A wild seal nicknamed “Grumpy” unexpectedly stole the spotlight at the opening of an annual sailing competition on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, just outside Melbourne.
The surprise guest appeared at the Blairgowrie marina as the Petersville Regatta was getting underway on Saturday, forcing event organizers to rethink their plans. Blairgowrie, a popular coastal holiday destination about 100 kilometres south of Melbourne, was hosting more than 200 sailors and roughly 40 boats for the event.
The large seal had settled in for a sun-soaked rest at the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, positioning himself in a spot that blocked access to several boats in the marina. According to the yacht squadron’s general manager, Andrew Cooper, the animal showed no interest in relocating.
“He definitely wasn’t keen on anyone getting close,” Cooper said, adding that the seal made his displeasure clear whenever people approached.
To keep everyone safe, staff placed cones around the area and set up a temporary ferry system to transport sailors out to their boats rather than risk disturbing the animal.
Organizers contacted Parks Victoria for guidance and were advised to maintain a safe distance and allow the seal to rest undisturbed. Despite the activity around him, the seal remained in place as the race began, occasionally snorting and expressing what Cooper described as a “grumpy” attitude — a trait that quickly inspired his nickname.
“He might have been a bit gruff, but it was actually wonderful to see,” Cooper said. “It added something special to the event.”
By Sunday morning, as the second day of racing began, the seal appeared to have moved on.
Wildlife Victoria reminds the public that seals are wild animals and should be treated with caution. People are advised to stay at least 30 metres away from seals on land, keep a distance of five metres when seals are on piers or boat ramps, and ensure dogs remain more than 50 metres away.
Matilda Pearl, a senior dive instructor with Polperro Dolphin Swims, explained that Australian fur seals are commonly seen in Port Phillip Bay. She noted that seals found resting on shore are often exhausted or recovering after long journeys from nearby colonies, such as Phillip Island.
Pearl also urged the public to resist the temptation to approach seals for photos. “People often get too close or allow dogs near them,” she said. “It’s important to remember these animals need space to rest safely.”
Blairgowrie has hosted unexpected seal visitors before. In January 2023, an elephant seal that appeared in the area was believed to be the same animal responsible for damaging windows at a petrol station in Point Lonsdale, on the opposite side of Port Phillip Bay.