I will never forget the few times I have encountered whales while sailing around the Monterey Bay. They are so big and powerful, yet silent and graceful, it is hard to describe the feeling when one surfaces nearby and wants to play.

Apparently a friendly one has been interested in getting close to the competitors in the Melges 24 Worlds, as captured by one of the event photographers:

Amazing what a nature sanctuary can do for the environment. You just don’t get that kind of spectator in most sports venues.