Off Nicaragua, a 47' sailing yacht was boarded - http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-11-02-2/view.
Somewhere the lawyers are developing the legal definitions between pirates, thieves, misunderstood fishermen, local rights activists, etc. Bottom line, asshats with guns and bad intentions are out there - denying otherwise can lead to a rude (and deadly) realization. Take care of yourselves while cruising - enjoy but be aware.
I just finished reading 'Meditation on Violence' by Rory Miller.
Highly recommended reading for self-defense/security minded folks.
A few quotes from the book.
From the preface - Never, ever, ever delegate responsibility for your own safety. Never, ever, ever, override your own experience and common sense on the say-so of some self-proclaimed 'expert'.
Never, ever, ever ignore what your eyes see because it isn't what you imagined.
And later - In general, respond to the situation as it is. Not to your fantasy and not to your paranoia.
