**Pilotage Plan: Naples, NA, IT to Bacoli, NA, IT****1. Overview of the Route:**Your journey will take you from the bustling port city of Naples to the charming coastal town of Bacoli, a distance of approximately 8 nautical miles. This trip is particularly suitable for recreational boaters, day sailors, and those seeking a scenic cruise along the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Naples. The relatively short distance allows for a leisurely exploration while providing ample opportunities to enjoy the sea, sights, and surroundings.**2. Points of Interest and Landmarks:**As you set sail from Naples, you'll be greeted by stunning views of the iconic Mount Vesuvius to the east. Keep an eye out for:- **Castel dell'Ovo:** As you depart, the medieval fortress situated on the small island of Megaride is a fantastic backdrop. Consider anchoring for a quick visit and a photo op. - **Mergellina Harbor:** This lovely area, known for its seaside promenade, provides ample opportunity for relaxation and dining. A short stop can revive your energy before continuing your trip. - **Palazzo Donn'Anna:** An interesting site to observe from the water, this historic villa is another great photo opportunity and enables a glimpse of local architecture.- **Ischia and Procida:** If time permits, slight detours to these volcanic islands can make for unforgettable experiences.- **Lake Fusaro:** Close to Bacoli, this picturesque lake is bordered by lush vegetation and ancient Roman ruins. It could be worth a quick exploration before reaching your destination.**3. Sheltering Bays:**If the weather turns unfavorable, there are several bays where you can seek refuge along the route:- **Bays of Mergellina:** Offers good shelter with amenities should the wind pick up or a sudden squall arise. - **Bacoli Bay:** Directly in front of Bacoli, it's your final haven, providing excellent protection from most wind directions.**4. Navigational Aids and Route Guidance:**Navigating from Naples to Bacoli is straightforward but requires attention to important navigational aids:- **Provide a Safe Distance from Shore:** Maintain a minimum of 50 meters from the shore to avoid shallow areas, particularly near Mergellina and while passing by boat traffic. - **Buoys and Markers:** Watch for lateral marks guiding vessels into the larger marina areas. Familiarize yourself with the marks along the way, noting which side they indicate.- **Traffic Considerations:** Be cautious of local fishing vessels and ferry traffic, particularly around Napoli’s bustling harbor and near the islands. Maintain a vigilant watch and adjust your course, as necessary.- **Speed Limits:** Be aware of the local 5-knot speed limits when approaching populated beach areas to minimize wake and ensure safety for small boats and swimmers.**5. Regulatory Considerations:**While navigating this route, you must adhere to local maritime regulations. Ensure you have the required licenses for operating your vessel, and be aware that you might encounter maritime patrols along commercial routes. Always keep life jackets available, and embark with safety gear including flares, a VHF radio, and first-aid supplies.**6. Suggested Boating Apps:**To enhance your navigation and safety experience, using a few handy applications can be very beneficial:- **Savvy Navvy:** Excellent for route planning and real-time navigation, it provides up-to-date charts and can help you monitor your position with ease. - **Navionics:** Another reliable app for checking local charts, navigating your route, and finding points of interest along the coast.- **MarineTraffic:** Great for tracking other vessels and obtaining broader context on boat traffic in the area.**Conclusion:**Embarking on this trip from Naples to Bacoli, you can expect beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and delightful stops filled with charm and local flavor. The route is manageable yet beckons adventure, making it ideal for both experienced sailors and those new to the joys of boating. Keep safety as your foremost priority, but also relish the serene atmosphere and opportunity for exploration. Enjoy your voyage!