**Pilotage Plan: Lymington to Bridport, GB****Departure: Lymington, Hampshire** Coordinates: Long -1.5327, Lat 50.7571 Your journey begins at the picturesque town of Lymington, well-known for its vibrant marina and charming waterfront. Before setting sail, familiarize yourself with the area, including local facilities and landmarks. The entrance to the Lymington River is well-marked, and mooring options abound for those needing a last-minute stop. **Safety Tip:** Keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially wind conditions, as the Solent can be unpredictable.**Leg 1: Lymington to Keyhaven (Approx. 3 nautical miles)** As you leave Lymington, make your way over to Keyhaven. This short leg is perfect for warming up your sailing skills without straying too far from safety. Keyhaven is a lovely spot to stop, take a walk, or enjoy a picnic by the sea. The area is renowned for its natural beauty and is in close proximity to the New Forest National Park.Navigational Aids: Watch for the Keyhaven entrance buoy and be mindful of the low tide, which can leave certain areas shallow.**Leg 2: Keyhaven to Hurst Point (Approx. 3.5 nautical miles)** After a brief stop at Keyhaven, continue towards Hurst Point, marked by the iconic Hurst Castle—a coastal artillery fortification that provides great views. The waters around here can get choppy, especially with prevailing southwesterly winds, so tread carefully. **Shelter Location:** The Solent offers several safe havens, with a quick retreat possible back to Keyhaven if the conditions worsen. Navigational Considerations: The Hurst Point buoy is essential to help keep you safe as you approach this often-busy marine area. Take heed of passing traffic in the Solent, especially ferries and larger vessels.**Leg 3: Hurst Point to Christchurch (Approx. 6 nautical miles)** Once past Hurst Point, head towards the mouth of the Christchurch Harbour. This area is a stunning blend of estuary and coastline, with plenty of birdwatching opportunities. The entrance to the harbour can be tricky due to shifting sands, requiring careful navigation. **Points of Interest:** You can stop and explore the historic town of Christchurch, complete with quaint shops and the scenic Christchurch Priory.**Leg 4: Christchurch to Poole Harbour (Approx. 5 nautical miles)** From Christchurch, venture towards Poole Harbour, one of the largest natural harbors in Europe. This route offers a variety of spectacular views and sailing opportunities. There are numerous places to anchor or berth within the harbor, allowing for exploration of Brownsea Island or the charming town of Poole.Navigational Notes: Pay close attention to the buoyage as you enter the harbor, especially in busy periods. Watch out for the ferry traffic in the entrance. **Shelter Location:** Poole Harbour itself is a prime spot with various sheltered areas if conditions change.**Leg 5: Poole Harbour to Weymouth (Approx. 12 nautical miles)** From Poole Harbour, make your way towards Weymouth, keeping the Isle of Purbeck to your starboard. This section of the route offers stunning coastal vistas, but it’s important to maintain a close watch on weather conditions, particularly wind direction. **Points of Interest:** Weymouth is a delightful seaside town, perfect for a stopover with beaches, local attractions, and eateries. Consider a visit to the Nothe Fort or taking a stroll along the seafront.**Final Leg: Weymouth to Bridport (Approx. 8 nautical miles)** Your final stretch is from Weymouth to Bridport, where the coastline transforms into the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be wary of potential strong tides in this area; timing your departure to take advantage of the ebb tide can make for a smoother journey. **Navigational Aids:** Keep an eye on the leading marks as you approach Bridport and don’t hesitate to call local traffic if needed. **Arriving in Bridport:** Bridport offers excellent docking facilities and is a great place to unwind after your journey. The town has a vibrant arts scene and is ideally positioned for guests interested in nearby attractions like West Bay and the stunning cliffs that dominate this stretch of the coast.**Safety and Navigation Apps:** For real-time weather and navigation updates, consider using apps like Seasafe, Navionics, and Savvy Navvy, all of which can provide essential information you’ll need along the way.This journey from Lymington to Bridport provides a perfect blend of scenic cruising, points of interest, and a range of potential shelters should the weather turn inclement. It’s an ideal route for those who enjoy coastal exploration while maintaining keen attention to safety and navigation – perfect for those looking to embrace the beauty of southern England’s coastline by boat. Enjoy your trip!