Whale avoidence

[Dsanduril]

I had assumed the OP asked after seeing this thread (or local news of the event) in the same general neck of the woods. The after pictures of the boat aren’t pretty.



https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-...oast/100197626

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

It doesn't work.

We have had whales surface in front of us and actually go under bow
We have a large engine running AND music

Try Waltzing Matilda. That’l send them into retreat.

[HopCar]

Don’t go swimming with them. Just today a guy got eaten by a humpback. It spit him out.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...od/7655688002/

[carstenb]

We've been surrounded by pods a number of times - scariest at night when they spout right next to the boat. Nothing to be done, just tighten up your sphincter and wait it out

[chrisr]

we are full time live-aboards n cruise up and down the east coast of aussie all the time.

during whale season there is not much you can do. certainly keep a look out as best you can during the day, but cannot see underwater...and definitely cannot seem em during the night.

we know some folk who won't sail at night but in our opinion this is a bit extreme.

frankly it is just another risk associated with boating offshore, and certainly not the biggest one

best advice we can give...enjoy the sight when you see them...try not to worry when you don't...and keep your insurance up to date

cheers,

[GordMay]

About the Major Current Systems in the Australian Region, including the East Australian Current, and the Thermocline Circulation [Global Conveyor Belt
➥ https://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200906...28_1819405.pdf

[MicHughV]

this might be moot....but having a steel hull does provide for a "sense" of security...no guarantee's off course, but an advantage over your standard fiberglass hull...

[LittleWing77]

Originally Posted by Manateeman

If you hit a manatee, they just throw beer cans at you...

You throw beer cans at fellow sailors?!?

So rude!
LOL!

How's that refit going, Manateeman?
LittleWing77

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by carstenb

We've been surrounded by pods a number of times - scariest at night when they spout right next to the boat. Nothing to be done, just tighten up your sphincter and wait it out

We were anchored one night, when I was awakened by a huge humpback whale exhale right beside my open berth port. It was one of those pitch-black nights, so I could just barely make out the breath plumes, but it was clear the pod was circling our boat very tightly.

It was amazing, but I was worried they might get tangled in our anchor rode. Happily, this did not happen, and all we got was a close encounter and a great story.

I have sailed relatively close (1/4 mile) to breaching humpbacks. Never felt concerned, and didn't feel that they were unaware of us. I have altered course a few times when under sail when pods passed close in front, seemingly unaware of us. But it's hard to know if this was necessary.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by LittleWing77

You throw beer cans at fellow sailors?!?

So rude!
LOL!

How's that refit going, Manateeman?
LittleWing77

If they're full bring it on..
Catch as catch can..

[LittleWing77]

Ahem! Now back to the OP's very valid and legitimate question!

I've encountered whales a couple of times offshore and it was very clear they saw us well before we saw them. Then, like dolphins, they swam over to take a gander at us.

Absolutely incredible to have this huge mammal vastly bigger than one's puny boat surface right next to the helm, and a huge, intelligent eye gazes directly at you, while you're simultaneously gazing at them.

Then suddenly, the whale sounds and is gone...
Just blows the mind.

I would say that the only risk of hitting a whale would be (as freshalaska said above) if they were sleeping at night. They float on the surface in order to breathe while asleep. If it's really quiet, you might hear their breathing, as it's a peculiar sort of sound, but unless you've heard it before, that won't help (sorry).

Don't worry. They ARE mammals as smart as us. I expect they don't want to get poked by those floating-things-with-pointy-bits any more than we want to hit them.

Fair winds,
LittleWing77

[LittleWing77]

Originally Posted by boatman61

If they're full bring it on..
Catch as catch can...

Just reminded me. Need to make a pitstop before going out for today's afternoon sail, so we'll have a sunset libation once we're back on the mooring... ahhh

LW77

[LittleWing77]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Don’t go swimming with them. Just today a guy got eaten by a humpback. It spit him out.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...od/7655688002/

Heard him on CBC News this morning!

He sounded vaguely bemused at all the fuss... I mean, the whale spit him out and all he has is a bruised knee, so what was the problem? It was pretty funny.

Think his new nickname will be Jonah,
LittleWing77

[FAST FRED]

Some folks believe that white bottom paint is less likely to be struck.

[Red 5]

Originally Posted by carstenb

We've been surrounded by pods a number of times - scariest at night when they spout right next to the boat. Nothing to be done, just tighten up your sphincter and wait it out

Lol oh yeah mine will be slammed shut.
Funny that in 9 years in the Navy (pre 82) I don't remember seeing any on the many trips to Jervis Bay.