Elaine Bunting's blog
Web log entry dated 22 May 2008
North Atlantic 'teeming with life'
Maybe the light winds and an unusual number of high pressure ridges in the North Atlantic have altered the course and swirling eddies of the Gulf Stream, or maybe the relatively fair weather has caused a surge in marine 'migration traffic' to summer feeding grounds (do let me know if you have any expert insight), but whatever it is the North Atlantic has been teeming with marine life this month.
The solo skippers of the Artemis Transat have certainly found it so: another collision with a whale today aboard Sam Davies's Roxy, causing damage to the starboard daggerboard.
I spoke earlier today to Dee Caffari on Aviva. She says it's been an incredible crossing for wildlife - like none she's known.
"There has been absolutely loads of marine life," she told me. "I've seen loads of Portuguese Man o' War [jellyfish], turtles, dolphins. I haven't seen any whales, though. I don't know if it's the mix of warm and cold currents that means food is in abundance, but there's been a lot.
"Yesterday when we were crossing through the ice gate [at 40°N], wherever you looked you saw something in the ocean. It was bizarre. A Portuguese Man o' War came by that was massive, a real big beauty and I thought 'Bloody hell!' There were dolphins as well."
Elaine Bunting
For the latest news and reports of new marine gear, plus the very best editorial coverage of the serious cruising and racing yachting world, don't miss your regular copy of Yachting World. Secure yours now by ordering it today.
Buy a 12-month subscription and save money on the price at the newsagent.
