BIBOA Channel Islands Cruise - Photos

[Charles]

This photograph is quite amazing in that upon leaving Jersey for the Minquiers we had bright sunshine and within a few minutes found ourselves in fairly thick fog for most of the 9 mile run. Approximately 2 miles from the approach the fog dissipated and we were once again in bright sunshine. One could simply not enter this archipelago of reefs without having at least a mile vis. as the transits are crucial for a safe entry. I was getting mightily concerned as we neared the Demi de Vascelin. ( The main approach bouy)

[Richard B]

Superb! Certainly captures the atmosphere.

[Charles]

On 17 July 2002, a local friend of mine, who happens to be a fisherman and Rib exponent, saw a Great White Shark (I believe him implicitly)in the vicinity of the Desormes bouy, between Jersey's NW corner (Grosnez point) and the aforementioned bouy. He estimated it to be a mini-submarine in excess of 18 ft and was totally in awe of the fish. This picture was taken whilst waiting for the flotilla to arrive from Alderney, it was extremely hot and humid and the kids decided to cool off, possibly the exact spot where Kevin had spotted the shark. I was extremely puzzled as to why we had not come across the resident pod of dolphins that frequent these waters on the cruise, and this probably explains it. Keith, can your daughter shed any light on this, or any other marine expert for that matter?

[Brian]

Probably not relevant at all but in "Awesome" on the way back from Alderney on Sunday, the Mickelwrights and I came across a group of six adult basking sharks at approx. 49d 53m N and 02d 36m W.
I have seen many basking sharks but always singly.
(I tried reporting this to the Dolphin and Whale Watch website but got totally frustrated by it's layout, lack of clarity and ease of use-so I didn't).

[benjamin]

I too saw a basking shark off Gillan ,near Helford River S. Cornwall on 17 /07/02 - apparently this is a 'good' year for them. I too tried the website for declaring sightings and gave up in disgust when after a good 10 minutes of tapping in lat/long, weather conditions, sea state etc. the thing rejected my submission! Infuriating.
I was also in Padstow some 2 years ago the evening when a highly respected local fishing boat skipper came in with a tale of a close - up sighting of a Great White some 20 miles offshore. It seems their range does include the NE Atlantic, but that they are extremely rare - I think Charles is very brave allowing children to swim in the vicinity - does Mrs. Charles know?

[Richard B]

She does now!

[Charles]

Two chicken burgers.........yum!

[benjamin]

I have often been struck by the resemblance which my two small children in their wetsuits have to small seals, which are apparently the primary diet of the G/W shark