With all the news about piracy off the coast of Somalia, it was only natural that many of my friends would ask "So, do you think you may encounter any pirates on your trip up the coast?"

I laughed! You gotta be kidding, right? Little did I know what lay ahead, waiting just past Point Arguello.

With hindsight now, after this harrowing experience at sea, I can see that it is only natural that piracy would sprout its ugly face in other parts of the world, encouraged by the success of the pirates in Somalia. Only stupid luck saved us from who knows what.

It happened without warning, Steve and I were enjoying calm and smooth seas after having just rounded the infamous Point Conception. Our other crewmate David was sleeping below. My last recollection before the pirate struck was Steve excusing himself to go below. At this point my recollections are fuzzy. It all happened so fast. The pirate was on us without warning.

"Arrrr" came a cry "your booty or your life!" And there he was, big, scary and mean as can be. I was shocked and mortified. In my shock, I did not realize that I released control of the helm. And that's what saved our souls. For when I released the helm the boat started to turn, which in turn back-winded the main sail.

For you sailors out there, you surely know what must have happened next... an unintentional jibe. The boom started to swing toward the pirate. I yelled "Duck!" He said "Duck? where?"

Well that was the last I saw of him. All I can say now is this: Now I've seen everything!