Padstow to Milford Haven 16 June 2022

 

Common Dolphin in the Bristol Channel

We left Padstow at 07.30 on the high tide and very quickly passed the Doom Bar and out of the Camel estuary, and set course for the long trip across the Bristol Channel to Milford Haven in South Wales.  

About two hours out we saw our first Common Dolphins.  These are wonderful animals that just love to play in the bow wave of the boat.  We could see them about half a mile away suddenly realise that a boat was nearby, when they would immediately turn towards us and race as quickly as possible towards our bow.  It was as if each one wanted to be the first to get to us.


For about three hours we were constantly accompanied by a dozen or more dolphins, the individuals of which changed as each new group arrived.  It is probable that we saw upwards of 500 individuals during our crossing. It was a wonderful wildlife spectacle.

No sooner than the dolphins had stopped playing with us, than our port engine started playing up.  The oil pressure dropped dramatically and we lost power.  Within a very few minutes, before any damage could be done, we shut the engine down, and did the last 3 hours of the trip on one engine.  Milford Haven had originally said they were full and could not accommodate us, but when we said we were limping in on one engine they were able to find us a berth.  We were very grateful.

With the one working engine wanting to naturally turn us in constant circles, negotiating the lock at the entrance to the marina, and then manoeuvring into the berth, was interesting.  However, we managed without mishap, and we’re very glad after a long day to have a beer.

Secure in Milford Haven marina


























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