**Pilotage Plan for a Boat Trip from Narragansett, Rhode Island to Block Island, Rhode Island****Trip Overview:**This trip from Narragansett, RI, to Block Island offers an exceptional cruising experience, perfectly blending scenic views, rich maritime history, and potential for a safe and enjoyable outing, especially suited for intermediate to advanced boaters who are comfortable with navigating coastal waters. The distance you’ll cover is approximately 11 nautical miles (NMs), making it a perfect day trip or a weekend getaway.**Departure Point: Narragansett, Rhode Island**Start your journey at the picturesque Narragansett Town Beach, which serves as a delightful background for your adventure. Before setting off, ensure your boat is equipped with safety gear—life jackets, flares, a first aid kit, and a VHF radio should be aboard at all times.**Route Navigation:**1. **Initial Departure:** From Narragansett, head southeast towards the Point Judith Lighthouse, a prominent navigational aid. The lighthouse, located at coordinates 41.4171°N, 71.5589°W, is a great landmark for confirming your course and ensuring your heading is correct.2. **Battle Risks:** As you navigate, be mindful of the exposed waters of the Rhode Island Sound, which can become choppy, particularly with high winds or during tidal changes. It's crucial to monitor the weather beforehand using reliable apps like Windy or NOAA weather forecasts. Set your course to a heading of about 140° to maintain a straight line toward Block Island.3. **Navigational Aids:** Keep an eye on the various navigational aids along the route, including buoys marking the navigable channels. Focusing on the red and green channel markers will help you safely traverse any shallower waters. The Point Judith Marina, situated nearby, can be a good reference point if adjustments need to be made. 4. **Potential Shelter:** Should the weather turn unfriendly, you can divert to Point Judith Harbor. This sheltered harbor offers a safe haven with enough space for vessels to anchor comfortably if the conditions become untenable. The harbor also has several facilities if more extensive shelter is necessary.5. **Points of Interest:** As you cruise, don’t miss the beautiful coastal scenery along the way, with views of stunning beaches and the distant highlands of Block Island. If conditions allow, consider a short detour to the scenic Mohegan Bluffs, where dramatic clay cliffs rise sharply from the sea—a perfect spot for your crew to stretch their legs.**Entering Block Island:**As you approach Block Island, look for the Block Island Southeast Lighthouse, positioned at the southeastern point of the island. This aids in confirming that you are indeed arriving at your destination. The entrance to the Great Salt Pond is well-marked, and you’ll find moorings available, along with a public dock for temporary docking.**Local Regulations:**It’s important to respect local navigation regulations, especially around the marine protected areas on Block Island. Pay attention to signage that indicates restricted areas for wildlife or underwater habitats. Always adhere to speed limits, particularly near populated beaches and marinas to ensure the safety of swimmers and other vessels.**Conclusion:**The trip from Narragansett to Block Island presents an incredible blend of safe navigation and natural beauty, making it truly suitable for experienced boaters looking to explore the wealth of coastal treasures in this region. With strategic perhaps unexpected stops, safety precautions, and attentiveness to changing weather patterns, your journey can not only be enjoyable but also secure. For your navigation needs, consider using apps like savvy navvy to stay updated on routes and weather conditions during your trip. Embrace the fresh ocean air and the allure of exploration—this is a route you won’t want to miss!