**Pilotage Plan: Avalon, NJ to Wildwood, NJ****Overview:**Embarking on a journey from Avalon, NJ to Wildwood, NJ is a delightful experience for any boater looking to explore the beautiful waters of the New Jersey coast. This route spans approximately 10 nautical miles, providing a mix of sheltered bays, scenic views, and interesting local attractions that make it perfect for both seasoned sailors and novice boaters alike. **Section 1: Points of Interest and Shelter Bays**As you set sail from Avalon, keep an eye out for:- **Avalon Bay:** This is an excellent starting point where you can enjoy calm waters before heading out. The bay offers multiple access points to explore the adjacent islands. - **Hereford Inlet:** Approximately 5 nautical miles from Avalon, this inlet provides a fantastic natural harbor. Should you encounter unexpected weather changes, Hereford Inlet is a safe retreat for boats to take shelter.- **Stone Harbor:** Just North of your route, Stone Harbor boasts beautiful beaches, shops, and eateries, making it an ideal spot for a quick stopover. It also features some charming nature reserves for those interested in a bit of exploration.- **Wildwood Crest:** As you approach Wildwood, consider making a brief stop here. The Crest is known for its quiet beaches—perfect for a casual swim or bite to eat.Each of these locations offers a safe harbor should weather conditions worsen, enabling you to enjoy the trip without excessive concern.**Section 2: Navigational Hazards**Navigating from Avalon to Wildwood makes it essential to remain vigilant due to certain hazards:- **Shallow Waters:** This area has several shallow spots, particularly near the inlets and coastal marshes. Be sure to maintain a depth sounder check, as depths can change rapidly.- **Reef Areas:** Pockets of reefs exist along the route. Familiarize yourself with the local charts and pay close attention to your navigation devices—this will help in safely avoiding them.**Section 3: Navigational Aids and Regulations**Essential navigational aids to heed include:- **Leading Lights of Avalon:** These lights guide you towards the entrance of Avalon and are crucial for evening navigation. - **Marker Buoys:** Watch for the "Red Right Returning" Rule, ensuring red buoys are kept to your right when returning from sea. Use these buoys to guide your course, particularly when nearing inlets.**Local Regulations:**When traveling through these waters, be aware of local boating regulations, including speed limits in certain areas, especially near residential coastlines and wildlife reserves. It's also a good practice to check for any specific vessel size restrictions or no-wake areas.**Recommended Boating Apps:**To make your journey even more efficient and enjoyable, consider using the following apps, especially for real-time weather updates and navigational support:- **Savvy Navvy:** A user-friendly app that provides great navigational charts, route planning features, and real-time weather updates, making it an invaluable tool for your journey.- **Navionics:** Another excellent choice for detailed nautical charts and community-sourced updates. - **Windy:** Best for checking wind conditions, especially important if you’re planning to sail. **Final Thoughts:**This picturesque route from Avalon to Wildwood isn’t just a lovely day out—it’s an adventure ripe with opportunities for discovery, relaxation, and camaraderie with fellow boaters. By maintaining a focus on safety while enjoying the surroundings, you can make the most of this beautiful stretch of New Jersey’s coastline. Remember, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth journey, so take heed of the local regulations and navigate carefully. Enjoy the wave-touched journey!