Safe convoy for venesuela coast

[deuxgentils]

We will be sailing from the Grenadines to Bonnaire in MArch this year
Since the coast of Venezuela has developed a poor reputation ( Pirates )
It would be good to join others to sail in company for security
we can be reached at mccas44@gmail.com
Christine and Michael

[MarkJ]

You really need to give the coast a WIDE berth. The rhumb line from the Grenadines to Bonnaire is safe.

[Gerrycooper56]

Just Q flag the outer islands and you should be ok - except for the police/immigration in Bonaire asking where you've been for 10 plus days without clearing in

[JPA Cate]

Deux Gentils,

I am not sure a convoy is a good idea: First off, if I were a pirate, I might be glad to take 3 or 4 for one night's work. Secondly, you are limited to the speed of the slowest boat, or it drops back ... possibly to be sacrificed--would you want that on your conscience? Plus the aggravation of slowing your boat?

If you were to follow Gerrycooper56's advice, what possible downsides to it can you imagine?

Good luck with all of this,

Ann

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

If you were to follow Gerrycooper56's advice, what possible downsides to it can you imagine?

Being murdered.
Having your boat confiscated for breaking the law.

[northwestsailor]

Mark, is right. I think your course is safe. These are very poor people who pirate around these waters so don't venture too far off the coast.

[LakeSuperior]

I've always wondered about these convoys. If one of the members gets attacked by armed pirates what is the role of the rest of the boats in the convoy?

Are the other couples going to come to the rescue with flare guns? Is everyone well armed? Does the presence of 4 or 5 other boats deter an attack?

Anyway, a convoy just doesn't seem to make lots of sense.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by LakeSuperior

I've always wondered about these convoys. If one of the members gets attacked by armed pirates what is the role of the rest of the boats in the convoy?

.

In the last attack on a convoy about 8 weeks ago near the coast of Venezuela the other boat ran away.

Even before the attack he was out of range.

The islands are not safe. Margarita a cruiser was shot dead a few months ago at a similar time another cruisers boat burned with the occupant in it.,it could not be determined if it was a robbery murder, or a unsuspicios fire.

These are all in the last 5 months so if anyone really thinks Venezuela is safe then they are nuts.


Attack, 14/11/13
Murder 3/09/13

[LakeSuperior]

I just don't think that a normal cruiser is going to go and lend a hand when shots are being fired.

Kind of like, "Honey, we better go over and help the Smith's. There are 4 or 5 strange guys that just boarded their boat and I think I heard somebody shooting."

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by LakeSuperior

I just don't think that a normal cruiser is going to go and lend a hand when shots are being fired.

Kind of like, "Honey, we better go over and help the Smith's. There are 4 or 5 strange guys that just boarded their boat and I think I heard somebody shooting."

Thats what happened in the Union Island machete attack a few months ago. The only other boat in the anchorage pull anchor and left. Didnt even report it on the VHF

[boatman61]

Why not run before to the appropriate point then beam reach down... or is part of the objective to visit the islands along the way... convoy sailing is an illusion of safety.. only any use for boat failures.. not for chasing off little to lose folk with machete's..

[LakeSuperior]

S/Y Jeri is still missing on a voyage from Columbia to Aruba from back in January 2013. This is according to the International Boat Watch Network.

[caradow]

I would agree that there is much danger sailing along the coast of Venezuela, especially the eastern part.
However we made the same trip last year and stopped in Los Roques and Les Avies which are around 60-70 miles off the coast and are absolutely beautiful. In fact I would say other than Cuba it is one of my favorite places in the Caribbean. Hundreds of islands with an absolute maze of reefs, deserted beaches, wildlife and friendly people when you do actually see anyone else. We would go for days without seeing another boat. I also personally know 5 other boats that have made the trip in the last two years and they will tell you the same. I am unsure the people giving you advice have ever been there but they all seem to want to impart fear on this forum.
Again stay away from the coast but do not miss these beautiful islands.
It will provide you with a nice break and Bonaire is short sail away.
I do not have the time for debate and people can say and do what they want but do send me a private message if you want any specifics.

[LakeSuperior]

Explain to me how the simple presentation of data/facts/reality is "imparting fear?" Would your prefer to bury your head in the sandy beautiful deserted beaches?

[svrevelations]

Originally Posted by LakeSuperior

I've always wondered about these convoys. If one of the members gets attacked by armed pirates what is the role of the rest of the boats in the convoy?

Are the other couples going to come to the rescue with flare guns? Is everyone well armed? Does the presence of 4 or 5 other boats deter an attack?

Anyway, a convoy just doesn't seem to make lots of sense.

The thinking is to stand together against danger.
The reality is that when the big guns come out, it's every man for himself!