Why Knot Sailing

09/08/2026

Someone left the porthole open

26/07/2026

🛥️ Another Yacht Disabled Following Orca Encounter off Galicia

Another sailing yacht has been left unable to continue its journey following an encounter with orcas off the coast of Galicia in north-west Spain.

The Swedish-flagged yacht Vai, with two people on board, issued a Mayday after its rudder was severely damaged approximately 20 kilometres north-west of Punta Candelaria. With the vessel no longer able to steer, Salvamento Marítimo responded and safely towed it back to port. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The incident followed a particularly intense period of activity in the same area. Just one day earlier, four yachts were involved in separate encounters with orcas. Several suffered significant rudder damage and required assistance, while one vessel was reportedly lost after becoming disabled.

These incidents form part of an unusual pattern of behaviour involving a small population of Iberian orcas. The animals appear to focus primarily on the rudders of sailing vessels, often pushing, striking or biting them until the boats lose steering. Researchers have been studying the behaviour for several years, but there is still no confirmed explanation for why it began or why it continues.

Although the encounters are not considered deliberate attacks on people, the consequences for those at sea can be extremely serious. A damaged rudder can quickly leave a yacht helpless, particularly in poor weather, strong currents or busy shipping areas.

Sailors planning to travel through Galician waters are being advised to check the latest official guidance before departure, remain alert in known interaction areas and ensure that emergency procedures and communication equipment are ready for immediate use.

03/07/2026

Collision off Corsica

21/06/2026

19/06/2026

Another fatal watercraft incident has been reported on the Costa del Sol.

Spanish media, citing 112 Andalucía, report that a 30-year-old man died on Thursday afternoon after a collision between a jet ski and a boat in the harbour area of Fuengirola, Málaga. The emergency call was made at around 17:53, and Guardia Civil, Policía Local, Cruz Roja, municipal lifeguards and health emergency services attended the scene.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation, so it would be wrong to speculate about exactly what happened.

But the wider point is difficult to ignore. The Málaga coastline has seen several serious and fatal jet ski-related incidents in recent years. As summer traffic increases, so does the need for proper lookout, safe speed, clear separation, and real understanding of how quickly powered craft can close distance on the water.

Jet skis are often treated like beach toys. They are not. They are fast powered vessels, and in busy coastal areas they need to be operated with proper awareness and respect.

Thoughts are with the family and everyone affected.

18/04/2026

Let's go sailing

10/08/2024

Today in Mallorca, Spain 🇪🇸