Charlottetown to Summerside by boat

Pilotage Plan from Charlottetown, PE to Summerside, PE

Route Overview:Embarking from the charming harbor of Charlottetown, your journey will lead you over vibrant waters to the bustling town of Summerside. This trip, spanning approximately 23 nautical miles, offers unique sightings, you're surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Prince Edward Island while ensuring safety and enjoyment along the way.

Departure: Charlottetown, PE

Coordinates: Latitude 46.2303, Longitude -63.1249 Charlottetown, the capital city of PEI, is famous for its historic buildings and the birthplace of Confederation. Before you set sail, take a moment to explore the waterfront or enjoy a local café.

Harbour Exit Considerations: As you leave Charlottetown Harbour, be cautious of the various commercial vessels and fishing boats. Always maintain a safe distance from them. Be mindful of the Candlestick Shoals marked by buoys that can be hazardous.

Route Highlights:

1. Lakeside Wharf (5 NM from Charlottetown) A great stopping point if the weather turns unfavorable, Lakeside Wharf offers a sheltered harbor. It’s also a beautiful spot to unwind and enjoy the natural scenery. Watch for local wildlife in the area, particularly seabirds.

2. Bays and Anchoring Points: You’ll encounter several bays along the route: - Rustico Bay: Approximately 10 nautical miles from start. This bay is known for its calm waters and has excellent anchorages. - Brackley Bay: Provides another secure anchorage and is notable for spectacular sunsets. Using these bays can be a good strategy if conditions change unexpectedly.

Points of Interest:

• Green Gables House: A quick detour option near Cavendish if you fancy exploring historic sites connected to literature.
• North Rustico: A scenic fishing village that lends itself well to a lunch stop. Taste local seafood and chat with friendly fishermen.

Approach to Summerside:

As you near Summerside, keep an eye out for navigational buoys leading into the busy harbor. The entrance is well-marked, but exercise caution due to potential commercial traffic. Maintain a vigilant watch for other vessels and fishing nets, and adhere to the speed regulations established in this area.

Landmarks to note:

• The iconic Summerside lighthouse is readily visible as you approach; it serves as a great navigation aid.
• The Summerside waterfront has lovely parks and walking trails, perfect for a post-sail stroll.

Navigational Aids:

• Utilize your chart plotter and GPS to follow the designated channels.
• Key navigation buoys along your route are well maintained, marked with appropriate colors and codes. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these before departure.
• Be aware of tidal changes, as PEI has significant tidal variations that may affect your journey and anchoring conditions.

Safety Considerations:

• Ensure that life jackets are worn at all times, keep your VHF radio tuned to channel 16 for emergency situations, and check local weather reports frequently.
• Weather can change quickly; if storms approach, retreat to the nearest sheltered bay as mentioned earlier.

Regulatory Considerations:

• Familiarize yourself with the local fishing regulations if you are interested in fishing along the way.
• Follow any posted speed limits, particularly as you enter summer traffic zones near both Charlottetown and Summerside.

Recommended Apps:

For safe and enjoyable navigation, make use of savvy navvy and other navigation apps that provide weather updates, chart plotting, and navigational aids. Other helpful apps include Navionics for detailed cartography and Windy for reliable wind forecasts.

This route is suitable for recreational boaters seeking a combination of safety and scenic beauty, ideal for both novice and experienced captains alike. Happy sailing!