**Pilotage Plan: Liverpool to Fleetwood****Trip Overview** This pilotage plan outlines an exciting yet safe journey from Liverpool to Fleetwood, perfect for intermediate to experienced boaters. Stretching along the stunning coastline of England, this trip promises beautiful sights, vital navigational aids, bays for shelter, and points of interest to explore, all while keeping safety as the foremost priority.**Departure from Liverpool** Begin your journey at the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, known for its vibrant atmosphere and historic significance. Before casting off, ensure that you are familiar with the local tidal currents, which can be significant in the Mersey Estuary. The Liverpool Maritime Museum is a great place to immerse yourself in nautical heritage. Departing from Liverpool, steer your vessel through the busy shipping lanes of the River Mersey. Keep a close watch on commercial traffic and follow the marked channels. Ensure your VHF radio is tuned to the local Port Control frequencies to receive any updates on vessel movements and local restrictions.**Notable Hazards and Considerations** As you navigate out of the estuary, be aware of the following hazards:- **Shoals**: Pay attention to the various shallow areas that may not be marked. The sandy shoals off Crosby Beach can catch unaware mariners.- **Commercial Shipping Traffic**: Be vigilant around the port areas for large vessels, and always maintain your right of way.- **Tides**: Given the significant tidal range in this region, plan your passage to avoid running aground. Check local tide tables for specific high and low water times.**Bays and Shelters** After leaving Liverpool, a good spot to pause is **Crosby Marina**. It offers secure berths and amenities if the weather turns unfriendly. Remember to check the forecast regularly—not just for wind and rain, but for tide highs and lows as well.As you continue your journey, you can consider taking a detour to **Formby Point**, a stunning nature reserve area with beautiful dunes and walking trails. If conditions allow, it's a lovely spot for a picnic and a shore exploration.**Navigational Aids** Throughout your journey, utilize navigational aids meticulously:- **Buoys and Beacons**: Pay close attention to the channel buoys guiding you into the Irish Sea. - **Lighthouse**: Off the coast, **White Lighthouse**, located on the Wirral Peninsula, is an important reference point as it assists with navigation when transitioning from Liverpool into broader waters.- **Chartplotters and Apps**: Equip your craft with updated marine charts and consider boating apps such as **Savvy Navvy**, which provides real-time information on tide, weather, and route planning.**Approaching Fleetwood** As you near Fleetwood, the view shifts from open sea to the mouth of the River Wyre, which leads you into the marina region. Again, be cautious of tidal influences here and choose to arrive during high tide if possible to safely navigate the shallow river entrance.**Entry to Fleetwood Yacht Basin** This friendly marina welcomes visitors and provides all necessary amenities for docking. Take a moment to relax and explore the local area, with Fleetwood's beach and its famous fish market nearby, perfect for a meal or fresh seafood.**Final Thoughts** This journey from Liverpool to Fleetwood allows you to appreciate the diverse coastal landscape while developing essential seamanship skills. The combination of hazards with safety measures makes it suitable for intermediate boaters looking to enhance their skills and enjoy the company of the sea. Weather always holds the final say, but with the right precautions and a spirit of adventure, this trip can be both safe and memorable. Make sure to keep your safety gear on board, and don't forget your life vests before setting sail!