The world of offshore sailing has taken a major step forward in protecting marine life during across 100% of the fleet in the 2023 Transat Jacques Vabre (TJV), where every boat carried a new real-time hazard reporting system developed in collaboration with Safewave. This milestone marks a turning point in maritime safety and ocean conservation — and Safewave has played a key role in making it happen.
A Growing Problem: Collisions with Marine Mammals
As racing yachts become faster and more advanced, the risk of collisions with marine mammals has increased significantly. According to data from the Marine Mammals Advisory Group (MMAG), gathered from the International Whaling Commission and direct reports from the sailing community, of the 350 recorded collisions so far, between 50% and 60% have resulted in vessel damage and injuries or fatalities for marine animals.
These numbers highlight a serious issue: while sailors are deeply connected to the ocean and its wildlife, they have had few tools to actively prevent these incidents — until now.
The New Hazard Reporting System: A Game Changer
Thanks to a collaboration between MMAG, IMOCA, and Safewave, a real-time hazard reporting system has been integrated into every boat in the TJV fleet. This system allows sailors to instantly report the presence of floating objects or sightings of marine mammals, helping to reduce collision risks and improve safety for both boats and wildlife.
The system works through a built-in hazard alert button, which immediately shares information with other competitors and monitoring organizations. This creates a real-time communication network, improving awareness and enabling crews to react more effectively to potential dangers.
Safewave: Driving Safety and Sustainability
As part of its mission to enhance sailing safety, Safewave has played a crucial role in bringing this technology to life. Working alongside experts from MMAG and IMOCA, Juan Alejandro Andújar (Safewave) has helped ensure the system’s seamless integration and accessibility across the entire fleet.
”Our goal was to make hazard reporting as simple and fast as possible” — says Juan Alejandro — “Every second counts when you’re at sea.”
Juan Alejandro Andújar sailing with Team Viva Mexico, leading sustainability initiatives at sea — photo © Jen Edney / Dominique Knuppel / Juan Alejandro Andújar
And this is just the beginning. The adoption of this system in the 2023 TJV proves that technology can make a real difference in marine life protection. Safewave remains committed to developing innovative solutions for safer and more sustainable sailing in the future.
A Safer Future for Offshore Sailing
While no technology can completely eliminate the risk of collisions with marine mammals, this system represents a major step forward. The sailing community is now taking concrete action to protect marine ecosystems without compromising performance and competitiveness in ocean racing.
Safewave will continue to push innovation in maritime safety, working alongside sailors, scientists, and organizations to make the ocean a safer place — for boats and for marine life.
Because protecting the sea is everyone’s responsibility, and every step forward matters.
For more details, check the full article on 11th Hour Racing Team or learn more about Safewave´s ongoing initiatives at our website.
Image credits:
Header photo Juan Alejandro Andújar Cuenca, licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.
Post image © Jen Edney, Team Viva México. All rights reserved.