<Peter wrote: When the topic of piracy comes up, I always wonder, how much of a problem is there? Can the risk be managed?> I agree with 100% Peter. We are located in a "Red Zone" according to all the reports we read. However we feel quite safe out on the water. In fact much safer than going into town without a local escort!! Yes there have been a few incidents off the coast of Venezuela. Considering the number of boats we view this as a pretty low figure per cruisers. The biggest issue is always petty theft and dinghy theft. Again the deterrent of a dog or the like will keep folks away and they'll seek an easier target. Or just stay law abiding. Those that are armed to the teeth have targeted you long before you've even see them will not be deterred unless they are repelled with a greater force. These dudes are few and far between. The Venezuelan government has just announced a new program of increased coastal patrols along with a new base in Eastern Venezuela. Several new patrol boats, a couple of choppers and 6 or so small fast patrol boats. This should increase the security throughout the region. The whole Caribbean is addressing the security issue for cruisers as I write this. CARICOM has a panel specifically charged with coming up with solutions for member states. So as I had said earlier situations change rapidly and the local VHF and SSB nets are usually the best source of up to date info....email is still lagging behind if you are actually cruising. YMMV Dave & Nancy Swan Song