Solent Dolphin

Andy · 30 October 2005, 22:27

Went for a trip to the needles on Sat, just past Yarmouth we saw a dolphin, it was realy keen on the boat especially at speed, following us feet from the prop. Darting under the boat and next to the boat so close you could probably have touched it. Another rib turned up on a boat handling course ... and so that gave us chance to get some pics.

A top day out on the solent yet again! I do hope that dolphin does not kill itself, as I said it gets so close to boats props.

The Jackeens · 30 October 2005, 22:31

Absolutely stunning photos Andy & Ricky!

Sure ye didn't cut & paste that dolphin?

Really, really beautiful.

Us

Andy · 30 October 2005, 22:35

Well this time the photos where taken by another mate (John Goodall), Ricky was watching ManUnited that day, I was driving the RIB trying not to drive over the mad thing.

The Jackeens · 30 October 2005, 22:42

Looks like it has a bit of a passion for RIBs alright.
Amazing.

Us

jwalker · 30 October 2005, 23:20

Cool.

codprawn · 31 October 2005, 00:37

Awesome pics - that dolphin looks huge!!!

I was always worried about the danger to the dolphins as well but they are far from dull and as long as you don't make any sudden moves they are fine - a bit like the sheep dogs that chase cars all the time!!!

roycruse · 31 October 2005, 06:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy

I do hope that dolphin does not kill itself, as I said it gets so close to boats props.

That dolphin will out manoeuvre you a thousand time over - don't worry about it getting hurt.

Apart from large sharks and killer whales - fishing nets and deliberate hunting by man are a dolphins only dangers.

Andy Moore · 31 October 2005, 09:24

Excellent pics. Sizeable chap, isn't he?

--ANdy

Hugh Jardon · 01 November 2005, 18:14

did you guys who took the pics of the dolphins set off from ichenor on the saturday? if you did then richard and myself passed you in the afternoon i believe

pressman · 01 November 2005, 18:28

We had a solphire exercise today in the mid and western Solent.

For about 30 mins our small yankee boat had some assistance in his search with the dolphin, at times, in touching distance.

Whilst retrieving the yankee, the dolphin spent most of this exercise alongside the Lifeboat.

There have been several dolphins, and seals in the Solent for many years now.

This one is paticularly friendly but, do not be to bold, it is wild and can give a nasty bite, even though it may only be a friendly gesture.

Also, let it live its life without to much interference.

tim griffin · 07 November 2005, 17:45

I saw the Dolphin today just off entrance to Cowes , truly awesome sight does get very close one of the lad's on board could have touched it . We saw it again on the way home from England same place and it was quite happy diving under the boat and shooting off to look at other boats coming in and out of the harbour . Truly memorable experience I shall keep an eye out again tomorrow.

Andy Moore · 08 November 2005, 08:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim griffin

I saw the Dolphin today just off entrance to Cowes , truly awesome sight does get very close one of the lad's on board could have touched it . We saw it again on the way home from England same place and it was quite happy diving under the boat and shooting off to look at other boats coming in and out of the harbour . Truly memorable experience I shall keep an eye out again tomorrow.

I just gotta see him! Can you be any more specific on his likely location? And, yes, I know he moves about!!

The Jackeens · 08 November 2005, 16:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim griffin

I saw the Dolphin today just off entrance to Cowes , truly awesome sight does get very close one of the lad's on board could have touched it . We saw it again on the way home from England same place and it was quite happy diving under the boat and shooting off to look at other boats coming in and out of the harbour . Truly memorable experience I shall keep an eye out again tomorrow.

Cool!

Looking forward to seeing it!

Us

pressman · 08 November 2005, 17:47

The friendly dolphin has been off Calshot Jetty most of today enjoying some boat handling courses

tim griffin · 09 November 2005, 07:36

It was still there last night at about 0930 made me jump out of my skin when it popped up.

Simon Hawkins · 09 November 2005, 09:23

Tim,

It certainly did, never seen you move so quick !!

Simon

Rogue Wave · 09 November 2005, 14:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by pressman

This one is paticularly friendly but, do not be to bold, it is wild and can give a nasty bite, even though it may only be a friendly gesture.

I have encountered a Dolphin once and its a truly calming and wonderful experience! You guys were so lucky and privildged to be able to take the photos. lets hope it has a charmed and long life!

As you all know the worlds most famous Dolphin was called Flipper, this one is similarly named and it's called Flikka. It has been hand reared from a tadpole, on a liquid feed of baby bio and Gromore by it's owner.......tHe gArfish.

So don't get too close cos I beleive he is out there on scouting duties for the flikking machine

Once again yoo guys are so lucky!

Tideway · 09 November 2005, 17:12

Great pics!

There is some very good guidance on safely observing marine mammals on the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society website see link:

http://www.wdcs.org/dan/publishing.n...256FD900330805

The dolphins tend to set the agenda anyway, but I would hate to injure or scare one away by accident.

Hope he stays around...

t

The Jackeens · 12 November 2005, 07:39

Cool post Tideway.

Thanks for the info

Us

Andy · 14 November 2005, 15:50

I see Portsmouth News is running a story on the Dolphin.

Its been spending a few days jumping about afer the Gosport Ferry.