© Sea to Shore Alliance, taken under NOAA research permit 20556

As Newport Bermuda Race sailors prepare to cross 636 miles of open ocean, they also have a unique opportunity to help protect the marine life that shares the racecourse.

The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee, in partnership with Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana, encourages all sailors, navigators, boat captains, and delivery crews to help increase awareness of whale and marine mammal interactions, marine debris, and responsible offshore practices.

Help Protect Whales

Whales and other marine mammals are present throughout the waters sailed by Bermuda Race competitors and delivery crews. By staying informed and reporting sightings, sailors can contribute valuable data that helps reduce the risk of vessel strikes and improves safety for both marine life and mariners.

Use the Whale Alert App

The Whale Alert app helps mariners:

See
Whale Alert displays safety zones and alerts users to whales in their area.

Report
Sailors can share whale sightings or reports of distressed whales, creating alerts for other users.

Save
Your reports help alert mariners and reduce the risk of deadly vessel strikes.

Bermuda Race sailors are encouraged to download Whale Alert and use it during the race and on delivery passages.

Participate in Marine Mammal Strike Reporting

The Marine Mammal Advisory Group is preparing a Risk Assessment Biodiversity Study for The Ocean Race Atlantic, covering areas that include the Newport Bermuda Race course and common delivery routes.

Bermuda Race sailors are invited to participate in the Marine Strike Log Survey to help:

• Protect marine life
• Improve crew safety
• Raise awareness of offshore strike risks
• Support efforts to reduce marine mammal strikes

Learn Before You Go Offshore

Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana encourages all Bermuda Race sailors and onshore support teams to review best practices promoted by World Sailing and the Marine Mammal Advisory Group.

The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee also thanks Whale and Dolphin Conservation in Plymouth, Massachusetts, for providing pre-race briefings for Bermuda Race sailors. Look for marine mammal awareness resources and briefing materials on the Bermuda Race website.

Help Track Derelict Marine Debris

Marine debris is one of the most visible threats to ocean health. An estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, and offshore sailors are in a unique position to help document what they see at sea.

Bermuda Race sailors can contribute valuable data by reporting plastic pollution and debris sightings during the race or on the delivery home.

Use the Debris Tracker App

Debris Tracker is a simple iPhone and Android app that combines technology and citizen science to fight plastic pollution.

By logging debris sightings, sailors help researchers, conservation organizations, and ocean advocates better understand where marine debris is found and how it moves through the ocean.

Small Actions, Meaningful Impact

Whether you are racing to Bermuda, delivering a boat home, or supporting a team from shore, your participation matters.

By downloading these tools, reporting what you see, and sharing awareness with your crew, Bermuda Race sailors can help protect whales, improve offshore safety, and contribute to a cleaner ocean for future generations.