Mallorca: Shark spotted during iQFOiL training in the bay of Palma

Many iQFOiLers and other sailing classes are currently preparing for the prestigious Trofeo Princesa Sofia regatta in the bay of Palma. Italian Jacopo Renna, who is coaching his brother Nicolo, filmed an animal in the water from his boat, which appears to be a shark. The report and the short video went viral in the media at the weekend.

In this short clip, the shark appears to be primarily interested in the Italian crew's support boat; it has not yet spotted the Greek woman Danae Pontifex bobbing in the background. According to the Spanish media, experts disagree on what kind of shark it is. Some suspect a "juvenile great white shark", others a mako shark. However, it is not surprising that the animal should appear off the Balearic Islands at all. In March, schools of tuna migrate along the coast, which the sharks follow. However, sightings are rather rare. According to "wa.de", marine biologists interpret the fact that one of the rare animals was seen as a positive sign: "It means that the water is clean."

No danger from sharks for windsurfers

In general, however, the danger posed by sharks to windsurfers, wingfoilers and other water sports enthusiasts is negligible. The rare attacks occur when a shark mistakes a drifting surfer for a seal. Normally, however, the animals flee from anything they are not comfortable with. Humans and windsurfers in particular are "not prey, more of a deterrent, at best interesting", said Shark researcher Craig Ferreira in a major surf report in 2001. He said at the time that he would even practise water starts in the bay with the largest shark population in the world. So the iQFOiLers off Mallorce need not worry. Anyone who does encounter a shark should enlarge their outline and remain calm. If you don't flee, spread your arms and legs and hold on to your board and rig, you are signalling: "Look, I'm not a seal!" Ferreira said at the time.