### Pilotage Plan: Altea, ES to Torrevieja, ES**Route Overview:**This journey from Altea to Torrevieja takes you along the picturesque Costa Blanca, renowned for its stunning coastline, charming towns, and favorable cruising conditions, making it an ideal trip for coastal cruisers and recreational sailors. Throughout this route, boaters will encounter diverse landscapes, vibrant marine life, and a variety of amenities catering to all kinds of water activities.---### Sections of the Route:#### 1. **Departure from Altea, ES** - **Coordinates:** (38.5884, -0.0577) - Altea's charming harbor is a perfect starting point. Before departing, ensure you’ve checked local weather forecasts and tide tables. The bustling marina offers provisions and last-minute supplies. #### 2. **Navigational Considerations:** - Once you set sail, keep an eye on the buoyed channels and adhere to local speed restrictions. - The coastline here is rich with various natural hazards such as submerged rocks and shallows, particularly near the cliffs south of Altea. Therefore, a detailed nautical chart is a must-have. ---#### 3. **Points of Interest Along the Route:** - **Cap Negret (38.5586, -0.0582)** - A beautiful natural landmark where you can navigate close to the shore for views of the stunning rock formations. This area is relatively sheltered should you face unfavorable weather. - **Cala de la Zorra** - A small, picturesque cove where you can anchor for a picnic. The clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. - **Benidorm (38.5383, -0.1346)** - Home to stunning skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great stop-off for boater amenities—fuel, food, and shore excursions if you choose to venture ashore. - **Playa de San Juan** - Another popular beach spot making for a pleasant rest break, especially if enjoying beach activities appeals to you.#### 4. **Sheltering Bays:** - **Cala Finestrat** - A sheltered bay ideal for overnight stays should the weather turn. It’s quite scenic and offers basic amenities. - **Cabo Roig** - In case of unexpected weather conditions, this point serves as a reliable refuge. Monitor the wind direction closely as you approach.---#### 5. **Continuing South to Torrevieja, ES** - **Coordinates:** (37.9751, -0.6829) - As you approach Torrevieja, be attentive to the distinctive pink lagoons, which are home to diverse wildlife, particularly flamingos. The area is quite shallow, so navigating with caution is required.#### 6. **Navigational Aids and Local Regulations:** - Make sure to follow any local navigation aids such as buoys and markers, especially around Torrevieja’s busy harbor entrance, which can be congested. - Be aware of local fishing zones and abide by designated no-fishing areas to avoid any potential fines.--- ### Conclusion:This journey is particularly suitable for recreational sailers and families looking for a scenic, safe experience with plenty of opportunities for exploration. It's crucial to embrace the safety of your crew—regularly check weather updates, monitor your fuel reserves, and always have life jackets onboard. As you complete your trip, consider using boating apps like **savvy navvy** for real-time navigation assistance, tide information, and local harbor details. Enjoy your voyage from Altea to Torrevieja while soaking in the beauty of the Costa Blanca—happy sailing!