FAQ About International Women Sailing > Pirates, thieves and guns. > Should women carry a gun?
We didn't and if I go out again, I wouldn't. Guns must be declared, or your boat is at risk of seizure in most countries. Guns are a commodity and are highly valued in some of the countries where you are most at risk of violence. Thieves may attack your boat, just to get the gun. If I carried a gun, I would practice using it and practice self-defense. As on land, imagine yourself in a variety of situations and determine if you would really use it, or feel safer. In harbors, where you are most at risk of attack, you'll need to take your gun ashore, sometimes facing officials who may also want your gun.
Last updated on June 11, 2007 by Kaci Cronkhite