**Pilotage Plan: Brighton to Hayling Island****Starting Point: Brighton, East Sussex, England** Coordinates: Long -0.101942718, Lat 50.810236488 Brighton, with its vibrant marina and bustling seafront, makes for an exciting departure point. Before setting sail, ensure your vessel is well equipped. Check the weather conditions and tides; the optimal sailing window is close to high tide for smoother navigation through the shallows.**Key Considerations:**Brighton is typically busy with a mix of recreational and commercial traffic, particularly with ferries and local fishing boats. Stay vigilant as you exit the marina and adhere to any local speed regulations to ensure a safe departure.**Route Overview:** Your journey will be roughly 10 nautical miles across the stunning expanse of the Solent, with plentiful views of the coastline and opportunities for wildlife spotting.**Route Section 1: Brighton to the Brighton Marina Entrance** As you navigate out of Brighton’s famous seafront, maintain a steady course towards the entrance of Brighton Marina. Keep clear of the breakwaters and watch for fishing boats. The marina offers good facilities should you need to refuel or stock up before your journey.**Navigation Aids:** Pay close attention to the buoy markers that define the shipping channel. Notable buoys in the area include the East and West Brighton Buoys, which guide you safely past the busy shipping routes.**Point of Interest: Brighton Pier** Before leaving Brighton, take a moment to appreciate the iconic Brighton Pier, with its extravagant amusement rides and vibrant atmosphere—it serves as a great photo op.**Route Section 2: Navigating Past Shoreham Port** Heading westward, keep an eye out for Shoreham Port. Recognized by its busy commercial traffic, ensure you maintain your distance and adhere to the port's regulations. The tidal river leading into Shoreham provides a scenic backdrop, but stay clear of the designated fishing areas.**Safe Harbor: Shoreham Beach** If the weather turns unfavorable, Shoreham Beach provides excellent sheltered anchorage. It’s a sandy beach and a great spot to wait out inclement weather.**Route Section 3: Toward Littlehampton** Continuing west, you will catch sight of the Littlehampton lighthouse marking the river entrance. This area can often be windy, so adjust your sail plan accordingly. **Points of Interest: Littlehampton** Cruising past, the sandy beaches and relaxed environment of Littlehampton offer a pleasant stopover if desired. The town has quaint shops and eateries—ideal for a brief respite.**Route Section 4: Heading into Chichester Harbour** Your entry into Chichester Harbour is marked by its natural beauty. The surrounding nature reserves are a delight for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to observe a range of bird species.**Navigational Aids and Hazards:** Be vigilant with navigational markers as you enter; some are affected by the tidal range. Pay attention to the depth soundings as you navigate through this area, particularly near the entrance, where shallows can pose risks. **Safe Harbor: East Head** The sandy spit at East Head offers plenty of sheltered mooring if weather conditions become rough. Consider stopping here for a peaceful beach walk or lunch on board.**Final Leg: Chichester Harbour to Hayling Island** As you proceed past the stunning scenery, keep on the recommended course to Hayling Island, clearly indicated on your charts. There are few hazards here aside from some local fishing boats, so maintain a watchful eye and keep to your designated path.**Final Destination: Hayling Island, England** Coordinates: Long -0.969495177, Lat 50.833394442 On arrival at Hayling Island, there’s a wealth of opportunities for exploration. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, great dining options, and local arts.**Recommended Apps:** To ensure safety and enhance your journey, use savvy navvy, which offers excellent route planning, real-time weather updates, and navigational charts. Additionally, consider apps like Navionics for marine charts and Windy for wind forecasting.**Safety Precautions:** - Always wear a life jacket when aboard. - Carry a suitable VHF radio and maintain communication.- Stay aware of changing weather conditions, particularly in the Solent area, which can be unpredictable.- Ensure all safety equipment is onboard and accessible: flares, first aid kit, and fire extinguishers.This passage from Brighton to Hayling Island accommodates boaters of moderate experience, looking for a beautiful coastal journey filled with diverse sights while prioritizing safety at every stage. Enjoy your trip, and stay safe out on the water!