**Pilotage Plan: Boca Raton, Florida to West Palm Beach, Florida****Route Overview**This picturesque journey from Boca Raton to West Palm Beach is perfect for cruising enthusiasts seeking a blend of exploration, safety, and stunning coastal views. The roughly 20 nautical mile route primarily takes you through the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), offering calm waters, ample docking facilities, and various points of interest where you can stop and explore. ### Departure: Boca Raton**Coordinates:** Long/Lat -80.0725, 26.3464Boca Raton is a fantastic starting point, with its sheltered harbor providing a great launch site. Prepare your vessel and ensure all safety equipment is on board. Before setting out, check local weather conditions, as Florida’s coastal weather can change rapidly. The calm morning hours are ideal for departure.**Safety Tip:** Monitor your marine VHF radio for local updates and marine weather broadcasts.### En Route Highlights:1. **Boca Inlet:** Keeping your speed at a safe level, navigate through Boca Inlet. Be mindful of tidal currents, especially during ebb and flow. The markers are well-defined, but staying within the channel is crucial.2. **Spanish River Park:** As you progress along the ICW, you can take a detour to Spanish River Park. It’s a great spot to anchor and enjoy the beach, have a picnic, or even go for a swim. This park is perfect for families and offers trails as well.3. **Mizner Park:** Continuing along the ICW, consider stopping at Mizner Park, a vibrant neighborhood filled with restaurants, shopping, and galleries. It’s a fantastic place to stretch your legs and enjoy some local cuisine.#### Note on Navigation:Pay close attention to navigational aids such as buoys and markers. The ICW is generally well-marked, but shallow areas exist, particularly when the tide is low. Familiarize yourself with local charts to ensure safe navigation.### Shelter Options:If the weather takes a turn for the worse, you have a few options for shelter along the way:1. **Lake Boca Raton:** A popular refuge for boaters, this area offers ample space and is relatively sheltered. It allows for safe anchorage away from the open seas.2. **Delray Beach:** Another great spot to pull in. Delray Beach has facilities for boaters and nearby restaurants and shops for essentials.3. **Boynton Beach Inlet:** This inlet can serve as a haven during rough weather, but caution is advised while navigating the inlet due to strong currents.### Continuing to West Palm Beach:After enjoying your stops, proceed northwards following the ICW. The route to West Palm Beach features beautiful waterfront homes and leisure boats. **Navigational Awareness:**Stay alert for commercial traffic and actively monitor the VHF for any announcements about bumpy waters or local regulations in West Palm Beach. The area around the Palm Beach docks can get busy, so slow down and be prepared to yield to larger vessels.### Arrival: West Palm Beach**Coordinates:** Long/Lat -80.048393, 26.711320Upon arrival, you’ll find yourself at the bustling docks of West Palm Beach. Take this opportunity to explore the vibrant downtown area, filled with shops, parks, and restaurants. Notable spots include the Clematis Street and the West Palm Beach Waterfront, perfect for a leisurely stroll.### Additional Recommendations for Safety:- Carry appropriate PFDs for all passengers.- Keep a first aid kit, flares, and communication devices within easy reach.- Utilize boating apps such as Navionics and Magellan GPS, with **Savvy Navvy** being a must for route planning and hazard visibility in real-time.### Conclusion:This beautiful, safe, and enjoyable cruising route from Boca Raton to West Palm Beach is suitable for all types of boaters—from families seeking a relaxing day on the water to seasoned mariners looking for accessible traversing and fun exploration options. By staying aware of your surroundings and utilizing the plentiful resources and shelters along the way, you can ensure a successful and delightful boating experience. Enjoy the water!