### Pilotage Plan: From Ft. Pierce, FL to Port St. Lucie, FL**Route Overview:**Your journey from Ft. Pierce to Port St. Lucie offers an intriguing exploration of Florida's beautiful waterways, providing fantastic sights and ample opportunities for safe shelter should the weather take a turn. This route is particularly suitable for well-equipped recreational boats and experienced cruisers alike, as the inland waterways are generally easy to navigate but do require attention to local conditions and regulations.---### Starting Point: Ft. Pierce, Florida**Coordinates:** Longitude -80.3129833333, Latitude 27.4581**Marina and Launch:** Begin your adventure at one of the well-known marinas in Ft. Pierce, such as the Ft. Pierce City Marina. This facility provides amenities including fuel, provisions, and repair services, allowing you to stock up for your journey.**Points of Interest:**The Ft. Pierce Inlet is a great area to explore prior to departure. You can see the historic Ft. Pierce Lighthouse as well as enjoy the scenic beaches along the coast.---### Route Details1. **Departing Ft. Pierce** - As you leave the city marina, head east to enter the Ft. Pierce Inlet, which offers direct access to the Atlantic Ocean.2. **Navigating the Inlet** - Keep an eye on the navigational buoys; there are often strong tidal currents in the inlet, particularly during outgoing tides. Make sure to maintain a safe speed and follow the marked channel strictly.3. **Heading South on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)** - Once you’re clear of the inlet, you’ll be transitioning south on the ICW, a vital artery for boaters in this region. The ICW is marked well, with channel markers indicating safe navigation.**Hazards to Be Aware Of:** - Watch for shoaling in certain areas, particularly near the entrance to rivers and marinas. Make sure to refer to your charts and online resources for the latest conditions. - Be cautious of recreational traffic—this area is popular with other boaters, jet skiers, and paddle boarders, particularly on weekends.---### Notable Landmarks**Indian River Lagoon:**- As you travel south, the lagoon will be on your starboard side. This area is renowned for its diverse wildlife and rich marine habitat. Be on the lookout for manatees and dolphins, especially at dawn and dusk.**St. Lucie River:**- Near your destination, the St. Lucie River opens up. Here, you can explore the scenic surroundings and perhaps stop for a break at nearby parks or nature reserves.**Shelter Bays:**- If conditions change, you’ll find Harbor Branch in the Indian River Lagoon a comfortable anchor point, providing good shelter from wind and waves. ---### Approaching Port St. LucieAs you near Port St. Lucie, keep your ears open for local traffic advisories and other vessel communication. It’s important to remain vigilant as you approach the confluence of the St. Lucie River and the ICW.**Destination: Port St. Lucie, Florida****Coordinates:** Longitude -80.31495, Latitude 27.24415**Marinas Available:**- Look for the River Park Marina or other local facilities that offer transient dockage, as well as amenities to refresh your crew after the voyage.---### Recommendations for Navigation- **Charts and Apps:** Use the latest nautical charts or reliable apps; I recommend including **Savvy Navvy** which can provide real-time updates and navigational ease.- **Local Regulations:** Familiarize yourself with any no-wake zones or wildlife protection areas along the ICW and in the St. Lucie River. Local law enforcement is vigilant about enforcing these rules to protect the sensitive marine environment.- **Weather Monitoring:** Keep a close eye on weather updates using marine weather apps. Conditions can change rapidly, so being prepared can prevent a small inconvenience from turning into a serious situation.---### SummaryThis route from Ft. Pierce to Port St. Lucie promises not only a safer passage through the stunning waters of Florida but also an enjoyable way to experience the local ecology and scenery. While safety is of utmost priority, the pleasant landscapes, wildlife, and potential for adventure make this trip one you won’t want to miss. With proper planning and navigation, you’ll have an unforgettable time on the water.