Dolphins off St Catherine's Point

[sgr143]

We went round the island for the first time (!) a few days back, and met a group of about 8 or so dolphins about 2 miles off, and slightly to the West of, St Catherine's. Two family groups, maybe. They were really showing off - plunging in and out in formation and zooming around and under the boat. We felt rather blessed! Are they commonly found out there, or were we just lucky?

Steve

 

[Nina Lucia]

That always make our day, Great !

We went round the island for the first time (!) a few days back, and met a group of about 8 or so dolphins about 2 miles off, and slightly to the West of, St Catherine's. Two family groups, maybe. They were really showing off - plunging in and out in formation and zooming around and under the boat. We felt rather blessed! Are they commonly found out there, or were we just lucky?

Steve

 

[Fantasie 19]

We went round the island for the first time (!) a few days back, and met a group of about 8 or so dolphins about 2 miles off, and slightly to the West of, St Catherine's. Two family groups, maybe. They were really showing off - plunging in and out in formation and zooming around and under the boat. We felt rather blessed! Are they commonly found out there, or were we just lucky?

Steve

I'd say lucky... I've not heard of them this far east but there were a few reports of a pod near Bembridge earlier this year... I live in hope!! :encouragement:

 

[C08]

You are very lucky to see this - in 10 years sailing fromPortsmouth east and west and about 8,000 NM I think I have seen the sum total of 2 seals regarding wildlife. Totally different to the Irish sea where if you did not see dolphins or porpoises on a day out it would be unusual.

 

[sgr143]

You are very lucky to see this - in 10 years sailing fromPortsmouth east and west and about 8,000 NM I think I have seen the sum total of 2 seals regarding wildlife. Totally different to the Irish sea where if you did not see dolphins or porpoises on a day out it would be unusual.

Well, now I feel doubly blessed! Let us hope that they appreciated the attention and applause we gave them and take up residence, maybe even bringing a few friends.

 

[RobF]

You are very lucky to see this - in 10 years sailing fromPortsmouth east and west and about 8,000 NM I think I have seen the sum total of 2 seals regarding wildlife. Totally different to the Irish sea where if you did not see dolphins or porpoises on a day out it would be unusual.

There's about 20 seals at residence in Chichester Harbour, which is within 8000NM from Portsmouth But agree that I've not seen any dolphins this far east, closest I've seen them is 20NM off Torquay.

 

[oldharry]

There's about 20 seals at residence in Chichester Harbour, which is within 8000NM from Portsmouth But agree that I've not seen any dolphins this far east, closest I've seen them is 20NM off Torquay.

I saw 2 heading west down the Solent off Chichester about 15 years ago, and have on 2 or 3 occasions seen them off Durlston head. But as CO8 says, the Irish sea is a different matter, and they are /were almost common there.

Its one of the greatest interactions with wildlife I know, having these amazing creatures'playing' with your boat.

 

[ip485]

I saw a large pod the weekend before last just north of the new wind farm off Brighton. Probably at least a dozen, and some very large individuals. They stayed with us for at least 40 minutes as we passage at around 7 knots. Lots of photos and videos so it was a real joy. We also saw a small group (maybe three or four) off Eastbourne maybe four or five weeks ago, so they are around well east of Chichester. Keep your eyes out.

There have been three or four seals that have taken up residence at Eastbourne for some long time now and can almost always be seen on the mud at low tide.

 

[ip485]

https://vimeo.com/345544683

 

[Kukri]

Harbour porpoises, I think, in Lyme Bay.