What about Pirates?
"Thar be Dragons out there"......Yes, Virginia, there are dragons out there; the hype, however, far exceeds the actual number of incidents. True, there are places in the world to avoid and "yes" it can happen anywhere. But, then again, you're far more likely to encounter a mugging in your hometown than be attacked by pirates while cruising. There were only 63 incidents reported (through October 2007) by the Carribean Saftey and Security Net (*). The majority of these were theft. "Lock it or Loose it" is the rule here. Sound familiar? Kinda like any city in the States? 
(*) Herb McCormick  "Precautions in Paradise" Crusing World (January 2008)


Will you arm yourself?
This always follows the question of piracy. Some do some don't. We will not. Ever see Dead Calm? A 12 guage Flare Gun and a Bahamian Sling can slow a "pirate" down real well. These "arms", along with prudent route and destination planning, will keep us out of harms way and minimize risk. We will likely visit 10-12 countries in the first 18 months of cruising. That's 10-12 different sets of laws, regulations and enforcement policies. Potentially a real nightmare! Smuggling a firearm into a strange country? Yeah right......fines, confiscation, loss of boat or even jail time! I don't think so.    Read more on this topic

What about hurricanes and bad weather?
Now we're talking a concern with real merit! Anyone living openly in  nature (cruisers on water, adventurers in jungles, mountain climbers etc.) MUST be in tune with local weather patterns. A well found cruising boat, properly equipped and maintained, will endure a tremendous amount of weather. That said; prudent course planning (around weather patterns and cycles) along with today's forecasting and technological advances reduces the frequency of getting "caught" in significant weather. Mind you....it WILL happen! This is when experience, boat design/integrity and properly maintained equipment pays off. No one likes to get caught in a gale, but here's the thing: today's storm (with 25kt winds) won't seem so bad the next time you encounter a 25kt wind. Your 40kts and 20 foot seas may be my 20kts and 8 foot seas because you've been there before. Simply put; my "pucker factor", at 20kts, is the same as yours at 40kts. Each experience prepares us for the next. We learn the effects of wind and wave and become more in tune with the boat and how it will react to these powerful forces. Hurricanes? Avoid at all cost! How? Stay out of the hurricane belt from June through November (Atlantic). Plan your route to be north or south during these months. Nothing is guaranteed...but statistically you'll be OK. 

How do you live 24/7 in confined space with your spouse?
Really not an issue! Pat will live in the dink which I tow behind Homeward Bound. She's allowed aboard in 30 minute segments at 08:00, 11:30 and 18:00. After all she is a really good cook! 

Gotcha! Have to add some levity to these "weighty" questions!!!!