenal of high powered weapons. Think you're all a bit short sighted, pirates will be pursuing mega yachts prior to 25-35 footers.... most boats carry weapons, don't kid yourselves

[@never2oldadventures]

I support your thinking on this touchy subject. You guys have every right in my humble opinion to protect yourselves and your property. Keep safe. Until our adventures cross, Jack and Billie

[@WEsail]

never2old adventures hi guys!! Ya this was a heavy subject, but we wanted to be an open book so it had to be shared... thanks for the support, and the comment top of course!! Cheers to you both, stay safe and keep in touch guys

[@pepperKingdom]

super video !!

[@exploringlandandsea4811]

Great video! You all have several less than lethal options to use to warn off someone that means you harm. If they are still coming at you after all that, well then they deserve a 40Cal hole in their body. I also sail and like you, I fully believe in having a gun, or guns on board. Like you, I will defend my wife, my life, and my boat with my life. Great video and I hope you are safe and healthy during these crazy times.

[@WEsail]

SO glad to hear that, thanks very much for taking the time to message us!! Cheers man, stay safe

[@glennsteven]

I am so glad you guys made it without any incident. Stay safe out there and remember that you are always welcome back here in Roatan.

[@WEsail]

Hey Glenn thanks very much, one of our favorite place and we will DEFINITELY BE BACK!! Cheers and stay safe

[@johnmcmart]

Always good to know what to do... over all on open water... We talked about different situations like... MOB, broken rudder or mast, whole in the hull, broken seacock, lot of different manoeuvres of last moment... etc and pirates as well... (and have the right gear by the hand) ...since I was a child... even though we trained some of them... my father worked for insurances as an appraiser for ship accidents... so we know about a lot of unbelievable things can happened in storm and at sea especially...

[@sailingsvtesla9052]

So I'm just gonna chime in here for a bit. Now Just a little background info on me. I'm over 50. I went sailing on a 36ft boat (Lady K) last summer from St, Augustine FL to Annapolis MN. It took us just over a month. First time ever on a sailboat and I got HOOKED big time. I've done extensive research on all types of subjects (I follow over 100 sailing channels and have watched over 6000 vids) and nowhere have I found a law that says you cannot have a firearm on-board while you're sailing in open waters. The issue I have found is that when you reach a port and they ask if you have firearms. Most Countries will confiscate your firearm while you are in their Country. When you leave your property is returned to you and you go on your merry little way. Now trust me, when I finally get this damn house sold and get on my boat. I will definitely have a firearm on-board. And that is my choice. I feel the exact same as you do... I will use whatever force necessary to protect my family and property. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and excellent ideas on protection while traveling. Also, can you message me the contents of the homemade smoke bombs? ;-) Cheers and stay safe, RJ

[@WEsail]

RJs Salty Adventures Hey RJ, thanks so much for taking the time to send us this message! I definitely misspoke when saying it was illegal, you’re absolutely right that it is not illegal to have one and what I meant was that what WE do is illegal: not declaring it... sorry about that, also thanks for your support!! Lastly it was only the gas bombs that were home made, the smoke bombs are two different types: we have a $60 marine smoke bomb that is made for Man Over Board and than we have 4 colored smoke bombs made for photography and are available on Amazon- hope it helps and stay safe man!! Cheers

[@sailingsvtesla9052]

@@WEsail oh hey! I see. I missed that those were gas bombs. Kewl!

[@kevinspraggett7096]

Good sensible strategy and tactics! Prevention, anticipation, preparation. Well done!

[@WEsail]

Kevin Spraggett thank you thank you!! Really appreciate the support and taking the time to comment!

[@youngblood9654]

Glad to see you guys staying safe! All great ideas! A couple other suggestions I’ve seen other cruisers use...1. deploying drag nets...thin 50’ fish netting clipped to the back of the boat so they can not approach from the rear without getting tangled up in their prop. Would use one on each side of a catamaran. 2. Tear gas mist nozzles mounted midship on each side to prevent them boarding from the sides. Similar scaled down version of pressure tank system that container ships use near Somalia for defense.

[@WEsail]

* Youngblood * damn that’s great!! Ok I’m on it- thanks for the great info and taking the time to comment!! Cheers!!

[@youngblood9654]

@@WEsail Met y'all in the Rio with Wolfhound. I'm stuck in Panama right now. If CR borders open up in a few weeks, I'd like to get in touch and see which anchorages you recommend. I'm heading to Mexico as well once this virus settles down.

[@jayyoung778]

everyone needs to stop judging these ppl. they are grown adults and they have the right to live how they want. i see ppl say run away WTF are you talking about they are on a sailing catamaran whats the top speed you fools? the pirates usually have faster than a sailing catamaran. #protectmyfamily

[@WEsail]

that they do! we can only max motor at 5 knots and if winds were perfect maybe just maybe we could go 8. But thats not going to do it! Thanks for watching.

[@pappyshea2944]

Finally, someone admits it. You know a lot of cruisers carry but just don't talk about it . Personally, i don't leave my house or go out on my fishing boat without a firearm and as soon as i start living aboard (1and 1/2 years from now) there will be weapons stashed in case they are needed. Love the videos guys!

[@brazillianstallion]

That is great to care about each other and plan things in the event of …. But no matter what you do remember its Always best to evade the threat and not too comfront it. Motreal,Canada Guy here.

[@WEsail]

Absolutely, couldn't agree more! Thanks for commenting!!

[@susannemichele3807]

After thinking about this for a while, my take has changed a bit. First of all I am not a gun person (I don’t own any) I don’t have anything against them, I just have never been around them. That said I think this comes down to “do you believe you will be killed in the process”? and are you prepared to take a life. If the answer is yes, then you need Overwhelming fire power. I would suggest you upgrade from a pistol and gas bombs to multiple automatic weapons. (AK47) If you are going to engage in a battel and all you have is a pistol, a flair gun and bear spray, you could likely loose against well prepared pirates. If they are prepared to take your life, you better show up with massive firepower.

[@WEsail]

You're absolutely correct, and if we could store more guns on board we probably would... But we have done SO MUCH research and almost all of the reports of piracy against yachts (at least in the major cruising grounds that we will likely find ourselves) involve unarmed fishing vessels who are targeting unsuspecting and slow moving yachts... and the ones that have been armed certainly did not have automatic weapons. So we feel pretty prepared... Either way, thanks for watching and thanks for commenting, always appreciated! Cheers, stay safe

[@jeff9312]

Love the honesty. 100% agree! Thinking you would get a million views with a Pirate prevention gas bomb demo video! :)

[@WEsail]

Jeffrey Abbott HAHAHAHAHA I know!! I REALLY wanted to light one off for the video but we just didn’t want to leave a great anchorage to motor out to an isolated area to do it :( maybe a follow up video!!

[@jeandobkowski8571]

I have a similar plan for my home(I live in Alaska). 1. automatic yard lights. 2. Yell that it is no trespassing and if they continue I yell I have a gun and will use it. If cont. 3. wait for them to come thru the locked door or window and shoot their ass, then fire a warning shot. I am 76 years old and can play the little old lady car really well. Oh, I forgot my trusty shotgun for backup!

[@2xsive]

I’m just buying a 35’ Beneteau to live aboard and cruise the world. I’m trying to understand the piracy threat and protection. This video helps. What’s the possibility of an electric fence wire on your railings? Any thoughts about or success stories?

[@WEsail]

Hey congrats! Its been an amazing change!! Hadn't though about an electric fence wire, really good thought.. I'll have to mull it over a little but good thinking, thanks for messaging- stay in touch!

[@stevekinney7423]

Great vlog. Remember keep to the pirate code - run away so you can fight another day. Take care and happy sailing.

[@WEsail]

Absolutely, completely agree!! Thanks for taking the time to comment man, stay safe

[@High_Desert_Tanner]

I've been having this debate myself in planning to eventually sell the house and go sailing full time. You can probably see by my profile pic what side of the debate I'm on. At this point I'm mostly considering the best weapons and where/how to beat hide them. It's a damn shame that in so many places you can't legally have a gun on board your vessel just because it's a private boat while so many ships can have entire squads of armed men on board for protection. I have a question for those who've been searched (the more places you've dealt with the better)... How thorough are they? Are there dogs involved?

[@susannemichele3807]

I think it comes down to stopping them VS. pissing them off. If flares, smoke, gas bombs or a fire arm stops them, then you have made an excellent choice, if these steps piss them off and they have significant more man and fire power you are likely going to die. Allot of it depends on how serious/crazy the privates are. If they are willing to kill I believe they will be more than prepared for any response a couple has. I think your plan is just as reasonable as anything else I have heard. At the end of the day none of us know how things will shake down and we just have to decide what we can live with. Stay safe.

[@WEsail]

I understand, its just hard to know what the perfect move will be should anything happen, all we know is that we have to FIGHT, even if the odds are against us, we WILL NOT BE AN EASY TARGET... Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@mefihomeenergysolutions554]

I'm pretty sure you're legal to be armed in international waters and I've read many countries will allow you to check your weapons when entering or leaving. But you're nicer than me. I want a small swivel gun capable of putting big holes in attacking boats. They'll lose interest if they're too busy trying to stay afloat.

[@WEsail]

Ya you're absolutely right, what I meant and should have said better was that it was illegal to NOT declare the weapon, which we do not do... anyways cheers man!

[@mefihomeenergysolutions554]

@@WEsail you're living the dream for sure. I just think there has to be a way to effectively defend yourself while still being consciences of the legalities. Everyone screams for AR's all the time. That's great, if you want to have to shoot everyone. Id rather not. But I dont like taking those kinds of chances either. If i can put a hole in an attackers boat, from a distance, I think that will pretty much solve the problem. They'll have to find a way to patch it, and start bailing water. They wont be chasing anyone for a little while after that. Anyway, stay safe and happy sailing!

[@merlinbroaddus]

GREAT conversation. Thank you. I, as well, want to join the cruising community, and all I will say? I would have more than one of several types of weapons. Thank you for saying it out loud.. personally, I think I would have a hidden hide hole. Only know to me, and those on the craft, as family.

[@WEsail]

Absolutely!! Thanks for commenting!!

[@sgw7148]

I agree with having a weapon or more weapons. If they intend to harm you, they won't respect anything less than deadly force. I know I feel much safer because I'm a concealed carry license holder.

[@WEsail]

For sure, I agree! I also have my CCL! Cheers

[@AprilHilton1]

Common sense... It’s great how you both do your homework and take action to the knowledge.

[@JMB-xb2xh]

So smart!

[@Bel-ri4vz]

Excellent Video. First time here. Following.

[@WEsail]

YEAH! Thanks so much for the sub! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@josemadarieta865]

one or both of you are former military. i can tell by the way you talk/think. my guess it is the both of you. dont know if i would admit carrying an illegal weapon on board in a yt video but thats just me. stay safe. subscribed.

[@Ron-Outdoor]

You should have more protection in my opinion.

[@WEsail]

Like what?

[@Ron-Outdoor]

@@WEsail rifle with a scope, more so to put a hole in there hull. This is a subject I have been thinking about and there are a few which I don't want to list on here.

[@Retired-nohurry]

Keeping it real. Way to go.

[@WEsail]

Hey thanks for the support, and taking the time to comment!! Cheers man

[@LegionarHR]

Nice video, good luck to you guys :)

[@WEsail]

Hey thanks very much. Glad your enjoying the videos!

[@hopoutside]

For a stretch that dangerous, would take semi-autos with lots of ammo, then toss them in the ocean when past the risky area. There has to be someone who’d provide this. Also, are there services to fight off pirates? Maybe a gun for hire for a section...

[@christoffer1973]

Some boats have a harpun also.

[@WEsail]

HA! WE have spear guns!

[@brazenbull636]

? Um, so are we specifically avoiding actual firearms? If I was a pirate and you shot a flaregun or threw a smoke bomb id know without a doubt you ain't got nothing. Odds are pirates will be packin rifles and won't be very deterred by a single pistol. Rounds hitting the water followed by "boom"s coming from the direction of your boat clearly states "go away!" In any language. Edit: ok, a pistol is better than nothing. Tho I'm pretty sure there are international agreements concerning weapons, and declaring them when you enter a port. Last I researched they inventory them and place seal tape over the door of your safe/container, and you're not to break the seal for the duration of your stay. You guys really need rifles tho. A 308 semi auto with around a 20" barrel on a bipod with a good scope. You can quickly id targets/threats while already being aimed downrange. Then a pair of ar15s for both of you. Then should you be boarded, a good 12ga shotgun. Layered security. For me this would be standard/minimum

[@Mr12frod]

Well done, what of machete, or a club of some sort, and maybe some hand to hand combat training for both of you, just a suggestion. Love you vids.

[@WEsail]

Love that suggestion, yes of course. We do have a machete and also a club we would normally use for fish so we would certainly attempt to use those too! Thanks so much for watching!

[@grancito2]

Ask the wife and kids of the New Zealand guy in the that area, that walked out of the cabin and was blown away by a pirate's shot gun, how your stupid suggestions would have helped him.

[@mrdave22]

gotta protect dat booty. thumbs up, thanks for sharing

[@WEsail]

HAHA thats right LOL!!! Stay safe amigo!

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

For those waters, the plan makes sense. It’s the general approach of most I suspect. The firearm makes sense to me, though that is about the area you are in. But there are also a heap of places that the risk and consequences of having and getting caught with an undeclared firearm would be very high. I saw in comments about other weapons. If people are using weapons, they need to realize the escalation that can involve. In many cases people have not trained for the fight, would be opening a serious can of worms, and suffering very badly both as they lose the fight and then again when pissed off bad guys get their hands on them after the fight. And everyone should be very aware that if you do kill someone, you have to deal with the consequences - including some pretty dodgy legal and penal systems. I am not saying don’t fight. I am saying that if you will fight, you need to know what you are getting into - and most of us don’t.

[@WEsail]

You are absolutely right, something we struggle with a bit! Anyways thanks for commenting!

[@mefihomeenergysolutions554]

If it came to the absolute worst case scenario, as you suggest. Dead men tell no tales. I don't think I'd trust those dodgy legal systems. Id more likely leave no evidence and just sail on. But, better that, than to become a hostage for ransom, like happens in Somalia!

[@jarrhaman]

I'm not sure what the point of this comment is. In the choice between your life and the lives of a group of attackers, there is NO CHOICE. The commentor makes it sound like if you just resist a little, the Pirates will be nicer??? You mean they will only anally-rape your wife as opposed to vaginally??? I think the comment is defeatist and paint these criminals as something to be appeased. If you are sailing, especially in international waters, you BETTER be armed, I can promise you the goddamn Pirates are.

[@grancito2]

Pirates are not going to report the death to the police.

[@tedboender]

Why do you say you’re carrying the gun illegally? Are you saying you don’t declare it when you check in? I fully support your decision to carry in self defense. Cheers!

[@WEsail]

Thank you, we appreciate that

[@stevegould1730]

WEsail My understanding is that you are allowed to carry a weapon on your boat. You just have to declare it in the country that you enter. The country will determine if you keep the firearm on board or if they will confiscate it from you. If they confiscated from you, they should return it to you when you leave the country.

[@jasonkoslow4174]

Kudos on carrying a firearm.

[@pattipowell7788]

Kudos to you for protecting you and yours! I applaud you for wanting to try the others things first and being prepared for all scenarios! If they wish to cause harm to you than to me, that leaves you no other choice but to defend you home!

[@tylordid2695]

To all, if you have a group of men with assault rifles coming at you do not piss them off!!!!!

[@WEsail]

Oh the intension is most certainly not to piss them off by any means, but we are definitely going to be on the defense and not let them just take us or the boat. There will be a fight.

[@jtlissner8352]

Your vessel so your choice but don't go flaunting a law. On the non illegal methods I suggest that your risk assessment might be askew even in the area you were, based on what can be researched but if your feeling is weighted that heavily then it is what it is. Piracy statistics are available on Noon Site and other high risk locations and can be avoided as you note. They also fall way down the list of issues that should be focused on if you are serious about your own safety, and that of others, collision avoidance moving and fixed objects, flooding, grounding, falling overboard are all much more likely than Pirate attack, & then there are issues that come from these and other issues to be dealt with such as Drowning, Trauma, Cardiac arrest, Hypothermia, Carbon Monoxide, gas explosion, etc all of these are many time more likely than piracy. Safety and Seamanship is important, expenditure on the wrong risks wasteful, click bait is really off putting. Please show less sensational but real life relevant, MOB exercises you run to see what works short handed or how to pump out your vessel if taking on water, how to ensure watches are effective to avoid collisions, how to mitigate anchor drag to avoid grounding, etc. I've watched all of your content to date and enjoy very much what you are both sharing with us all, I will continue to watch / support and hope this is an isolated lapse in logic.

[@jeff9312]

If you watch the video, it's actually very logical. The decision to carry a weapon has people on both sides of the arguement and has nothing to do with logic. Based on your logic carbon monoxide is a bigger threat than pirates when one is crusing in known pirate grounds... totally respect your position but would agree with WE personally.

[@WEsail]

Thank you both, we look forward to and encourage responses from both sides, as long as they are respectful and constructive, which yours were so I thank you... JT, you make some very good points and have added some perspectives for sure, although I disagree slightly on the idea that piracy is way down on the list of dangers... in most areas of the world, yes absolutely... off Nicaragua, areas in the North Indian Ocean, a few areas in the Philippines they are very real and avoidance of these area is KEY, but preparation needs to be thought of for the unfortunate even of being forced off track into one of these area, or the possibility that these areas shift or expand... either way I have always been the type of person who believes that you should have every tool possible for any given circumstance. And that’s just what the gun is, my biggest and best tool should all the rest fail. But you’re right, I missed a very important topic, and truly one that needs careful consideration and practice, the more likely dangers that we sailors face every sail, that was good and we appreciate your well put together comment. Sorry we are not seeing eye to eye on this, and thank you for understanding that we have taken much consideration to get to our decision. Stay safe and please feel free to reach out to us directly too if you’d like: [e-mail]

[@jayyoung778]

@@jeff9312 totally agree with you. The title said when pirates attack not what to do when sailing conditions are bad and rough. Also, they have demonstrated all those other things if he was really watching all the other videos he would have seen this.