CYOB Inbox Jan 12

Shipstrike

Jan 10, 2016

As always we welcome your input on any boating topic, rant, rave or praise. We promise to read them all at CYonboard@kerrwil.com.

When Whales Meet Sails

“This humpback whale calf was spotted by researchers in the leeward waters off Maui. The ship-struck animal was a case in which researchers didn’t know the type of vessel involved.” Photo credit: Ed Lyman/ NOAA MMHSRP (permit #932-1489)

Hi CYOB,
I wanted to share with you a brand new Ocean Watch article When Whales Meet Sails. Featuring interviews with Damian Foxall, veteran Volvo Ocean Racer, and Fabian Ritter, scientists for the International Whaling Comission, the article discusses how faster ocean racing boats now pose more risks to whales and sailors. By reporting incidents, sailors can help both marine mammals and the boating community can help by reporting incidents.
“Currently the database for marine mammal strikes is very sparse. We are requesting sailors and boaters help to submit information on current and past incidents, however long ago that may be. By giving a location, date, identification if possible, and any other relevant information you can help scientists better understand where marine mammals are at risk for strikes, and help fellow boaters know where they are likely to come across marine mammals. This is the best thing we can do in our sport to protect these brilliant creatures.” – Damian Foxall, veteran Volvo Ocean Race sailor and Recreation Education Manager at the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

The full article can be read at: http://sailorsforthesea.org/programs/ocean-watch/when-whales-meet-sails

Thanks for your consideration!
Hilary Kotoun
Social Impact Director
Sailors for the Sea

 

Related Articles

  • POTW: Kids Ride the Wave

    June 25, 2026 SailGP fan, Mike Smith caught the kids breaking the rule while parents took pictures at the Halifax Pier ‘s ornamental concrete wave. The sculpture is meant to celebrate the connection to the sea but it provides a superb climbing and sliding fun spot for kids from all over the world.  Perhaps they…

  • The Boat’s Motor…

    June 11, 2026 By Jerry King Growing up, Jerry spent many years on a boat on Canadian lakes with his grandfather inspiring him to create a lot of boating cartoons. Jerry also offers some great techniques for your cartooning ambitions. Get his book here

  • I Don’t Think…

    May 28, 2026 By Jerry King Growing up, Jerry spent many years on a boat on Canadian lakes with his grandfather inspiring him to create a lot of boating cartoons. Jerry also offers some great techniques for your cartooning ambitions. Get his book here

  • What do you say….

    April 9, 2026 By Jerry King Growing up, Jerry spent many years on a boat on Canadian lakes with his grandfather inspiring him to create a lot of boating cartoons. Jerry also offers some great techniques for your cartooning ambitions. Get his book here


Bennington 22 MSB

By Andy Adams

If you’ve already had firsthand experience with a pontoon, you will easily understand the appeal of the Bennington 22 MSB. But if you haven’t, let’s start by reviewing a few of the reasons why pontoon boats have become top sellers in markets across North America.

Pontoon boats began in the early 1950s as basically four steel drums lashed to a frame. They were not unlike the log rafts of ancient cultures and not much more sophisticated at first.

Read More


Destinations

The Best of Two Worlds

By Mathew Channer

Interior British Columbia might not be as famous for recreational boating as Canada’s Great Lakes, yet it is no less a world-class boat­ing destination. The mountains offer their own flavour of marine adventure with their series of long, deep ribbon lakes, and there is perhaps no area that embodies this more uniquely than the iconic Okanagan basin in southern B.C. One could be forgiven for assuming this valley was purpose-built for nautical fun, with a few delightful perks thrown in to make the area entirely irresistible (wine-tasting, anyone?).

Read More