[emoji572]️ Interactions with Orcas – My Experience and Recommendations
I'm Artur Napoleão Macedo Dias da Silva, a professional captain with thousands of miles sailed in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. I've experienced several direct interactions with orcas, including situations where boats were seriously damaged. Over the past few years, I've developed and tested effective strategies that are now recognized even by biologists and experts.
An important observation: many sailors take a while to realize that orcas are interacting because they approach in different ways. The first touch is usually very subtle, almost imperceptible, as if the boat had passed a piece of driftwood. This is when the captain's quick reaction makes all the difference.
[emoji736] How to act during an interaction:
Stop the sailboat immediately. Put the autopilot in neutral or take manual control.
Don't try to escape. Orcas reach 25 knots—five times faster than any sailboat. Trying to escape only increases the duration and intensity of the interaction.
Be quiet. Less stimulation = less interest.
Wait. Usually, they lose interest and move away within a few minutes.
[emoji736] How to prevent interactions:
Sail in shallow waters (<20 m). My experience has proven this, and even biologists today confirm it: orcas do not interact in shallow areas.
Plan your route. Consult the most recent reports before setting sail.
Remain calm. The captain's approach is crucial to protecting the crew and boat.
[emoji3544] Important: Aggressive methods (bombs, fire, or escape attempts) do not work and have already caused boats to sink. The only proven effective measure is to stop and wait.
[emoji572]️ Real Orca Research – Project Pyxis
In addition to my hands-on experience, I am preparing the Pyxis, a sailboat I purchased in June 2023 in England, to conduct detailed research on orca interactions from a sailing vessel, safely and scientifically, complementing the valuable work already carried out by biologists and researchers worldwide.
The project will include:
A biologist on board for scientific analysis.
Specialized equipment, such as hydrophones and waterproof cameras, to capture accurate data.
Support materials and logistics, enabling safe and detailed observations.
The goal is to gather solid evidence to better understand orca behavior, including factors that may influence their interactions with sailboats. My intention is to collaborate with the scientific and nautical communities, providing new opportunities for study and data collection in real-world conditions.
I want to thank all the biologists and researchers who dedicate their time and resources to this topic. This project aims to be a collaborative platform, where professionals and interested individuals can contribute and learn together, helping to preserve nature and marine life.
If you know anyone who would like to support, participate, or sponsor this project, please get in touch. By working together, we can generate results that benefit sailor safety and the protection of orcas and their habitats.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sail...5720072017770/
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Enviado dende o meu SM-G736B usando Tapatalk