**Pilotage Plan: Lantana, Florida to Jupiter, Florida**As you prepare for your journey between Lantana and Jupiter, this route offers not only beautiful waters and scenic views but also crucial insights on navigating safely through South Florida’s coastline. This trip is ideal for intermediate boaters who are comfortable handling their vessels in a mix of coastal and potentially busy waterways. ### Pre-Journey Considerations:Before you set off, check the local weather conditions to ensure calm seas and favorable winds. Always have a float plan filed with a reliable person who remains on land and can call for help if you do not return as expected. Ensure you have essential safety gear including life jackets, flares, a working VHF radio, first aid kit, and extra fuel.### Route Overview:The distance from Lantana to Jupiter is approximately 15 nautical miles, following a southerly to a northwesterly direction along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), keeping land on your starboard side. This route provides a mix of open water and sheltered areas while highlighting key landmarks and points of interest where you can anchor or explore safely.### Leg 1: Departure from LantanaBegin your adventure at Lantana, an ideal starting point with ample marina services. As you cast off, take note of the following navigational aids:- **Lantana Bridge:** A fixed bridge, with a clearance of 22 feet, so it should be noted while under power or sail.Stay close to the ICW markers as you navigate south. You’ll encounter various sights through this stretch, including beautiful waterfront homes and manicured parks. ### Shelter Options along the ICW:1. **Lake Worth Inlet (Approx. 4 nautical miles):** This inlet can provide temporary refuge if weather conditions worsen. Ensure you heed local navigational aids as the inlet can be tricky, especially with respect to the tidal current.### Leg 2: Heading to Boynton BeachContinuing your southward trek, next up is Boynton Beach which is just a bit south of you. Here, local attractions are plentiful:- **Boynton Beach Inlet:** Note the navigational markers as you approach; this inlet can be used for access to the Atlantic Ocean if desired.- **Boynton Harbor Marina:** A good stop for a meal or fuel if needed.### Leg 3: Journey towards Delray BeachNext, meander by the beautiful shoreline of Delray Beach. Take care to:- Observe the **Delray Beach Bridge**: Be aware of its clearance. It’s a popular spot for local fishermen, so keep a wide berth of anchored boats.- **Atlantic Avenue:** It runs just along the waterside where a busy nightlife draws sailors during the evening.### Shelter Points:2. **Boca Raton Inlet (Approx. 8 nautical miles from Lantana):** This is a safe anchorage for those looking to drop anchor. ### Final Leg to Jupiter:As you continue northward towards Jupiter, keep your eyes peeled for a stunning view of the Jupiter Lighthouse as you near your destination. This historic landmark is visible from miles away, making it a beautiful sight to end the journey.- Approach the **Jupiter Inlet** carefully, especially during choppy conditions, and adhere closely to the marked navigation channels as it can be narrow with shifting currents. - Jupiter is popular for its beautiful parks, and you can stop off at the **Jupiter Lighthouse Park** for a picnic or a walk.### Key Navigational Aids to Monitor:- Throughout your journey, pay attention to ICW markers, especially as you navigate the inlets.- Use your VHF radio to communicate with local marinas if you’re uncertain about water traffic.### Final Thoughts:Overall, this trip is perfectly set up for those looking for a combination of adventure and scenic beauty while ensuring safety. The best route takes you through friendly waters with cozy shelters available on short notice. A well-planned trip with acknowledgments of local regulations ensures a smooth journey from Lantana to Jupiter, making for a fine regional exploration.Don’t forget to download essential marine navigation apps like **Savvy Navvy** for route planning, weather updates, and navigational support. Wishing you fair winds and smooth sailing on your venture from Lantana to Jupiter!