**Pilotage Plan from Crescent City, CA to Gold Beach, OR****Starting Point: Crescent City, California** Latitude: 41.7465 Longitude: -124.1831 Crescent City is your launching point for this captivating coastal journey. Known for its picturesque beaches and iconic redwoods, make sure to visit the Battery Point Lighthouse when you have some downtime. It’s a perfect spot to familiarize yourself with the weather and local conditions before setting off.**Route Overview** Your course takes you north along the breathtaking Northern California coast, crossing into the rich waters of southern Oregon. This trip will typically cover about 43 nautical miles if you choose to go straight across. However, variations in the route can lead you to explore additional points of interest, which I encourage.**Notable Bays & Shelters** 1. **Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (End of the Smith River)** Early in your trip, consider taking a detour up the Smith River to find a peaceful anchorage. This region is surrounded by lush forests and offers serene views. It’s a welcome shelter if weather conditions deteriorate as you traverse the rugged coastline. 2. **Trinidad Bay** A little further south, Trinidad Bay is an excellent stop with an active fishing community. This bay often provides a safe anchorage with local amenities and beautiful scenery. You’ll find the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse here, along with local dining options where you can enjoy fresh seafood.3. **Crescent City Harbor State Beach** On your way back down, the Harbor offers an additional spot for shelter. The sandy beach is a favorite for walkers and is another excellent location to check the weather.**Navigational Considerations** Ensure you stay apprised of the following navigational aids along your route:- **California Coastal Navigation Aids** Familiarize yourself with the various buoys marking the channels. You'll encounter several lateral buoys and leading lights indicating safe passages. Off your starboard side, you can expect to see the bell buoy marking underwater reefs; take care to stay clear.- **St. George Reef Light** Located approximately 9 nautical miles off Crescent City's coast, this historic lighthouse marks a notorious shipping hazard. It is vital that you respect the surrounding waters as they can be particularly turbulent; plan your passage around tidal changes.**Local Regulations** Keep a watchful eye on the local fishing regulations as you travel through both California and Oregon waters, which can vary significantly. You may also encounter zones for the protection of marine life. For example, areas like the Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve will require you to adhere to no-anchor policies. Be sure to research current regulations through local harbor masters or regulatory bodies, especially regarding crab and fishing quotas.**Points of Interest** 1. **Battery Point Lighthouse** Don't miss this iconic lighthouse in Crescent City. It’s great for history enthusiasts and offers wonderful views. 2. **Requa Road Scenic Viewpoint** Stop and take in breathtaking vistas and photograph the confluence of the Klamath River with the Pacific Ocean.3. **Gold Beach** Upon arrival, Gold Beach offers plenty of activities. You can explore the Rogue River, enjoy kayaking, or venture into town for boutique shopping and great local dining.**Boater Profile** The route from Crescent City to Gold Beach is ideally suited for experienced boaters familiar with coastal navigation. However, it also welcomes intermediate boaters comfortable with rougher seas and changing weather conditions. Given the nature of the coastline, your vessel should be capable of handling choppy waters and have reliable safety gear onboard.**Navigational Aids & Apps** To enhance your safety and navigation experience, I recommend utilizing apps such as **savvy navvy**, which provide real-time maritime information and hazard alerts. Other useful apps to consider are Navionics and iNavX for detailed charts and route planning.**Final Thought** With careful planning and by respecting the power of nature around you, this trip from Crescent City to Gold Beach isn’t just a voyage; it’s an unforgettable journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich marine life, and cultural experiences. As you set out, remember that safety always comes first, ensuring you can return for more maritime adventures in the future.