Yachting world news from Interparus (02.12.22)

The killer whale invasion will end soon!

Many have already managed to face the problems and dangers that killer whales carry, even more people have heard about them. Well, scientists gave an extremely encouraging forecast about the invasion of killer whales. 

According to scientists from institutions involved in the study of marine mammals (Spain, Portugal), this behavior of killer whales is associated with their age. So, Alfredo Lopez - a scientist - says that "killer whales exhibit behavior that should disappear with age." The essence of the problem lies in the fact that among the flocks of killer whales that attack yachts, mostly only young ones. They often "play" with boats. Alas, these games often lead to rather deplorable outcomes. 

Killer whales are quite social animals that perform specific social roles. These roles change as killer whales mature. Most of the individuals that attack boats now have an "active adolescence". As soon as the killer whales grow up, then there will be no one to harm the boats. 

According to the Center for Whale Research, male killer whales reach maturity at about 25 years of age. Females become "adult" by killer whale standards as early as their early teens. 

Alfredo Lopez says that at least 16 individuals of one subpopulation have recorded similar behavior in killer whales. In simple terms, the "playfulness" of this particular group of cetaceans should not be extended to other groups that live in other regions. In fairness, the scientist noted that this is "unlikely, but not impossible."

Since 2020, more than 300 yachts have been affected by the "play" of this killer whale subpopulation. The main region of attacks of cetaceans is the Iberian Peninsula. More than 70% boats were damaged after encountering killer whales. Interestingly, animals aim at the steering wheel or ram the body.

In 2022, nearly 70% reported collisions resulted in damage and 24% resulted in loss of ship control and the need to be towed to port by emergency services.

It is too early to make predictions about when this scourge will end. On the other hand, at least a couple of seasons will have to endure. In order to scare off killer whales, it is proposed to use special exploding checkers. However, scientists warn that they must be used carefully, as punishment is expected for causing damage to killer whales. 

Classic motor yacht Bougie burned down 

Less than two weeks ago, a shipyard fire broke out in New Orleans. The 23.4-meter classic motor yacht Bougie burned down as a result of the fire. Alas, it was one of five yachts that suffered a fire at the shipyard SeaBrook. 

According to local media reports, firefighters were called around 6 am on Sunday, November 13. According to preliminary data, the source of ignition was in an office building, which is located on the territory of the shipyard. The building itself burned to the ground.

According to a statement from local authorities, two yachts on the water and three boats in dry dock caught fire. Two other boats nearby suffered minor damage. Due to strong winds, firefighters had to spend more time putting out the fire. In total, about 55 emergency workers worked to stabilize the situation. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Except for yachts. 

Motorboat Bougie became one of the victims of the fire. The yacht was launched back in 1929. Then it was used to transport people and goods for tourism purposes. Bougie was built in teak and mahogany and had three cabins on board.

It feels like bad luck is haunting the yacht - in 2013 Bougie almost completely sank, all the lower rooms, including the engine room, were under water. It took about 7 years to complete the renovation. The boat has since changed owners. At the end of October 2022, Bougie arrived at the SeaBrook shipyard for a new stage of restoration. Can a boat be restored after a fire? While there is no information.

Enea catamaran tender concept

The new 6m catamaran tender (couldn't find a better name) Enea was introduced the other day. More precisely, not the catamaran itself, but its concept. Enea was designed by Sebastiano Canto. Sebastiano is known for his collaborations with the shipyards Perini Navi and Vitruvius Yachts. 

By the way, readers of our Telegram channel already aware of this outlandish tender! If you want to keep abreast of the latest events and news of the world of yachting, then go link.

Sebastiano also came up with an interesting design solution for the Enea - openings in the front of the hulls. This decision was inspired by the desire to reduce the weight of the catamaran and reduce air resistance when moving. In addition, it looks, it is worth recognizing, spectacularly. 

In addition to reducing weight, Enea will require an order of magnitude less energy than its heavier counterparts. The tender will be equipped with two powerful Yamaha Harmo electric motors. The power of each is 3.4 kW or 10 hp. The installation of two engines will be able to disperse the tender to eight knots. Naturally, without noise, since the motors are electric. 

In addition to reducing weight, Enea will require an order of magnitude less energy than its heavier counterparts. The tender will be equipped with two powerful Yamaha Harmo electric motors. The power of each is 3.4 kW or 10 hp. The installation of two engines will be able to disperse the tender to eight knots. Naturally, without noise, since the motors are electric. 

Enea will be 2.4 meters wide. "Deck" can be customized to the maximum. By default, comfortable modular furniture will be installed there, a large sun lounger, as well as a comfortable sofa chair. There is also a bathing platform and one seat in front for the most intrepid and desperate vacationers. 

Interestingly, Enea has already won the design competition at the Venice Boat Show. Moreover, the concept took first place in the category "Best Electric Boats" at the NY Product Design Awards. I wonder what the future holds for this concept?

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02.12.2022