July 15 Atlantic Queen

Comet's blow creates a rainbow!

It was unbelievably calm out on the ocean today!  We were relieved to find that the breeze was at least a little cooler offshore - definitely better than the 90+ degree temps on land!

After hearing that our friends on the Captain's Lady III out of Newburyport had seen one of our favorite fin whales, Comet, just south of Boon Island, we headed up that way again. This report wasn't a surprise, as Comet has been around the area for several days.  What was a surprise, though, was that we got to "the spot," and...no Comet!  It was a good lesson in how quickly whales can move in just a few hours.

Minke whale

We cruised on and got some terrific looks at a minke whale, and then another minke (or possibly two), before heading just east of the Isles of Shoals.  Guess who was there? Comet!  Thanks to our friends on the Granite State and Starfish for reporting this sighting. Although we're all different companies, we all work well together on the water.

Comet lifts her tail to just below the water surface

Spout

Comet is a female fin whale, who we have seen intermittently in the Jeffreys Ledge area since we first identified her in 1997. In 2007, she even surprised us by coming up to the Ledge with a new calf!

Comet's distinctive scars

Comet near the boat!

We got some fantastic looks at Comet - especially a couple times when she surprised us by surfacing just off the bow, and later off the starboard side.  Being able to see the entire length of this whale next to the boat was an amazing experience.

Comet with the Isles of Shoals in the background

Thanks to all who joined us today!

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