**Pilotage Plan: Brighton, GB to Emsworth, GB****Departure from Brighton** Your journey begins at the bustling marina of Brighton, where you’ll find a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of amenities for supplies and last-minute preparations. Before casting off, ensure that your vessel is in good condition and equipped with all safety gear as per maritime regulations.**Route Overview** The trip from Brighton to Emsworth covers approximately 15 nautical miles through the picturesque coastline of Sussex. The journey is suitable for novice to intermediate boaters, as it offers a comfortable cruising experience with navigational aids and sheltered bays along the way.**Leg 1: Brighton to Shoreham Harbour** Set a course of approximately 180º from Brighton Marina. As you head west, keep a close eye on the navigational buoys marking the approach to the River Adur at Shoreham Harbour. This area features a significant sandbank, so it's best to maintain a course at least 100 meters offshore to avoid potential grounding. Shoreham Harbour itself is a safe haven for refuge, should the weather change or unexpected conditions arise. Here, you can dock for a break and enjoy local eateries or stroll along the promenade.**Leg 2: Shoreham Harbour to Hove** Continuing your journey, steer along the coast towards Hove, maintaining your distance from the shore. There's a vibrant beach scene here and it's worth considering a short stop to stretch your legs or grab a bite at one of the quaint beachside cafés. Be mindful of the shallow areas and the presence of swimmers—slow down and keep your wake minimal.**Leg 3: Hove to Littlehampton** As you proceed towards Littlehampton, adjust your heading to 250º. The navigation will become crucial here as you approach the entrance to the River Arun. Watch for the Littlehampton Harbour Entrance buoy and remember that tidal flows can be strong in this area. You may wish to time your transit according to the tides for smoother sailing. Littlehampton offers a great stopover point with its beautiful beaches and charming seaside attractions. It's an excellent place to replenish before continuing your journey.**Leg 4: Littlehampton to Chichester Harbour** Departing Littlehampton, set your course for Chichester Harbour (bearing around 280º). This stretch of the journey allows you to enjoy the scenic coastal views. The entrance to Chichester Harbour is well-marked, and entering can be quite safe if you remain attentive to the buoys indicating navigable shipping channels. The harbour is renowned for its natural beauty, and once inside, you will find cozy anchorages like Itchenor and Bosham, where you can drop anchor for the night, explore charming villages, or even indulge in fresh seafood from local establishments.**Leg 5: Chichester Harbour to Emsworth** From Chichester, head northeast towards Emsworth. This final leg will take you through tranquil waters, and you'll want to be especially mindful of any local craft and the playground of sailing beginners in this area. There are plenty of mooring opportunities, and the approach to Emsworth features neatly positioned buoys marking the fairway.**Navigational Aids and Regulations** Throughout your journey, please keep a lookout for the following navigational aids: - ATONs (Aids to Navigation) marking both busy shipping lanes and shallower waters; - Local marine traffic including the Emsworth and Chichester sailing clubs; - Weather reports prior to departure to avoid storms or misty conditions. Check for local notices about any fishing nets or seasonal restrictions on anchoring. Verify tidal schedules before your journey in order to effectively navigate, especially through the rivers and harbours. **Safety Considerations** It’s crucial to equip your boat with the appropriate safety gear including life jackets, flares, and a first aid kit. Also, carry a reliable means of communication—perhaps a marine VHF radio—and navigation tools, such as charts and GPS. Apps like Savvy Navvy will enhance your navigation experience, providing real-time data and helping you plot safe courses through coastal waters.Prepare well, stay alert as you navigate this beautiful route, and enjoy the splendid coastal scenery leading you to Emsworth. Happy sailing!