Yes, its true, L'orca was hit by a broaching whale yesterday

L'Orca at the dock in Astoria after the whale collision (from US Coast Guard)

Due to technical issues at Blogger, our post yesterday about L'Orca being hit by a whale disappeared.  Since then I had a chance to talk with Ryan Barnes, who was driving L’Orca when the whale breached and hit the boat.  One of the crew saw unusual gray water and heard a noise just before the whale breached, hitting the rig above the spreader.  The whale took out the rig, the lifelines and toe rail.

L’Orca had her spinnaker up and was moving well.  After the whale hit, they cut the rigging to release the broken mast and also had to cut the sails loose.  When the whale hit the boat rolled to port and rolled back to starboard.  Crewmember Daniel Martinet almost fell off the boat and ended up holding on to the transom.

They tried to lash the rig to the boat, but there was too much pressure and they were unable to save the mast or the rest of the rig.

The whale was approximately 30' long and appeared to be a humpback.  They do not know what happened to the whale.  After hitting the boat, it went underwater and was not seen again.  The crew found a few bits of whale skin and blubber left on the boat.

When asked before the race for the most interesting thing they did getting ready for the Offshore, they said that all the race preparation went well this year, with nothing interesting to report.

KATU interviewed the crew and broadcast the incident on their 11 pm news tonight. 

They wish to thank Sol Pacifico for turning back to help them and Sol Pacifico, Cool Change and Thirsty for remaining with them until the Coast Guard arrived to assist.  Sol Pacifico, Cool Change and Thirsty have now continued racing.  We look forward to seeing them in Victoria.