**Pilotage Plan: Kittery, Maine to Portsmouth, NH**This charming trip from Kittery, Maine to Portsmouth, New Hampshire offers a blend of coastal beauty, local culture, and safe navigation. It’s an ideal journey for recreational boaters looking for a quick adventure on the water, with a variety of safe havens and interesting spots along the way.**Departure: Kittery, Maine***Start Your Journey*Before you untie your lines, do a thorough check of your vessel, ensuring all safety equipment is onboard and functioning. Be sure to check nautical charts and current weather conditions. Kittery boasts rich marine history, so take a moment to enjoy the serene views of the Piscataqua River and its bustling maritime activity.**Route Overview**From Kittery, your route to Portsmouth primarily involves navigating through the waters of the Piscataqua River. This is a relatively short journey of about 6 nautical miles and should take approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on your vessel's speed and local conditions.**Navigational Considerations**1. **Chart Your Course**: Ensure you have up-to-date charts, focusing on the moving tidal waters of the Piscataqua River. A good cruising app, like Savvy Navvy, can assist with real-time updates and plotting the safest path.2. **Tides and Currents**: The tidal currents in the Piscataqua River can be strong, particularly around the bridges. Check local tide tables to time your departure; planning to travel around slack tide will offer you the easiest time navigating throughout the river.3. **Navigational Aids**: Keep an eye out for key navigational aids: - **Northeast Lighthouse**: Marked well, this will assist in guiding your approach towards Portsmouth. - **Approaching the Memorial Bridge**: Be sure to stay within designated channels while navigating under the bridge, as this can be a busy area with vessels coming in and out, including cargo and ferry operations.**Shelter and Points of Interest Along the Route**- **Grasshopper Island**: Located a short distance into the route, this small island is a great spot for a peaceful stopover. It’s a delightful place to anchor and enjoy a picnic with panoramic views of the surrounding waters. - **Badger’s Island**: As you get closer to the Portsmouth area, the picturesque landscape of Badger’s Island is a notable sight. Secure anchorage is available if you need to take a break or seek shelter from inclement weather.- **Portsmouth Harbor**: Upon arrival, the bustling harbor welcomes you with its historic charm. You may want to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions such as the Strawbery Banke Museum or the historic downtown area.**Safety Tips and Compliance**1. **Local Regulations**: Adhere to boating regulations in the area, especially while approaching Portsmouth Harbor. Ensure you keep a safe distance from commercial vessels, respect no-wake zones, and be aware of any temporary navigational markers.2. **Weather Caution**: Always monitor marine forecasts during your journey, as weather can change rapidly. Have a plan to return to Kittery or seek refuge in nearby bays if conditions worsen.3. **Safety Gear**: In addition to standard safety gear, ensure you have life jackets for all passengers, a working VHF radio for communication, and a first aid kit handy.4. **Contingencies**: Should you find yourself battling unexpected weather, returning to Kittery, or anchoring off Grasshopper Island are the safest options to maintain control of your journey.**Conclusion**This planned route from Kittery to Portsmouth provides a blend of scenic enjoyment and safe boating practices, making it ideal for both novice and experienced boaters. With the right preparation and awareness of navigational considerations, you’re set to have a rewarding experience worthy of the beautiful New England coastline. Whether you're interested in a leisurely day trip or simply unwinding amidst historic charm and nature, this route promises something for every boater to appreciate. Safe travels!