My Island allows me to have navigate out where any other sailboat would need a motor and have encounters like the one in this video.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4082206414965645475
I went out at the Ocean Front in Virginia Beach and as I was sailing I noticed a huge group of about 50 Dolphin booking through about a 100 yards futher out. They were moving fast and the wind was light so I just kept my course.
I was very supprised when the next time they came up they were all around me and continued slowly with me in the middle until after about 10 min. a power boat with a family noticed and came over. The Dolphins all broke off into small groups and scattered.
I continued on my course and about 15 min later they were all back with me in the middle and continued that way until another boat noticed and came roaring over.
I don't know if they just didn't feel threatened or if they were curious some came real close and really eyed me as they went by. The brown stains in the water are from red tide down in Carolina drifting up.
Many years ago I was windsurfing at the Ocean Front and had put my sail down to rest and have a cig, when 2 Dolphins popped up 4' away and just sat there looking at me.
I said Well Hello, and then a little one popped up in between and closer, I said aren't you a cute little guy. The first 2 went under and the little one stayed while I smoked my cig and talked to him. I always wished I could have gotten a pic of that encounter.
gwiz