**Pilotage Plan: From Islip, NY to Patchogue, NY****Route Overview:**This delightful journey spans approximately 11 nautical miles, navigating through the scenic waterways of Long Island’s South Shore. Ideal for recreational boaters with moderate experience, the route promises a blend of stunning natural beauty and opportunities for exploration, while ensuring that safety remains the top priority. **Safety First:**Before departing, it’s crucial to check local weather conditions, tide tables, and any advisories. Ensure that all safety equipment is onboard: life jackets, flares, a properly functioning VHF radio, and sound signaling devices. It’s advisable to have a reliable navigation app like Savvy Navvy or other chartplotters to facilitate your navigation and deliver real-time weather updates. Also, ensure that your boat is seaworthy with plenty of fuel and provisions for the journey.**Departure from Islip, NY:**Starting from Islip, you’ll be immersed in the serene waters of the Great South Bay. Islip offers a tranquil and scenic marina which is a perfect launch point. Make sure to familiarize yourself with local marina rules and regulations.**Route Details:**1. **Great South Bay:** Your journey begins by heading southeast through the Great South Bay. This expansive bay is generally calm but be watchful for any motorboat traffic. Keep an eye out for small islands, like the Fire Island Inlet which is a beautiful area to explore, albeit a bit off the direct route. Don’t forget to watch for buoys and markers that guide you through.2. **Navigational Aids:** As you navigate, be alert to navigation aids like the Green can buoys—these indicate safe passages. The primary landmarks include the Fire Island Light, which is a stunning sight and recognizable even from a distance. Maintain a safe distance from the shoreline and any submerged hazards, especially in low tide.3. **Bayside Retreats:** About halfway through your journey, you can consider a brief stop in Bellport Bay. This is an excellent area for shelter should the weather turn more challenging. Its quiet alcoves and picturesque views provide a moment to stretch your legs or even take a quick swim in calmer weather. The bay is also suitable for a quick anchor if you’re looking for lunch or a break to enjoy some scenery.4. **Approaching Patchogue:** As you move toward Patchogue, be vigilant of your chart plotter, as you’ll want to enter the Patchogue River following the marked channel closely. This area can be a bit busy, so keep a lookout for sailboats and local traffic entering and leaving the nearby marinas. The Patchogue River has a well-marked channel to help you navigate safely.5. **Final Destination - Patchogue, NY:** Upon reaching Patchogue, the waterfront offers delightful dining options, local shops, and beautiful parks to explore. The newly revitalized downtown area is a charming spot to dock your boat and enjoy the local amenities. Just be aware of any local docking regulations and adhere to any restrictions related to vessel size or anchoring.**Points of Interest:**Aside from beautiful houses along the waterfront, Patchogue’s vibrant beach scene beckons. The area is also known for its art galleries and live performing arts, making it an excellent location for a boater looking to intermingle water time with cultural experiences.**Conclusion:**This route is perfect for those who savor leisure cruising with scenic bay views, and tranquil shorelines while maintaining safety as a core focus. Every nautical mile unfolds a story, whether it’s engaging with local attractions or simply enjoying the tranquility of Long Island’s waters. Just remember to steer with care, keep communication lines open, and savor the journey! Safe travels!