From speedy ocean animals to the world’s fastest sailboats, find out what it takes to be swift in the sea. Learn about the fascinating adaptations of the ocean’s fastest animals, examine a sailboat designed by ORACLE TEAM USA, defender of the 34th America’s Cup, and more!
Speed Demons of the Sea
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See the amazing adaptations that sailfish, yellowfin tuna, Humboldt squid, and shortfin mako sharks have evolved for speed and long-distance ocean travel. From streamlined body shapes and retractable fins to piston-like muscles, these creatures demonstrate that there is more than one way to be fast in fluid. After comparing the forms of these speedy animals, put your knowledge to the test by making a fictitious fast fish out of fanciful fins and body shapes. |
Built to Race
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See ORACLE TEAM USA’s AC72 and AC45 wing-sail catamarans in action on San Francisco Bay. |
ORACLE TEAM USA's AC45 and AC72 wing-sail catamarans demonstrate creative design and boundary-breaking technology. Catch a glimpse of the AC45 catamaran suspended from the ceiling between the Swamp and the Piazza. |
The Orca Lab
Photo courtesy of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Biological Station, Cetacean Research Program |
During the first few weeks of Built for Speed, visitors will be able to watch as Academy staff and volunteers carefully assemble the skeleton of an 18-foot-long juvenile orca that washed ashore deceased at Point Reyes National Seashore in November 2011. The skeleton was retrieved and transported to the Academy for future scientific study. Once assembled, the skeleton will be on view for the duration of the exhibit. |
Take Action
Photo courtesy of Tyler Mifflin |
Plastic waste, wastewater pollution, and unsustainable fishing are three major threats to the health of the oceans today. Learn about these threats and find out how you can help at Ocean Action stations throughout the exhibit. Created from manmade marine debris, these stations highlight community-based initiatives offering tips for taking conservation action. |
Orca Discovery
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Orcas, also known as killer whales, are the fastest members of the dolphin family. They can reach top speeds of 55 km/h in open water or cruise slowly during long oceanic migrations. Their large size, great strength, and torpedo-shaped bodies contribute to the marine mammals’ prowess as mighty hunters. Listen to an Orca’s Call Orca recording courtesy of John K. Ford, PhD, Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada |
A Rare Specimen
Photo courtesy of Ben Yaffe |
Long before the juvenile orca washed ashore in Northern California, researchers knew him. Scientists had photographed this orca off the coasts of Canada and Alaska and identified him as Orca O319. He died of unknown causes. Academy scientist Moe Flannery led the team that responded to the stranding. Since little is known about this type of orca—called an offshore ecotype—the skeleton was retrieved and transported to the Academy for future scientific study. Learn more about her year-long experience with Orca O319. |
Orca Articulation
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Now that Academy scientists have carefully cleaned the bones of Orca O319, staff and volunteers will put the orca skeleton back together for public display. This process, which will take several weeks, is known as articulation. It promises to be a jigsaw puzzle of whale-sized proportions. |
Purchase Online |
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Thank You |
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Built for Speed is generously supported by:
- Lakeside Foundation
- The Bernard Osher Foundation
- Wendy and Eric Schmidt
The California Academy of Sciences is the Official Education Partner of ORACLE TEAM USA.
