Whale Ho! Yachties taking a new tack for nature
Print Edition
FOR centuries, sailors have shouted their own language aboard — “Hoist sail!” “Prepare to come about!” “Anchors aweigh!”
Now they’re teaming up with conservationists to put a new twist on another ancient cry — “Whales ho!”
The sport of sailboat racing and nonprofit groups are floating new guidelines aimed at increasing awareness of the majestic mammals and reducing potentially fatal collisions with endangered North Atlantic right whales and other species.
The guidelines were just incorporated into two major open-ocean sailing competitions — the Marblehead to Halifax race which started yesterday from Massachusetts and stretching to Nova Scotia; and last week’s Vineyard Cup regatta off Martha’s Vineyard.
Race crews for both events were given customized information telling them where whales were likely to gather along their courses.
Collisions can be rough on competitors — and crippling or deadly for whales.
Marine scientists said last month that six rare right whales died in Canadian waters in the past few weeks. Preliminary investigations suggest collisions with vessels likely were to blame for at least two of those deaths, and another whale died after becoming entangled in fishing gear.
Federal law requires all boats to slow down in shipping channels known to be frequented by whales. But that doesn’t always help animals in the open Atlantic, where racing sailboats are moving fast.
“In the last year, at least two sailors in open ocean races collided with whales during the competition and had to be rescued,” said Monica Pepe, of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, a conservation and group in Massachusetts.
“We’re hopeful that the information we’ve shared will help keep everyone safe and help sailors know what to look for while also encouraging them to report any sightings of whales in distress along their courses,” Pepe said. Organizers hope the America’s Cup and other major races eventually incorporate it.”
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