INFORMATION LINKS

• NOAA WEATHERFAX

• LOCAL WEATHER

• LOCAL LIVE WINDS

• LOCAL TIDES

• LOCAL OCEAN CAM

• LOCAL MAP

• LOCAL AERIAL

• LOCAL CHART

• LOCAL ROADS

• STRAIT OF GEORGIA

• HOWE SOUND

• KNOTS

• SAFETY EQUIPMENT

• BUOY SYSTEM

• COLLISION REGS

• SPEED RATINGS

• YACHTWORLD

• WEST MARINE

PIRACY

Piracy is always mentioned in any discussion of offshore sailing, almost as much as bad weather. New technology in the areas of navigation, communication, and satellite forecasting have improved the odds against encountering dangerous weather, however deteriorating socio-economical situations continue to cause worries of security while traveling. Although extremely rare, and isolated to a few areas, the threat of an unauthorized vessel boarding (especially at anchor) sometimes exists and is normally restricted to the removing of some fishing gear, an outboard, or electronics while the owner is away. For this, a locking companionway and padlock on the outboard will suffice, just as keeping your car doors locked at home is the norm. Any more serious infractions cannot be resolved, as is commonly believed, by carrying firearms, as they are illegal to have on a sailboat in practically all countries (i.e. you cannot pretend you are sport hunting while at sea!). A single cartridge found on your boat in Mexico carries a severe penalty.

Since the main issue is to fence off a boarding vessel, and considering that most small launch vessels are now inflatable, some quick swordplay with a cut and thrust weapon delivered to the inflatable air bladders is a viable option. Others have proposed such self-defense gadgets as slingshots, spear guns, and S.C.U.B.A. tank powered cannons.