### Pilotage Plan from Lymington, GB to Wareham, GB#### Overview:Embarking on a boat trip from Lymington to Wareham offers a splendid blend of scenic beauty, historical significance, and navigational challenges. This route, approximately 10 nautical miles in length, is perfect for both experienced and intermediate boaters who enjoy coastal cruising and want to explore the stunning landscapes of the New Forest and Poole Harbour. Safety is paramount, and with proper planning, navigating through these waters can be both safe and enjoyable.---#### Starting Point: Lymington, Hampshire**Coordinates:** Long -1.532681, Lat 50.757079Lymington is an established sailing hub, rich in maritime history and bustling with charm. Before departure, it’s advisable to check local weather forecasts and tide tables, as the Solent can experience significant tidal currents. Make sure to have your vessel well-prepared with necessary safety equipment, including life vests, flares, and a working VHF radio.---#### The Route1. **Departing Lymington Marina** - As you set off from Lymington, you’ll navigate through Lymington River, where you have to be cautious of the shallow areas and local moorings. Follow the main channel marked by buoys, maintaining a steady pace.2. **Navigational Aids** - Keep an eye on the **Lymington North Cardinal Buoy** (flashing yellow), which indicates safe water and marks the entrance to the Lymington River. - Your next focal point will be the **Hurst Point Lighthouse** to the west; make sure it’s visible on your port side as you exit the river and approach the Solent.3. **Heading Towards Needles Channel** - As you follow the coastline, you will come closer to the **Needles**, a series of chalk stacks famous in picturesque photography. Several guidelines suggest maintaining a distance of at least 0.5 nautical miles from the rocks for safety. - The Needles Channel is well-marked, but it is known for strong tides. Pay close attention to the **Needles Fairway Buoy** and ensure your speed aligns with the local conditions.---#### Shelters and Points of Interest1. **Yarmouth, Isle of Wight** - Approximately 6 nautical miles from Lymington, Yarmouth provides an ideal stopover. This quaint town offers pubs, restaurants, and shops. A visit to the historic Yarmouth Castle is a must. - Sheltered anchorage is available in Yarmouth Haven, granting a safe spot in case of unexpected weather.2. **Keyhaven Marshes** - As you return towards mainland, the **Keyhaven Marshes** make for a beautiful sight, particularly for bird watchers. You can pause here for a serene look at nature, but anchoring is restrictive so make sure to approach carefully.---#### Navigating Poole Harbour1. **Poole Entrance** - Continue towards Poole Harbour, taking care as it can be busy with commercial traffic. The **Poole Bar Buoy** (lighted buoy) aids in navigating this busy area. Ensure you check the status of the channel before proceeding.2. **Navigational Considerations** - The harbor is well-marked with buoys but be aware of the tidal streams here. Use your depth sounder, as some areas can be surprisingly shallow. - Keep an eye out for the ferry services as they operate regularly, making watchfulness on your part essential.---#### Final Approach to Wareham- As you navigate the River Frome which leads to Wareham, you may want to check your depth and follow local signage closely. This stretch is tranquil, surrounded by the lovely countryside, perfect for a leisurely finish to your sailing adventure.- Watch for the **Wareham Town Quay**, where you can land and enjoy exploring the town and its historic sites. The quay provides basic amenities, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability.---### ConclusionThis route not only promises beautiful scenery but gives the opportunity to experience the rich maritime culture of the south coast of England. Ideal for the intermediate to experienced boater, it allows for multiple opportunities to seek shelter or engage in exciting shore activities. Ensure that you have updated navigation charts, monitor the weather, and keep your safety equipment in check.Recommended apps to enhance your trip include **savvy navvy**, which provides detailed charts and route planning features, as well as **Navionics** and **UKHO** for navigation and tidal information. Embrace the adventure, enjoy the journey, and navigate wisely!