### Pilotage Plan: Huntington, NY to Babylon, NY**Overview:**Embarking on a boat trip from Huntington to Babylon presents a blend of scenic vistas, navigational challenges, and opportunities for shelter should circumstances shift. This route is ideal for leisure boaters seeking a mix of tranquility and mild adventure, all while remaining focused on safety.**Starting Point: Huntington, NY**Begin your journey in Huntington harbor, a bustling area with marinas, restaurants, and shops. Before departing, ensure your vessel is well-prepared: check fuel levels, safety gear, and weather forecasts. Huntington Bay provides an ideal launching site, offering protection from the open waters.**Points of Interest along the Route:**1. **Huntington Bay:** Safe harbor and great for a last-minute inspection of your gear or a final shore-side meal at one of the local eateries before you set off. 2. **Northport Bay:** A stunning detour for a leisurely sail or to drop anchor for some exploration. You can enjoy a stroll on shore or take part in the local atmosphere of Northport Village. 3. **Centerport:** If conditions allow, a visit to the Centerport Harbor is worth the time, complete with its rich history and nearby attractions such as the Vanderbilt Museum. This can be a lovely stop for lunch while enjoying the views.4. **Cow Harbor:** Known for its charming village feel and vibrant boating community, Cow Harbor offers picturesque spots for a break. It's also a great opportunity to meet fellow boaters.5. **Kings Park:** As you approach the Robert Moses Causeway, Kings Park is a beautiful spot to consider. The shoreline here is less developed, presenting a natural view perfect for relaxing.6. **Southward Ho Country Club Area:** It’s an appealing site while keeping course to the Babylon area. Avoid going too close to the golf course patrons, but enjoy the picturesque surroundings.7. **Babylon Village:** Your destination is an exciting maritime community that boasts a variety of shops and restaurants.**Route Navigation:**- **Starting off Huntington,** navigate eastward through Huntington Bay. Keep a lookout for shoals, particularly on the southern edges of the bay.- **Proceeding towards Northport Bay,** maintain a northward track, identifying buoys indicating safe passages.- **Mind local traffic:** As you move farther east and approach the channels leading to Centerport and Northport bays, be sure to observe boat traffic regulations and keep clear of private moorings. - **Nearing the transition to the Great South Bay,** heed navigational aids like the Red and Green channel markers along the route. Familiarize yourself with their positions and notes about any submerged hazards.- As you approach **the Robert Moses Causeway**, the waters can become busy. Be cautious and vigilant—remember to maintain a safe distance from other vessels and structures.**Hazards and Regulations:**- Ensure you are aware of no-wake zones in populated areas like the harbors and near residential coasts. It's not just a regulation; it protects fellow boaters and the environment.- Weather conditions can shift quickly; always have radar or a good weather app (consider apps like **Savvy Navvy**) at hand to adapt plans if necessary.- Be aware of tidal flows; they can affect your boat's handling, especially near inlets. Staying aware of the ebb and flow will assist with navigation.**Safe Havens:**- **Northport Bay** and **Centerport Harbor** are excellent refuge areas if the weather takes a turn. Both will offer interest and safety should you need to anchor before proceeding.**Conclusion:**This journey from Huntington to Babylon is perfect for novice sailors and seasoned mariners alike. With scenic views, welcoming ports of call, and ample safety considerations, each segment of this trip offers a piece of Long Island's coastal charm. Prioritizing safety while keeping an eye on adventure will ensure a successful, enjoyable day on the water. Happy sailing!