### Pilotage Plan from Biddeford, Maine to Kennebunkport, Maine#### OverviewLaunching from Biddeford, Maine, and heading to picturesque Kennebunkport presents a delightful cruise along the coast, taking in scenic views, potential anchorages, and opportunities for exploration. This route, while manageable for most recreational boaters, requires awareness of local navigation conditions and hazards. Ideal for mid-range cruisers or day sailors, this itinerary balances safety needs with experience on the water, ensuring a pleasant journey.---#### Starting Point: Biddeford, MaineBefore setting off, ensure you’re well-stocked with provisions and all necessary safety gear. Biddeford's coastline offers natural beauty and a rich maritime culture, so take a moment to appreciate the local sites such as the historic Biddeford Mills. #### Route OverviewThe route from Biddeford to Kennebunkport is approximately 12 nautical miles along the Saco River and then into Biddeford Pool. You will be navigating in a generally eastward direction toward the Atlantic Ocean, passing notable landmarks along the way, with potential shelters at various points.---### Section 1: Leaving Biddeford- **Navigational Considerations:** As you depart Biddeford, keep a keen eye on the surrounding shallows, particularly near the river mouth where the currents can be strong at ebb and flood tides. Use a good chart and confirm your position with GPS.- **Hazards:** Watch for commercial traffic near the Saco River mouth, and be cautious near the ‘Biddeford Pool’ breakwater, which can cause turbulence.### Section 2: Heading Toward Biddeford Pool- After navigating through the river, you’ll be entering **Biddeford Pool**. This area features lovely beaches and a calm harbor, making it an excellent shelter in changing weather conditions.- **Points of Interest:** Consider stopping at Fortunes Rocks Beach for a swim or stretch of the legs. The serene setting also presents opportunities for picnics on the sandy shore.### Section 3: Around the Channel- After leaving Biddeford Pool, transiting into the open water is essential. The waters can become lively; keep an eye on reports for wind speeds and tidal currents that might affect your travel time.- **Navigational Aids:** Look for buoys marking the channel; the red and green markers are critical. Maintain a vigilant watch for lobster traps, especially during lobster season.### Section 4: Approach to Kennebunkport- As you continue your journey, you’ll come across the familiar coastal skyline of Kennebunkport. The mouth of the Kennebunk River is marked clearly, and the entrance features robust navigational aids.- **Hazards and Considerations:** Pay attention to the changing depths just inside the entrance. This area can become quite shallow; using charts and GPS tracking is highly recommended to avoid grounding. - **Shelters:** Should you need to adjust your plans due to weather, **Kennebunk River** provides another excellent shelter and places to dock temporarily.---### Arrival in KennebunkportUpon docking, you’ll find a vibrant town filled with local shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The town is famous for its lobster rolls, coastal parks, and historic sites like the **Walker’s Point** estate. A stroll through the charming streets will reveal quaint architecture and stunning views of the Kennebunk River.### Safety Recommendations- **Safety Gear:** Before embarking, confirm you have life jackets for each passenger, a working VHF radio, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit.- **Weather Monitoring:** Cloud cover, sudden wind changes, and storms can occur rapidly along the coast. Having a weather app onboard is advisable to keep updated.- **Boating Apps:** To help navigate this beautiful route smoothly, download **Savvy Navvy**, as it offers detailed charts and weather information, ensuring you’re always aware of your surroundings.In summary, this trip from Biddeford to Kennebunkport promises not only a navigational adventure but also stunning coastal views and several opportunities to enjoy the rich beauty of Maine's coastline. With attention to safety and local conditions, you’re in for a fantastic voyage!