**Pilotage Plan from Carolina Beach, NC to Southport, NC****Trip Overview:**Embarking on a journey from Carolina Beach to Southport is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a scenic, relatively short cruise along North Carolina's picturesque waterways. This trip is particularly suited for experienced recreational boaters who appreciate the charm of coastal cruising, while also keeping safety as a priority.---### Starting Point: Carolina Beach, NC**Coordinates:** -77.887783 | 34.0525Before setting off, ensure your vessel's safety gear is aboard—life jackets, a first-aid kit, flares, and a VHF radio—are essential. Provision your boat with plenty of water and snacks for a day of adventure. Carolina Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with local restaurants and shops, making it a wonderful place to begin your journey.### Route OverviewYour route will primarily take you through the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), which provides a sheltered passage, away from the more hazardous elements of the open sea. This waterway runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean and is well-marked, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced boaters alike.---### Key Points of Interest and Landmarks1. **Masonboro Inlet:** As you depart Carolina Beach, navigate towards Masonboro Inlet, one of the less trafficked inlets, providing a striking view of the surrounding area. This is a great spot to pause and take in some scenic vistas.2. **Figure Eight Island:** After Masonboro Inlet, keep an eye out for Figure Eight Island on your port side. The serene scenery here showcases the sandy shores and can serve as a delightful landmark photo opportunity.3. **Wrightsville Beach:** This popular beach destination is slightly off the direct route but worth the detour. The town offers restaurants and beautiful beaches where you can anchor and spend some leisure time enjoying local delicacies.4. **Shallotte River: ** Approximately midway to Southport you may choose to divert slightly to explore Shallotte River. It's a calm area, perfect for spotting wildlife and soaking in the natural beauty.5. **Southport:** After successfully navigating through the waters, your destination, Southport, presents a charming coastal town full of history. The waterfront area has shops, restaurants, and plenty of walking paths to explore when you dock.---### Navigation Considerations- **Waypoints:** Maintain a keen eye on your navigation aids, especially those along the ICW, which are critical to avoid hazards such as shoals and submerged objects. Always refer to updated nautical charts, paying particular mind to any changes in buoy placements that may occur.- **Tides & Currents:** Both tide and wind direction can significantly affect your passage. Familiarize yourself with the local tide schedule (often available through savvy navvy and other local apps), as currents around inlets can be strong. Plan your departure around high tide for a smoother ride.- **Weather Monitoring:** Keep an eye on the forecast. Use reliable apps like Weather Underground, NOAA Weather, and savvy navvy to ensure you’re well-informed about any changes in weather that could impact your safety.---### Shelter Areas- **Masonboro Island:** If the weather takes a turn for the worse, consider making an unplanned stop at Masonboro Island for shelter or a safe anchorage. The island provides a protected area from harsh winds.- **The Cove at Wrightsville Beach:** Another potential refuge is the Cove at Wrightsville Beach. It’s sheltered and has a deep enough draft to comfortably harbor your boat.- **Southport Downtown Marina:** Should you decide to conclude your journey with some overnight shelter, the Southport Downtown Marina offers various amenities that provide comfort and ease after your trip.---### Safety Precautions- Ensure that your first-aid kit is well stocked with the necessary tools for any minor emergencies.- Maintain communication aboard; assign lookout duties between crew members while navigating.- Familiarize yourself with local regulations concerning wake zones and speed limits, especially when passing through residential area waters.---Wrapping up the pilotage plan, the cruise from Carolina Beach to Southport is filled with opportunities for enjoyment and discovery, while ensuring you stay within safe bounds. This journey will undoubtedly be one to remember, combining the pleasure of coastal cruising with the beauty of North Carolina's serene waterways.