Day 4 – A Dozen Dolphins Entertained Us

Day 4 – Sunday, Nov. 2nd – A Dozen Dolphins Entertained Us.

 

Have you ever seen a mammal swim faster?

Have you ever seen a mammal swim faster?

 

The winds pick up to 15-22 knots, and we were able to turn off the motors, and enjoy some amazing sailing, and surfing. Today was the day that we broke a surfing record of 13.5 knots in 10 foot seas.

 

Mommy, Daddy and baby – only 3 feet long.

Mommy, Daddy and baby – only 3 feet long.

We had 3 separate visitations by various pods of Dolphins. Peter swore that it was the same pod, he named one of his favourite old grey. The largest pod had at least a Dozen Dolphins in it. I counted at least 6 on each side of the boat, and about 3 at the bow at any given moment. Our favourite was a little family, Mother, Father and little baby. The baby could not have been larger than 3 feet, but did a good job keeping up with the parents and the boat. It would never leave it’s mothers side. It was amazing how fast they could swim. At times they would dart in the opposite direction of the boat, then come speeding up to us, 2-3 times the boat speed, then slowing down and swimming next to us. They provided us with an entertaining show, one lasting at least 45 minutes. They would jump into the air over the bow wake, and would dive through large waves. Every 10-15 seconds, their heads would come up for air, and back down they would go.

Peter's favorite Old Grey!

Peter

 

The morning sun rise under moderate sea state.

The morning sun rise under moderate sea state.

 

Making good progress.

Making good progress.

Peter would tap on the hull, and wave his hands in the air, as if to say hi. These creatures are very intelligent. They would tilt their heads, so their eyes would be out of the water and look at us. When we waved our hands, they raised their heads out of the water and would make dolphin sounds, communicating a greeting back to us. They actually knew that we were looking at them and trying to say hello to them. I think originally when they approached the boat, they were just attracted by what looks like a whale or creature similar to them swimming through the water. The boat is grey underneath, and has 2 large fins. But they quickly realize that there are humans on board. Maybe I am just kidding myself, I am sure we were not the first boat they visited. They are so intelligent, that they probably knew it’s a boat with humans on it. But they did not try communicating with us, at least not until we waved at them and tapped the hull first.

s/v Black Diamond

With almost 30,000 Nautical miles of experience and 1,800+ sea days and nights on the water. (1,800 sea days is like 5 years on the water, 365 days a year!) I am an RYA Skipper and ICC International Competent Captain, currently working on my RYA Yacht Master with a Commercial endorsement for a 200 ton vessel. My qualifications include; MED A2 Emergency Safety at Sea, Helicopter Rescue, Life raft deployment and use, Offshore Rescue and Fire Fighting at Sea, etc, STCW Code A-VI/1-3, Canadian Equivalent Marine First Aid and CPR/AED. I am an Open Water Certified diver and completed various CYA & Canadian Power and Sail Squadron certifications which include Power/Sailboat handling, Seamanship Sail, Piloting/charting, CYA Coastal Navigation, GPS Navigation, Extended Offshore Cruising, VHF Radio operation license and a Toronto Harbour License. I am now providing skippered charters and yacht deliveries globally, including crew positions for offshore passages. However, my specialities are the Bahamas, US East Coast, The Great Lakes, Welland Canal, Erie Canal and the Adriatic Sea, Croatia, looking to add Greece. Feel free to contact me at [email protected]

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