Is it not surprising that attacks on shipping, probably better reported, have risen so sharply yet there are fewer yacht reports? Might that be because fewer yachts are going that way now?

When planning for my present voyage, back in 2004, I took soundings among everyone I could find who'd sailed through this area in the previous few years, including people on this forum. It seemed like EVERYONE had a piracy story of some sort. Maybe only a minority had been attacked - but it was a significant minority. All the rest reported being shadowed, close quarter night encounters with 'fishing boats', or having met someone personally who had been attacked. At least there were no reports of serious actual violence. But we don't know if yachts have been lost altogether, do we? Anyways, the hassle seemed too great to make it worth considering going that way. I think I'd rather take a chance with the Agulhas Current.