**Pilotage Plan from Merritt Island, Florida to Port St. Lucie, Florida**### Starting Point: Merritt Island, FloridaMerritt Island, located just north of the Cape Canaveral area, is a perfect place to begin your journey. Before setting sail, ensure that your vessel is fully stocked with safety gear, including life jackets, flares, a VHF radio, and a first aid kit. The waters around Merritt Island are generally calm, but always monitor the weather forecast and tide schedules.### Route OverviewThe journey to Port St. Lucie covers approximately 50 nautical miles along the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River. This route is favored by cruisers for its beautiful views and manageable conditions, making it suitable for boaters of varying skill levels. ### Key Points of Interest Along The Route1. **Cape Canaveral**: After departing, you’ll pass by the iconic Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Depending on your timing, you might catch a rocket launch — an unforgettable experience for any boater.2. **Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge**: This stunning wildlife refuge offers a serene landscape for wildlife observation and photography. Look out for manatees and dolphins swimming alongside your boat.3. **Little Haarbor**: A great spot to anchor for a break, this quaint little area provides shelter from winds. It's an ideal place to take a swim or enjoy a picnic.4. **Vero Beach**: A charming coastal town that boasts beautiful beaches and parks. Here, you can dock for the day and explore local shops or enjoy some fresh seafood. Remember to check for docking availability before you arrive.5. **Fort Pierce Inlet**: As you approach Fort Pierce, watch for navigational aids as you navigate through the inlet. This is a bustling area with both commercial and recreational traffic.### Approaching Port St. LucieAs you navigate through the St. Lucie River, be prepared for a shift in the scenery. The river and its banks are lined with residential properties and wildlife parks. Always be on the lookout for fishing boats and other recreational vessels, especially in more crowded sections.### Notable Shelters & Bays- **Coconut Cove**: A popular anchorage that offers protection from storms. It’s a nice location to relax or to make a safe stop if the weather deteriorates.- **Savant’s Basin**: This inlet is another excellent option for shelter, well-known among local boaters. It is typically calm and provides room to maneuver in tight conditions.### Navigational Considerations- **Navigational Aids**: Keep your eye on the channel markers, particularly the dayboards and buoys that denote safe passage. The ICW markers will guide you through the channels. - **Depth Awareness**: The Indian River Lagoon can have shallow spots; always maintain awareness of your draft and follow the marked channels to avoid grounding.- **Local Regulations**: Familiarize yourself with local speed limits and no-wake zones, especially in areas with heavy boating activity or where manatees frequent.### Safety PrecautionsAlways prioritize safety on your journey. Before leaving, conduct a safety briefing with your crew, ensuring everyone knows vital procedures and the location of safety gear. Monitor weather conditions while underway and be prepared to adjust your route accordingly. ### Recommended AppsFor navigation and situational awareness, consider downloading:- **Savvy Navvy**: This app provides comprehensive route planning, tidal information, and harbor information, making it an invaluable tool for your trip.- **Navionics**: Excellent for detailed charts and navigational information.- **Windy**: Great for checking real-time weather conditions, helping you make informed decisions on the water.### ConclusionThis trip from Merritt Island to Port St. Lucie offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and exciting attractions while ensuring safe navigation through its well-marked waters. With ample opportunities for breaks and exploration, this route is ideal for leisure cruisers, families, and those looking to enjoy the majesty of Florida’s coastline safely. Enjoy your journey, and always keep safety at the forefront!