Distant Shores TVvideo
Beware of ORCAS! Part 2: Sailing SOUTH through Orca Territory to Portugal | Ep 276
11 July 2026 · 16 min · 14K views · Galicia, Spain
What this video covers
Cruising sailors navigating the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal employ a strategy of staying in waters shallower than 20 meters to avoid orca interactions, which have caused multiple boat sinkings and rudder damage in the region.3:40 During a 350-mile transit from La Coruña to Cascais, the crew of a 49-foot variable-draft sloop maintains a close-to-shore route during daylight hours to deter orcas, which reportedly avoid shallow depths, while moving further offshore at night for safety.Watch The crew keeps the engine ready for immediate use, noting that reversing the propeller may discourage orcas if they approach the rudder.3:44 The passage involves navigating coastal hazards like fishing traps and rock formations before reaching the Canary Islands.7:33 The voyage concludes with a 650-mile offshore passage from Cascais to Lanzarote, where the crew experiences favorable downwind conditions and relief from the constant threat of orca encounters.13:05 Maintaining a shallow-water route and keeping the engine ready for quick maneuvering are currently considered the most effective deterrents against orca attacks in these waters.3:44
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