Latest edition of Latitudes and Attitudes magazine

Two articles of interest (purely from the view of this blog. All the articles are great to read).

One on page 44, regarding the use of inserts in flare pistols.

And on on page 70 about a failed attack off Venezuela, last April.

Drop me a line, let me know what you think.

Italian Yacht Robbed

From the folks at Noonsite:

Italian Yacht Robbed and Stolen at Sea leaving crew behind

Created by sue. Last modified on 2009-06-20 14:26:03
Topic: Piracy Reports 2009
Countries: Italy

This full news story in Italian can be found on the ANSA (Italian News Agency) website. http://www.ansa.it/site/notizie/awnplus/english/english.html - sorry I don't have the exact page yet.

Area: Italy, Naple's Bay, near Posillipo
Date: June 18th, 2009, 9pm

Three people aboard a fast launch rammed a 42 foot motor boat with two people on board. They boarded the boat and robbed the owner and his friend, then made them put on lifejackets before throwing them overboard and stealing the boat, disappearing into the dusk.

The two victims, who were saved after a while, suffered mild hypothermia.

The Police and Carabinieri continue their investigations.

Our thanks to Paolo Nobile for sending us this report.

Good news from Phuket

Breaking News: Singlehanded Sailor Akio Yonago is Safe!
http://www.yachtpals.com/akio-yonago-4155

Many of us feared the worst. And I am relieved it has worked out well.

'Paying the Pirate's Price' article

http://www.reason.com/news/show/133860.html

Brings up some good reasoning. In our headlong dash to have government "solve" all our problems, what is wrong with taking care of things on the lowest level possible?

Inferno System

There is interest among the commercial vessels, and amongst some of the yachts I have worked with, to utilize the Inferno system.

We (Maritime Vital Asset Protection and Phantom Services) have recommended them for our clients.

http://www.marineguardsecurity.com/2009.06.01_arch.html#1245254709430

A small cruiser.....

Thought yachtsmen would love the latest small craft out of Germany, coming soon to a marina near you.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1192640/Admiral-Abramovich-launches-300million-mega-yachtski-The-worlds-biggest-submarine.html

Noonsite - Update on Seychelles Piracy

Some good news for cruisers

http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-06-09-6/view

Seychelles Update on Piracy

Created by sue. Last modified on 2009-06-09 20:26:40
Topic: Piracy Reports 2009
Countries: Seychelles

We are now back in the Seychelles and can give you an update on the piracy situation here.

The Somali pirates are no longer operating in Seychelles waters. One reason given is that the SE trade winds have now set in. Presumably the wind and swell makes it difficult for them to approach and board their victims. Another reason must be the presence of NATO warships. There were 3 in Port Victoria last week.

Yachts have been leaving the Seychelles for some time now, mostly heading east or south and reaching their destinations without any piracy problems. The authorities tell us that it is now safe to sail throughout Seychelles waters (including the outer islands) and to make passages out in all directions. Of course, the usual caution applies regarding the coast of Somalia and Gulf of Aden.

There are now very few foreign-flagged yachts in Port Victoria so there's plenty of room for a few more. Anyone coming should be aware that there have been a number of thefts in recent weeks, from yachts in the old port and anchorage on the north side of Eden island. Wallets and electronic equipment have been stolen, sometimes when the crew have been sleeping on board.

Rachel Chandler
S/Y Lynn Rival