**Pilotage Plan: Christchurch, GB to Portsmouth, GB****Overview:**Embarking on a boating journey from Christchurch to Portsmouth offers a captivating blend of scenic coastal views, historic landmarks, and essential shelter spots along the way. This trip suits intermediate to experienced boaters, with clear navigational aids but also some challenges that require attentiveness to weather conditions and maritime regulations. **Starting Point: Christchurch, Hampshire**Your adventure begins in Christchurch, a charming coastal town with a rich maritime history. Before you set off, make sure your vessel is well-equipped and stocked. It’s a good idea to have a look at the weather forecast and tide tables. The River Avon, which flows out to the Solent, provides a pleasant start as you navigate through its estuaries, with plenty of birdlife and natural beauty.**Notable Points of Interest:**As you leave Christchurch, be sure to look out for **Christchurch Priory** with its distinctive architecture. The **Christchurch Harbour** is a delightful spot to explore, offering a chance to stop at a local pub or enjoy the beautiful view of the harbour entrance.**Route Overview:**1. **Exit Christchurch Harbour:** Begin your journey by carefully navigating through the entrance of Christchurch Harbour, paying attention to local fishing boats and the occasional marker buoy. The depth can change, particularly near the river mouth, so adhere to your charts and keep a lookout for the green and red buoys marking the channel.2. **Pye Corner and Mudeford Sandbank:** As you head towards Pye Corner, keep a sharp lookout for Mudeford Sandbank. This area is renowned for its Kitesurfing but also provides an excellent sheltering bay should the winds pick up or the weather take a turn. If time allows, consider a brief visit to **Mudeford Quay** for refreshments.3. **The Solent:** Upon reaching the open waters of the Solent, you will enjoy a wide expanse of water, but it’s crucial to maintain awareness of large vessels and ferry traffic especially near **Lymington to Yarmouth ferry lanes**. It's essential to stay clear of these routes as they can be busy. This segment of the trip will let you experience beautiful vistas of the Isle of Wight to your south.4. **Approaching the Spithead:** As you approach the Spithead, be attentive to the **Royal Fleet Auxiliary and naval vessels** that frequent this area. This is where the busy shipping lanes converge, and it's vital to stay informed about your positioning on charts. Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the **Bays of Southampton** here, such as **Calshot**, a well-regarded stopping point that can offer shelter if the weather worsens unexpectedly.5. **Navigating around Portsmouth:** The final leg takes you towards Portsmouth Harbour. Watch for the entrance marker buoys and respect the speed limits enforced in this busy area. As you approach the harbour, the sights of the historic **HMS Victory** and the **Spinnaker Tower** can be observed above the skyline.**Shelter and Safety:**Bays like **Calshot and Emsworth** along your route provide excellent alternatives for shelter should inclement weather arise. Always maintain an eye on the weather forecasts, and consider the potential for changing conditions when planning stopovers.**Regulations and Navigational Aids:**Throughout your journey, make sure to consult your **UKHO charts** for up-to-date navigation information. For real-time data and weather updates, I recommend **savvy navvy**, a navigator app that is invaluable for planning routes, tracking your journeys, and avoiding hazards. Besides that, other popular apps for additional navigational aid are **Navionics** and **MarineTraffic**.**Conclusion:**This Christchurch to Portsmouth route offers stunning views and varied maritime experiences, perfect for boaters looking to enjoy the coastal beauty of southern England. The key to a successful journey is preparation—pay attention to local regulations, maintain awareness of other vessels, and stay alert to changing weather patterns. Happy cruising!