### Pilotage Plan: Melbourne, FL to Ormond Beach, FL**Route Overview**This trip from Melbourne to Ormond Beach spans approximately 65 nautical miles along the beautiful Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). It’s a journey that offers a mix of stunning coastal scenery, charming towns, and the chance to experience diverse marine life. This route is particularly suitable for coastal cruisers and recreational boaters who appreciate leisurely overnight trips with convenient stopping points along the way.**Section 1: Departure from Melbourne, FL**Start your journey in the cozy harbor of Melbourne, where you can fuel up and stock up on essentials. Before heading out, take a moment to enjoy the scenic views of the Indian River Lagoon. The waterway here is navigable and offers depth, but keep an eye on the channel markers and watch for any shallow areas, particularly near the Newport Isles area to the south.**Section 2: En Route to Cocoa Beach**As you leave Melbourne, the first leg of your journey brings you to Cocoa Beach, approximately 10 nautical miles to the north. Cocoa Beach is well known for its surfing culture, but it also provides a wonderful stop to stretch your legs, grab some lunch, or enjoy a walk along the pier. The ICW is comfortably wide here, with notable navigation aids including buoys and markers. Ensure you follow the channel markers carefully, especially entering Cocoa Beach, as the area can be busy with recreational vessels.**Section 3: Explore Cape Canaveral**Continuing northbound, your next landmark is Cape Canaveral, home to the Kennedy Space Center. This stretch is about 10 nautical miles, and while the primary route stays on the ICW, consider a side trip into Port Canaveral, which is a great harbor with ample options for dining, fishing, and sightseeing. Keep an eye out for cruise ships and cargo vessels in this area; they pose a significant wake and it’s essential to maintain a safe distance.**Section 4: Canaveral National Seashore**Pass by the Canaveral National Seashore for some breathtaking natural beauty. Here, the shoreline is relatively untouched, and you may experience a true sense of tranquil exploration. As you navigate near the seashore, ensure you are aware of speed restrictions to protect wildlife and avoid damage to sensitive habitats.**Section 5: New Smyrna Beach**Next up is New Smyrna Beach, located about 15 nautical miles from Cape Canaveral. This vibrant coastal town is known for its lovely beaches and artsy vibe. Expect to find a marina where you can dock and partake in some local attractions, such as the historic district or a surf lesson. As you approach New Smyrna, watch for sandbars and always ensure you respect the local no-wake zones to avoid hazards and protect the local wildlife.**Section 6: Destination - Ormond Beach**The final leg takes you about another 15 nautical miles to Ormond Beach. The journey along the ICW to Ormond Beach is picturesque, with dense mangroves and pelicans overhead. As you enter the area, make sure you pay attention to the markers and local boating regulations. Ormond Beach has several boat-friendly spots where you can tie off and enjoy the peaceful environment.**Considerations and Hazards**- **Weather:** Always check the weather before departing, especially considering tropical storms that can form during hurricane season. Sudden changes in weather can prompt you to anchor down in safe bays like the ones found near Ponce Inlet or New Smyrna Beach. - **Navigation:** Utilize tools like Navionics and savvy navvy for electronic navigation aids and charts. Keep an updated nautical chart handy to identify navigational aids along the route, as the ICW can change with shifting sands and shoals. - **Wildlife:** Respect local wildlife; approach manatees and dolphins at slow speeds. Adhering to speed limits in designated manatee zones is crucial for both safety and conservation.- **Local Regulations:** Be reminded of any idiosyncratic boat size restrictions at marina entries and maintain communication with Coast Guard channels for updates on anything unusual.This journey from Melbourne to Ormond Beach is not only a perfect day trip or weekend getaway but also a great pathway for anyone looking to appreciate Florida's east coast. There are endless opportunities for wildlife watching, fishing, and enjoying local cuisine, making it a memorable experience. As always, prioritize safety—be prepared, stay informed, and have a fantastic voyage!