### Pilotage Plan from East Lyme, Connecticut to Mystic, Connecticut**Route Overview**The journey from East Lyme to Mystic offers a delightful mix of picturesque scenery, notable landmarks, and abundant wildlife. The total distance by water is approximately 10 nautical miles. This route is well-suited for recreational boaters looking for a scenic day trip or a leisurely weekend excursion. ---**Starting Point: East Lyme, Connecticut****Coordinates:** Longitude -72.19985, Latitude 41.31365As you depart from East Lyme, you'll traverse Long Island Sound's coastal waters. While the Sound is typically mild, be mindful of wind conditions and weather forecasts before setting sail, as they can change rapidly.**Shelter Options:** Directly from East Lyme, you have access to a variety of nooks and bays that can provide shelter. Look into **Niantic Bay** to the southwest as a potential safety stop. This bay provides ample anchorage and is a great spot to drop anchor if the weather starts to turn sour.---**Along the Route**As you head east toward Mystic, keep an eye on the following navigational aids and points of interest:1. **Niantic River Entrance**: As you approach the mouth of the Niantic River, watch for local traffic, especially recreational vessels. Ensure to follow the marked channel to avoid shallows.2. **Black Point**: Located on your starboard side as you make your way along the coast, this point is a great landmark to gauge your progress. Its rocky outcrops are a reminder to stay vigilant about water depths.3. **Clinton Reef**: Approximately two-thirds of the way through your trip, you will encounter Clinton Reef. This area can be particularly challenging during ebb tides, so give it a wide berth and maintain a lookout for other vessels navigating the region.4. **Fishers Island Sound**: Depending on your route, you may opt to venture slightly south into Fishers Island Sound. This body of water offers stunning views of both Connecticut and New York coastlines. 5. **Mason’s Island**: A charming diversion before arriving in Mystic, Mason’s Island bears a quiet sheen against the Sound’s backdrop. While it’s a private island, the surrounding waters offer great photo opportunities of local wildlife.---**Final Destination: Mystic, Connecticut****Coordinates:** Longitude -71.9726, Latitude 41.3486833333As you enter the Mystic Harbor area, navigate carefully around the channel markers set to guide you safely into one of Connecticut’s most iconic coastal towns. Mystic is a bustling hub of maritime culture, with its famous drawbridge and historic seaport welcoming you.**Points of Interest:**- **Mystic Seaport**: Home to a large collection of historic ships and exhibits showcasing maritime history.- **Mystic Aquarium**: A family-friendly option with interactive exhibits featuring local marine life. - **Restaurants & Shops**: Mystic offers numerous dining and shopping options, so take some time to explore the waterfront.---**Navigational Considerations**- **Charting**: Use updated nautical charts to monitor your positioning and course. Most local waters are well-marked but keeping a physical or digital copy is crucial.- **Weather Awareness**: Monitor the weather conditions before and during your trip. Local marine forecasts can be accessed through apps like weather.gov, and tools like **Savvy Navvy** can help you stay informed about emerging conditions.- **Local Regulations**: Be aware of no-wake zones, especially near harbors and busy areas in Mystic. Respecting these laws ensures the safety of all waterway users and helps preserve the local environment.---**Conclusion**This route from East Lyme to Mystic offers a wonderful balance of scenic views and interesting stops while prioritizing safety with awareness of navigational hazards. Whether you are a novice or seasoned boater, this trip provides an experience that highlights Connecticut’s rich coastal heritage. Remember, safety is key, so keep those life jackets on board, consult your charts regularly, and enjoy the beautiful waterways of Long Island Sound. Safe travels!