Guns & Sailboats - Peter Blake Story - Ep 264 - Lady K Sailing

Should you have a gun on your boat?
⛵️ Embark on a thrilling voyage into the world of sailing safety with our latest video, as we delve into the intriguing topic of guns on sailboats and the legendary Peter Blake's story. Join us as we navigate through the complexities of maritime security and the fascinating history behind firearms aboard sailboats.

In this eye-opening exploration, we uncover the reasons behind sailors' decisions to carry firearms while traversing the high seas, examining both practical considerations and the personal experiences that have shaped this practice. From warding off potential threats to safeguarding against piracy, we'll shed light on the crucial role that guns play in ensuring the safety and security of sailors worldwide.

But our journey doesn't stop there. We also pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of Peter Blake, a true sailing icon whose adventurous spirit and unwavering dedication to ocean conservation continue to inspire sailors and environmentalists alike. Through archival footage and captivating storytelling, we'll celebrate Blake's extraordinary achievements and the enduring impact he has had on the sailing community.

So, whether you're a seasoned sailor, an avid adventurer, or simply curious about the intersection of guns and sailing, join us on this captivating voyage as we unravel the mysteries of guns on sailboats and honor the legacy of a sailing legend.

[grahamwallace]

As a Kiwi the whole nation was devastated in the death of Sir Peter Blake. He was and still is a national hero. He was a lion of a man, many New Zealand sailors owe their love of sailing to Peter. All New Zealanders loved Peter and his courage and determination was unstoppable. He will be forever missed. RIP Peter.

[George_Cline]

One night I woke up to footsteps on deck above my aft berth. This was in my marina slip in New Jersey. The three individuals that were walking on my deck were arrested that night. Two of them had guns. They left my boat when they triggered the motion detecting light in the cockpit. While I’m glad for the motion lights and cameras I had installed, I was even more glad that they weren’t my last line of defense.

[BRADH-xwsw]

Having been owners for decades we would prefer to have one available.

[SV-DEDICATED]

If you have a weapon, be competent with it. Maintain it. Rehearse with it.

[icfubar]

Wasn't aware of the full story of Peter Blake. Top achiever! Tristan Jones, met the man once, said he packed a bow and arrows and would demonstrate proficiency on shore for the locals, and as a deterrent when in tricky areas. Sailing acquaintance of mine went through the Panama canal, west to east and a day out the other side had a power boat closing in. Having a bad feeling he changed course and so did the other. At that point he dropped sail, turned on the stereo full blast echoing bagpipe music across the ocean while blasting at beer cans being lofted over the stern with his marine 12 ga. The boat that was following left the area. This was not the beaten path. Piracy is right up there with the most heinous crimes humans can commit! Agree stay on the beaten path. Keep a low profile while staying alert....situational awareness. When it's time to move your ass...MOVE IT.

[nelson_at_sea]

Currently living in Texas, having guns is to a great extent expected. But when I decided to become a live-aboard international cruiser I had to to think seriously whether it was worth it to travel armed or not. As you mentioned the issues clearing customs with firearms can be challenging. You may think you have a good hiding place for a gun to get away with not declaring it. Keep in mind, though, the penalties for having an undeclared firearm can be rather harsh. But the real deciding factor was that true pirates were going to be significantly better armed than I could be. So rather than having a gun which could increase my willingness to take a risk, my preference is to keep a sacrificial wallet with some cash in it available. Things can be replaced.

As a side note, I remember watching the video of the Whitbread race with Steinlager duking it out with Fisher & Paykel in the Southern Ocean. Seeing 80 foot maxies hitting 30 knots surfing down waves was incredible!!

[jeffreyhutchinsdo]

I just bought my first sailboat and plan to go cruising in the spring. I will definitely have my guns on board.

[lyfandeth]

Personally, no gun. Too many complications. I did meet a well known sailor in the US who was hailed by a boat in distress on the Intracoastal. And when they saw the off-watch casually bring up a twin barrel shotgun, all of a sudden they had no trouble motoring away.
The simple SIGHT of the shotgun stopped a hijacking.

[geromieisom]

Marine of 8 years, hunter for most of my life prior, i am very familiar with guns. As someone else commented "be proficient, maybe practice a couple invasions." But if you cant stop them from coming aboard... is anything on board worth your life, or your loved ones? Think long and hard. Only pull that gun if you are 99% certain you will prevail.

[vagabondroller]

I used to be more scared of the authorities having a problem with guns on board than of pirates. Then I actually went cruising and I am way more scared of pirates than the authorities. I was chased for hours 100 miles off of the Yucatán in the GOMEX. When they caught up with me I made a show of going below and returning wearing a hooded sweatshirt in the sweltering heat with my hand in the pouch holding my flare gun. I also had two peanut butter jars full of gasoline at my feet. It was a 50’ steel fishing boat made up mostly of rust with a foot of growth on the hull. There were 7 extremely dirty mean looking and drugged out “fisherman” lined up on the rail. I yelled out “que paso?” And the didn’t reply, just stared at me. I asked again and after another long pause they just asked for some water. Basically, the leader was supposed to give the sign to jump but seeing me with my hand in the sweatshirt pouch made him think twice. If you think it is a good policy to comply with pirates you are an idiot. Maybe if it is only men aboard but if you have an attractive wife or daughter aboard then the chances of them not having something horrible happen to them are next to none. Using the Blake incident as an example of why not to fight back is lame. He was drunk out of his mind and had a single shot rifle.

[graemecorder]

Thank you for the great respect for Sir Peter Blake

[matthewgovier]

As a Brazilian born grandson of a Kiwi, my family was extremely saddened by this tragic case. Things have improved in Brazil, but we have a lot to do. This is a very helpful discussion and whereas I was always taught to never react and always hand over material posessions, there is something about carrying a weapon which is appealing, even though the circumstances in which they might be put to effective use are probably very rare. However.... effective action number one is to not go close to where there is a high homicide rate!! Macapá, where Sir Peter was killed, has 64 homicides per 100thd inhabitants. Santos, on the coast of São Paulo, where I live, has 2.5 per 100thd. Bahamas is about 29 but then you have to look at where in the Bahamas. As a matter of interest, Macapá is closer to BVI than it is to Santos. Stay away from bad areas is number one action.

[LineAlpine]

Thank you for sharing this amazing story with me. For those of us who are new to the world of sailing, it’s important that we learn about these iconic individuals

[CapriceV]

As a Kiwi I can tell you our country mourned Sir Peter Blake for months. Interesting side note the boy holding the basket for Peter is none other than Phillip Jameson (Blood) who I use to sell with in Wellington. Phillip was known also as Peter's Brat, he has become an legendary salior himself.
Our country has very strick gun laws and I can honestly say 99.99% of us sailors in NZ would NoT need a gun.

[daviddavid]

Sir Peter was a great sailor one of the best. It's WHIT Bread as in the beer! The sponsor.

[TheSoaphippo]

About to retire 20 years early and going to sail…I’ve carried a gun for 28 years and im really uncomfortable not having one, this is the only reason i haven’t bought a boat yet

[rogermayfield]

I have been in a cruising situation where I did not have a gun, but wish that I did. That is a scary feeling, and I felt stupid for being unprepared to protect my vessel, crew, and myself. Fortunately, we had a bit of luck that diffused the situation, but it could have gone the other way just as easily. I will not be unprepared again.

This was in the Bahamas in an anchorage at Great Sale Cay. Well traveled cruising ground and normally safe – but not always we discovered.

You never have to use your weapon in a situation, but it only makes sense to have it as an option if you really need it.

[JTSLJR]

Greta topic. Former cop and long time sailor. In U S waters a firearm is really not necessary. Some places it might make sense to carry internationally but the Customs issues can be a really big problem so I wouldn’t risk it. Plenty of improvised weapons readily available on your boat. I do carry a safe and simple revolver on road trips and when staying at hotels. Investigated too many cases where the victim could have used a little help. With any weapon get good training, go to the range regularly and hope you never need to use it.

[mojoneko]

One of the first things I learned in martial arts was the concept of "avoidance". If I'm in a place where I feel compelled to carry. I figure I'm in the wrong place. I carried weapons aboard my boat while sailing for months at a time during summer with my wife but we were sailing the coast of Alaska. I wasn't carrying them because I was concerned about people.

[CoryWitte]

Just got back from a trip to New Zealand and got to go out on Lion for a day and I gotta say it is impressive! Also, got to see the America’s Cup and his red socks.