### Pilotage Plan: Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Homestead, FL#### Route OverviewThis journey from Fort Lauderdale to Homestead takes you through some of South Florida's most scenic waterways, featuring a combination of intercoastal and coastal routes. With a mix of natural beauty and urban landscapes, this route caters well to experienced boaters looking for a blend of adventure and safety. #### Starting Point: Fort Lauderdale**Coordinates:** Long/Lat: -80.112, 26.10525**Departure Considerations:**Before you set sail, ensure that your boat is well-stocked with safety equipment including life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and a first aid kit. Check the weather conditions on reliable sources like NOAA, as south Florida can experience sudden weather changes, particularly during summer months.#### Recommended Route1. **Intracoastal Waterway (ICW): Fort Lauderdale to Miami** - From Fort Lauderdale, navigate southward along the ICW. The ICW is well-marked and offers protection from open waters, making it ideal for boaters of all experience levels. - Keep an eye out for the numerous drawbridges along this stretch. Notably, the 17th Street Causeway Bridge may require waiting for bridge openings, so check their operation hours ahead of time.2. **Bayside Points of Interest:** - **Hillsboro Inlet:** As you progress south, enjoy a quick detour to Hillsboro Inlet. This is a popular refuge for boaters and offers a public ramp and shelter. It is safe to anchor and great for picnicking. - **Port Everglades:** A bustling port and an excellent spot for refueling or dining before continuing south.3. **Stopping Point: Miami** - Miami represents a vibrant urban stop with plenty of attractions. Consider visiting the Miami Beach area, or take a stroll through the historic Art Deco District. This is also a good point to consider weather conditions before continuing your journey.4. **From Miami to Key Biscayne:** - After Miami, you’ll continue towards Key Biscayne. This part of the journey is particularly beautiful, with affluent homes lining the coasts. - **Notable Landmark:** Cape Florida Lighthouse offers a great opportunity for a photo op. The waters around the lighthouse can be calm, making it a good anchorage point if you need to wait out a storm.5. **Navigational Aids:** - Make sure to keep an eye on your charts for markers and buoys that define safe navigation areas and warn you away from hazardous waters. Pay special attention to the Miami Harbor entrance buoy systems as they can be critical for safe passage. - **Rest of the Route:** Continue south through Biscayne Bay, always prioritizing watches for shoaling areas and avoiding the marked channels that can be tighter and busier. 6. **Shelter Options:** - Should the weather turn unfavorable, **Biscayne Bay** offers several sheltered areas, especially near Bear Cut and inside the park. These natural bays provide excellent holding grounds and calm waters during storms.#### End Point: Homestead**Coordinates:** Long/Lat: -80.1756666667, 25.5246666667#### Arrival Considerations:As you approach Homestead, be aware that the area has local navigation rules and wildlife preservation areas especially due to the proximity of the Everglades. Ensure to respect any no-wake zones and fishing regulations. #### Recommended Apps:Before you embark, I recommend downloading savvy navvy, which will help you with live weather updates, tide tables, and route planning. Other useful tools include Navionics for mapping and communication via VHF radio to stay alert and in contact with fellow boaters or the Coast Guard.This route is designed with safety and exploration in mind. It offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and the tranquility of open waters. By carefully attending to navigational aids and local regulations, this trip promises to be both memorable and secure—ideal for recreational boaters looking to enjoy the stunning beauty that South Florida has to offer. Happy boating!