The sailing community is encouraged to take part in an anonymous global survey aimed at documenting collisions at sea involving sailing boats and marine life, such as whales and orcas. Unlike the shipping industry, there is no systematic reporting requirement for these incidents in sailing, leading to underreported interactions that are often only highlighted when they affect sporting performance.
Recent data from the Marine Mammal Advisory Group (MMAG) indicates that over 50% of reported collisions result in damage to vessels and potential harm to marine life. The MMAG aims to create a comprehensive global strike log to identify collision hotspots and mitigate risks. This effort builds on previous research, including a 2008 study by Ritter on sailing vessel collisions with marine life.
Damian Foxall, a professional sailor and MMAG co-founder, emphasizes the importance of sailors’ observations in enhancing understanding of their impact on ocean ecosystems. All sailors who have experienced collisions are urged to report their incidents through the survey link, which can be shared within sailing communities. This initiative is vital for fostering better practices as sailors transition from ocean users to stewards.
