News
Sailing and the Orca
Widely reported in the yachting press as well as experience of several clients are encounters with orcas whilst sailing the Cadiz and Gibraltar area. Although incidents have been reported along the length of the Portuguese and Spanish Atlantic coastlines, our experience has been limited to the southern part of this area the last being reported in August.
Reasons for these ‘attacks’ are not clear, the interest shown in yachts appears to be particularly focused on rudders and steering gear and could be down to nothing more than playful interaction or learning to fish for the tuna which are in abundance along this coastline this year. Increased sailing traffic during the summer months could also play a part but one common thread is that interactions with these animals can certainly be traumatic for those onboard.
Earlier this year the Spanish Government imposed a restriction for smaller vessels along the Cape Trafalgar stretch of water and if you are proposing to sail these sea areas it would be wise to check restrictions prior to leaving. It is likely that no one method is better than another, more probable is that the orcas become bored and disinterested and decide to move on after 30 minutes or so. Generally accepted recommended courses of action are turning engine off, lowering sails, staying away from the sides of the boat and remaining quiet onboard but other methods have been used and are described in the links below. Having a replacement rudder or emergency steering gear onboard would be worthy of consideration.
The following articles may also be of interest:
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Previous news items:
- Spain – A Ten Point Guide – A brief guide to mandatory insurance for yachts
- Is it charter or private & pleasure? A brief guide to determine whether you are using your boat for charter or private & pleasure
- Yachting Pages feature – A guide to superyacht insurance cover and claim
- Classic Boat Magazine and The Yachting Year Annual, feature – Insuring the past – What is an old yacht worth?
- Road Transit – Points to consider when moving a vessel by road
- Winter Lay Up – A newsletter regarding preparing for winter lay up
- Risk & Insurance – Simon Winter Marine features in an edititorial about specialty insurers and their risk management partners finding ways to keep historic vessels in use
- The Señora Trust – Restoration Project – Classic yacht ‘Señora’ to be restored for a whole community to benefit from and enjoy
- The Wave Magazine – The Journal of the Bristol Channel Pilot Cutters Owners Association Magazine
