Hashtag Sal · video

What this video covers

Collisions between sailboats and whales are increasing globally, driven by rising populations of both vessels and cetaceans. In Brazilian waters, encounters with humpback and southern right whales are typically accidental, often involving juveniles or animals resting at the surface.1:01 Conversely, in the Strait of Gibraltar, a specific group of orcas—led by a matriarch named Gladys Lamari and her offspring—has exhibited persistent, aggressive interactions with sailboats, occasionally causing structural damage or sinking vessels.5:06 Researchers hypothesize these orca behaviors may stem from a negative past experience with a boat, which the animals now mimic or defend against.10:09 Current advice for sailors facing orca interactions is to drop sails and shut down engines, as active maneuvering often encourages the animals to continue the behavior.11:29 While acoustic deterrents like pilot whale sounds are being tested, their long-term effectiveness remains unproven as cetaceans adapt quickly to new stimuli.13:33

More from Hashtag Sal

The Social Project Teaching the New Generation of Sailors | #SAL #74 ClipSep 2026This Was the Last Sailing of a Chapter in My Life | #SAIL #434Sep 2026The rule no one makes you follow is the one that defines you the most | #SAL #433Sep 2026The Crazy Decision to Build a Boat Without Ever Sailing | Cut from #SAL #70Sep 2026

From Hashtag Sal — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.