I cant see see this anywhere else

[Omatako]

The pirates are seemingly heading further and further south. This one off Tanzania which now makes Zanzibar a life-threatening destination.

Pirates kidnap couple on way to NZ - National - NZ Herald News

These pirate fellows are more stupid than they seem. Where in heck do they think an ordinary yachty is going to find us$10m?

[sailingdog]

Andre--

They're pirates...not exactly a profession that requires a high IQ. The boat was an 11 meter sailboat, not exactly the choice of multimillionaires as a general rule.

[Omatako]

Originally Posted by Omatako

These pirate fellows are more stupid than they seem. Where in heck do they think an ordinary yachty is going to find us$10m?

Actually a rhetorical question there, SD.

But here's the thing. When you sail into third world harbours, especially the eastern coast of Africa/Madagascar, even owners of thirty foot vessels are viewed as very wealthy folks. You're dealing with some of the poorest economies on the planet. And resultantly you are fair game to thieves, etc.

And on the other side is the fact that many of these economies have currency where a few hundred US$ represent vast amounts of money in their currency - maybe they're just a little confused.

[sailingdog]

There's a difference between expecting to get a couple hundred dollars and asking for $10,000,000...

Originally Posted by Omatako

Actually a rhetorical question there, SD.

But here's the thing. When you sail into third world harbours, especially the eastern coast of Africa/Madagascar, even owners of thirty foot vessels are viewed as very wealthy folks. You're dealing with some of the poorest economies on the planet. And resultantly you are fair game to thieves, etc.

And on the other side is the fact that many of these economies have currency where a few hundred US$ represent vast amounts of money in their currency - maybe they're just a little confused.

[tomperanteau]

Think I'll stick to skipping up and down the west coast. I hear Mexico is also dangerous in places, but that there are friendly ports there.

[Omatako]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

There's a difference between expecting to get a couple hundred dollars and asking for $10,000,000...

Like I said, to you there is. Most people in Africa can't even conceptualise $10m.