### Pilotage Plan: Annapolis, Maryland to Severna Park, Maryland**Overview:**This yacht cruising route from Annapolis to Severna Park is perfect for intermediate to experienced boaters seeking a charming trip across the scenic waters of the Chesapeake Bay region. The journey offers not just beautiful onboard experiences, but also strategic shelter options and engaging points of interest along the way.**Route Details:****Starting Point: Annapolis, Maryland**- Departure Coordinates: Long -76.4815, Lat 38.9625- Annapolis, famous for its rich maritime history and vibrant sailing culture, is a wonderful starting point. Be sure to check local weather conditions and tides before leaving. **Navigational Course:**1. **Departing Annapolis:** - As you leave the docks, make sure to follow the marked channels, keeping an eye on navigation buoys. The U.S. Coast Guard publishes up-to-date chart books that are incredibly useful.2. **Navigating Back Creek:** - Head east to Back Creek, a nearby inlet where you can enjoy a brief pause. It is a great place to anchor if needed and offers a picturesque view of the former Naval Academy.3. **East on the Severn River:** - Continuing northeast on the Severn River, be cautious of the traffic from both recreational and larger commercial vessels. A close watch on your GPS and navigational aids like the channel buoys will keep you safe as you get closer to the Chesapeake Bay.**Points of Interest:**- Make a point to examine the **Maryland State House** along the way and keep your binoculars handy to catch sight of the historical architecture around Annapolis. You can also stop for a short break at Eastport, where you’ll find quaint eateries and charming shops.4. **Crossing Chesapeake Bay:** - As you approach the Chesapeake Bay, prepare to adjust your course slightly. You’ll enjoy the expansive views of the water and the surrounding land. The bay can be busy, especially with fishing and commercial boats, so maintain situational awareness. 5. **Catching the West River:** - After crossing the bay, steer towards the entrance of the West River. Be vigilant for shallow areas and avoid unnecessary risks. The West River is favored for its scenic shores and is often quieter than the main navigation channels.**Shelter Options:**- **Sandy Point State Park:** About halfway in, this park provides a safe harbor if the weather takes a turn. It also has beautiful picnic areas and beaches for a quick on-land activity.- **Galesville:** Known for its friendly marina, Galesville provides a perfect stop for refueling, both in terms of your vessel and your crew. Take advantage of the local dining options for some local catch.6. **Final Approach to Severna Park:** - As you navigate the last leg of your journey, follow the markers to avoid any underwater hazards. The Severna Park area has some shallow waters near the shoreline that must be navigated with care. - Notable landmarks such as the scenic Severna Park and the Ritchie Highway bridge will let you know you’re close to your destination.**Ending Point: Severna Park, Maryland**- Arrival Coordinates: Long -76.5164, Lat 39.0667- Severna Park is a wonderful spot for families and has several marinas where you can dock, along with access to beautiful parks and local shops.**Safety Considerations:**- Make sure your vessel is equipped with all the required safety gear, including life jackets for all onboard, sound signaling devices, and fire extinguishers.- Always monitor marine radio channels for any navigational hazards or updates on weather conditions.- Pay attention to local regulations regarding speed limits and no-wake zones, especially in quieter residential segments or marina areas.**Useful Boating Apps:**To enhance your journey, consider using these boating apps:- **Savvy Navvy:** This will help you with planning your routes and keeping track of weather updates.- **Navionics:** Excellent for chart plotting and real-time navigation updates.- **Windy:** A crucial tool for predicting weather changes while you're out on the water.This trip from Annapolis to Severna Park isn’t just a cruise; it’s an experience steeped in scenic beauty, unforgettable landmarks, and safe harbor options. Happy boating!