So, here we are, voyaging in the Caribbean aboard our sail boat, my girlfriend and I.
Enter the dreaded "PIRACY".
Imagine, if you will; While we are sailing, some guys try to come along side in a small fast boat (4 to 6 times faster than we are) brandishing long guns and machine guns. If they can get aboard, we are toast.
It's pretty much illegal to carry any weapon which might actually be effective at repelling boarders when traveling internationally; machine guns are out, as are rocket launchers, in fact, any military weapon is out!
I'm not kidding here folks; Americans are getting killed, injured and/or losing everything they own (for many of us our boat is our home and all we own is aboard). Please don't tell us to quit sailing; that's not going to happen. Please don't tell us to quit sailing in "those" areas; those areas could be anywhere these days.
I need a few sensible ideas how we can defend ourselves without carrying weapons that could put OUR freedom and boat in jeopardy from local law enforcement in countries we visit.
So why don't all you chemists step up and give us something we can toss into the bad guys' boat as they come alongside to immediately dissuade their continued aggression. Something safe to keep around (on a moving boat), easily made (purchased?) and not illegal? Remember, we only get one shot with this and their response would be quick and deadly if our defense doesn't work.
Thanks