**Pilotage Plan: Delray Beach, Florida to Port St. Lucie, Florida****Route Overview**This trip from Delray Beach to Port St. Lucie offers a delightful mix of coastal navigation and scenic sights, making it ideal for experienced recreational boaters. Expect beautiful waterways, temperate weather, and a variety of points of interest along the way. The journey stretches approximately 31 nautical miles along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), providing ample shelter and safe anchoring options.---**Starting Point: Delray Beach, Florida**Before setting off, ensure your vessel is well-equipped with navigational tools, safety gear, and compliant with all local regulations. The waters around Delray Beach are bustling with boat traffic, so exercise caution as you depart.---**First Leg: Delray Beach to Boynton Inlet (Approx. 6 NM)**As you leave Delray Beach, head north along the ICW. This stretch is relatively straightforward, with well-marked navigational aids. Keep an eye out for buoys marking the channel to avoid shallow areas. **Hazards:** Be aware of the tidal currents when approaching Boynton Inlet; they can be swift, especially during outgoing tides. **Point of Interest:** Boynton Beach is famous for its vibrant marina district, featuring great dining and shopping options. If time allows, consider stopping at the Boynton Beach Inlet for a quick exploration of the local beaches.**Shelter:** Boynton Beach Marina offers good harboring facilities should weather conditions change unexpectedly.---**Second Leg: Boynton Inlet to Lake Worth (Approx. 8 NM)**Continue along the ICW, keeping an eye out for the Lake Worth Inlet ahead. This segment is primarily residential, where you can spot beautiful homes lining the waterway, making for picturesque views.**Navigational Aids:** Pay attention to the prominent markers along the ICW. The waterway is well-marked, so follow the red (starboard) and green (port) markers closely to stay in the channel.**Hazards:** The Lake Worth Inlet can be challenging due to shifting sands, so ensure you're familiar with local bar conditions before attempting to cross.**Point of Interest:** The Lake Worth area has charming parks and the famous Worth Avenue shopping strip. It serves as a great place to drop anchor for a lunch break.**Shelter:** Lake Worth offers numerous marinas for anchorage, providing safe harbor if weather conditions become unfavorable.---**Third Leg: Lake Worth to Jupiter Inlet (Approx. 13 NM)**As you navigate northward on the ICW, keep your eyes peeled for the signs of Jupiter Inlet, an iconic landmark of the area. This waterway features more boats and marine activity, so maintain a proactive lookout.**Navigational Aids:** Following the ICW remains essential here. Look for the green channel markers for safe passage. This section can also face strong current conditions, especially during tidal changes.**Point of Interest:** The Jupiter Lighthouse is a notable site on this leg. Consider anchoring nearby and taking a quick dinghy ride to explore its historical significance.**Shelter:** Should you face unexpected weather, the vast waters inside Jupiter Inlet allow for safe collection towards the marina to find refuge.---**Final Leg: Jupiter Inlet to Port St. Lucie (Approx. 4 NM)**After passing Jupiter, your final leg takes you through estuarine waters that are calmer and beautiful. As you approach Port St. Lucie, the environment becomes tranquil, providing a pleasant finish to your journey.**Navigational Aids:** Watch for the inlet markers as you enter Port St. Lucie, where local changes in the ICW region will be apparent.**Hazards:** As you approach Port St. Lucie, the ICW narrows, and local fishermen are prevalent. Maintain a sharp lookout for other vessels and floating debris.**Point of Interest:** Port St. Lucie boasts several parks and family-friendly attractions, perfect for an enjoyable stopover. The nearby waterfront activities provide excellent facilities to relax and unwind after your cruise.**Shelter:** Many marinas are located throughout Port St. Lucie, offering secure docking options should you choose to anchor for the evening.---**Safety and Regulations**Before embarking on your journey, familiarize yourself with Coast Guard regulations specific to the ICW and the areas you’ll be navigating. Always ensure proper safety equipment is onboard, including life jackets, a first-aid kit, fire extinguishers, and flares. **Recommended Boating Apps:** Consider using apps like Savvy Navvy for easy chart management, route planning, and real-time weather updates. It’s advisable to have some form of weather monitoring tool to be aware of changes that might affect your trip.This enchanting trip from Delray Beach to Port St. Lucie combines the thrill of navigation with ample opportunities for relaxation and sightseeing, making for an unforgettable boating experience! Always prioritize safety and be prepared for changing conditions, and you'll enjoy a smooth journey along Florida's stunning coastline.