BOSTON (AP) Competitive sailors have teamed up with conservationists on new guidelines aimed at keeping sailboats and whales from colliding during races.
It’s a collaboration between US Sailing, the sport’s national governing body, and several nonprofits working to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales and other species.
Experts say vessel strikes are a leading cause of death for whales. Most are caused by fishing boats and freighters, but fast-moving sailboats racing in the open ocean also pose a danger to the majestic mammals.
Sailors are being given tips to navigate safely around whales, including course maps overlaid with any nearby whale habitat.