### Pilotage Plan from Milford, CT to Bridgeport, CT**Overview:**This picturesque route from Milford to Bridgeport along the Long Island Sound offers a blend of natural beauty, urban landscape, and safety measures for the cautious boater. It's particularly suitable for experienced leisure cruisers and day sailors looking to enjoy a short trip with accessible points of interest, while always keeping an eye on safety.---**Starting Point: Milford, Connecticut (Coordinates: -73.0561666667, 41.1941666667)**1. **Departure Preparation:** Before setting sail, ensure the boat's safety equipment is up to date. This includes life jackets, flares, a first aid kit, and your VHF radio. As you embark, stay vigilant to local weather updates and the tide schedule, as they will significantly impact navigation.2. **Initial Route Planning:** Leave Milford Harbor, which provides a sheltered starting point. The harbor is protected, making it easier to navigate from the dock into open waters. Steer northeast towards the mouth of the harbor, where it opens into the Long Island Sound.---**Main Route: Milford to Bridgeport**3. **Key Landmarks and Points of Interest:** - **Silver Sands State Park:** Just northeast of Milford Harbor, this lovely park lies along the coastline and offers beautiful sandy beaches. It’s a great spot for a quick swim or a picnic stop if the weather permits. - **Charles Island:** This historic site, visible shortly after departing Milford, is worth a look. It’s uninhabited and a popular area for birdwatching and fishermen. Be cautious; as with many coastal areas, the island is surrounded by shifting tides and is only accessible at low tide. - **Seaside Park:** Located in Bridgeport, this expansive park has sprawling lawns, beachfront, and offers recreational activities. It serves as an excellent final stop before reaching the main city.---**Navigational Considerations:**4. **Navigational Aids:** As you head east, keep your eyes on the following aids which will assist in your journey: - **Milford Harbor Light (Marker #1):** A key lighthouse at the entrance to the harbor. Maintain a distance of about 0.5 nautical miles offshore to enjoy safe navigation. - **Black Rock Harbor (Marker #2):** This is a marked approach to Bridgeport following the east end of Long Island Sound. Be aware of the currents as you navigate around this area. - **Lighthouses and Buoys:** Follow channel markers diligently; they are crucial in guiding you safely through any potential tricky waters present in this region, especially around rocky areas.5. **Navigational Hazards:** - **Shoaling Areas:** The Bottom of the Long Island Sound, leading towards Bridgeport, can have shallow spots—be mindful of your depth sounder, particularly before entering Black Rock Harbor. - **Busy Waters:** Expect commercial vessel traffic as you near Bridgeport, so stay alert and maintain a safe speed where applicable.---**Safety Regulations:**6. **Local Regulations:** Adhere to Connecticut state boating laws, which include wearing life jackets when under 12 years old and obeying no-wake zones, especially near marinas and densely populated areas. - Keep in mind that some areas may have noise restrictions. Maintain a modest speed when approaching populated shoreline areas to ensure you comply.---**Sheltering Options:**7. **Bays for Shelter:** - **Brown’s Cove & Yacht Club:** If bad weather hits, these cove areas within the harbor are excellent for seeking protection from waves and wind. - **Black Rock Harbor:** Offers good shelter and access to facilities and amenities should unexpected weather conditions arise.---In conclusion, this route offers both the thrill of enjoying the scenic coastline and the warmth of discovering the local environment. It caters to the safety-conscious boater while presenting plenty of educational and recreational opportunities. With the right planning, your trip from Milford to Bridgeport will not only keep you safe but also leave you with cherished memories. Lastly, don’t forget to downaload helpful boating apps like **Savvy Navvy**, which can provide real-time navigation assistance, alongside others such as Navionics and iNavX, for a fully enriched experience on your journey. Happy cruising!