Fishenough, it could have been an albatross, but that's extremely unlikely. One of the first rules in birding is that identifying a bird as an exotic species (like an albatross) instead of a common species (like a gannet), you have to have exceptional proof to back up your claim. It's like finding a coin on the ground: sure, it might be an 1895 buffalo nickel that's worth $5,000, but it's much more likely to be a penny that's worth, well, a penny.
Partnership: I'm not sure whether they can take off on land or not -- my guess is that they can -- but I do know that they are clumsy and awkward on land, and sleek and graceful in water. Their skull is actually reinforced with extra bone -- like a motorcycle helmet -- to protect themselves from the shock of hitting the water when they do one of those 60-foot dive bombs. They're amazing birds.
And they are striper birds. If you see gannets diving, especially in the fall, sidle up and get baits down, because there are fish there.