**Pilotage Plan from Manistee, Michigan to Leland, Michigan****Overview** Embarking on a boat trip from Manistee to Leland promises a delightful experience along the picturesque Michigan coastline of Lake Michigan. This route is not only filled with stunning natural beauty but also provides a safe passage suitable for boaters of varying expertise. Expect to navigate through serene bays, charming towns, and enjoy the splendid sights of the Great Lakes.**Starting Point: Manistee, MI** Your journey begins at the charming harbor of Manistee, a city known for its history and beautiful waterfront. Before casting off, ensure you're equipped with all essential safety gear, including life jackets, flares, a first-aid kit, and fire extinguishers. As you prepare to set sail, check the weather conditions, as Lake Michigan can be unpredictable.**Route Overview** The journey from Manistee to Leland spans approximately 45 nautical miles, primarily following the US shoreline. This route is typically well-suited for experienced boaters who maintain vigilance, especially when navigating near shorelines and keeping an eye out for changing weather.**Points of Interest and Sheltering Bays** 1. **Little River**: Shortly after departing, you could take a detour to the Little River, especially if you're looking for a peaceful spot to anchor for lunch or explore the banks. This area is rich in natural beauty and a wonderful interruption to your journey.2. **Arcadia Lake**: Approximately 14 nm from Manistee, detour into Arcadia Lake. This is a great sheltered bay where you might stop to enjoy swimming, picnicking, or a leisurely exploration on your dinghy. There are also some hiking trails in the vicinity if your crew is up for a land adventure.3. **Crystal Lake**: Continuing your journey, Crystal Lake will emerge about halfway to Leland. The inlet is scenic and serves as another excellent option for shelter. You may consider spending an afternoon generally relaxing or even checking out the charming town of Crystal Lake nearby.4. **Frankfort**: Just before Leland, make sure to visit Frankfort, a quaint town with big charm. The harbor there is welcoming, and you can enjoy local dining, shops, and possibly some fresh local catches. The sunsets here are notable—perfect for photos!**Navigational Aids and Safety Considerations** As you navigate along this stretch of coastline, several important landmarks will assist in your journey:- **Manistee Lighthouse**: Located at the harbor entry, this lighthouse will guide you safely out of Manistee.- **Entrance Buoys**: Keep a watchful eye on the green and red buoys marking the channel while making your way along the shoreline.- **Lighthouses**: Both Point Betsie and Point Traverse lighthouses are prominent markers, helping you gauge your position as you travel toward Leland.Choppy waters can develop with changing winds in Lake Michigan, particularly in the afternoons. Be mindful of small craft warnings, especially during peak wind seasons, and consider checking local marine forecasts regularly. Keeping a watchful eye on your depth sounder is also essential to avoid grounding in shallower waters.**Local Restrictions and Regulations** Ensure you are familiar with the local boating regulations, particularly those surrounding speed limits in harbors and idle zones adjacent to communities and wildlife areas. Always maintain a safe distance from swimming zones, conservation areas, and other vessels. **Suggested Boating Apps** While on your journey, consider using navigation apps such as Navionics or ActiveCaptain for route planning and local information; however, I highly recommend including Savvy Navvy, which provides fantastic features for route planning and umpires essential updates about tides, weather, and even points of interest along your route.**In Conclusion** This pilotage plan provides not just guidance for your nautical journey but also encourages exploration and safety. Enjoy your cruise from Manistee to Leland, where stunning landscapes, sheltered bays, and delightful stops await you. Maintain a safe and watchful eye on your surroundings, gauging the conditions as you glide across the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan. Safe sailing!