Just to inform that according to Orange's site, the second whale in the S.Atlantic was actually a misunderstanding over the radio when the crew referred to the colision.

There are indeed many whales in the Brazilian coast and, yes, they go there to mate. They are protected by law, have some specific mating santuaries (Abrolhos national park, Ilha Grande national park, for example) and as far as I know there are no whalers at all in the country, so they are increasing in numbers. I followed a family of orcas migrating north a couple of miles off Ipanema, five or six years ago.

In the distant past, whales were so frequent that they were harpooned from the coast, without boats at all. This is the reason why the rock/beach north of famous Ipanema beach is called "Arpoador" beach, meaning "Harpooner".

Another good new is that Orange fixed the rudder and is in good shape to shatter the record. 10 days less is quite a feat!

Luiz