In last month’s issue, I was pleased to share my account with you of what I have done to stay orca-safe during my trip from the Netherlands to Gibraltar, and how this has influenced my experience and route. In this issue, I would like to outline the recommendations that I followed from Orcas Spain & Portugal, orcas.pt, and to answer the main questions that you may have if you are considering a trip to these destinations. Hopefully this information will help you too, to have a safe and beautiful sailing experience.
Who is behind orcas.pt?
Orcas Spain & Portugal was set up in October 2022 and is an initiative of Rui Alves, a Portuguese sailor, in collaboration with Renaud de Stephanis, a leading international cetaceans’ researcher and the). At the recent Trans Ocean Annual Awards Ceremony in Cuxhaven, the German Sailing Association granted them the Ocean Award 2023. Alves said: “This prize is an honour and a confirmation of the work we are doing and of our contribution to the sailing community.’’ And indeed – as you will see below – many sailors have good reason to be very grateful for Rui and Renaud’s help and dedication.
