### Pilotage Plan: New London, Connecticut to Bridgeport, Connecticut#### OverviewThis route along the Connecticut coastline offers a delightful mix of scenic beauty, charming communities, and opportunities for safe anchorage. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or relatively new to the nautical world, this journey provides both a relaxing cruise and an engaging exploration of the local maritime environment.#### Route Description**Starting Point: New London, CT** Your journey begins at the New London Harbor, a bustling port known for its stunning waterfront and rich maritime history. As you leave the harbor, keep an eye on the navigational aids in place—especially the numerous buoys marking safe channels.**Noteworthy Aids along the Route** As you navigate this stretch, you will encounter several critical navigational aids, including:- **New London Ledge Light**: Located just outside of New London, this iconic lighthouse serves as a prominent landmark and helps in determining your position relative to the main shipping lanes.- **Groton Long Point**: Just to the northeast of your route, it's useful to note this landmark when positioning yourself relative to nearby currents and potential hazards.**Attractions Along the Way** While maintaining your nautical bearings, consider these points of interest and areas for potential stops:- **Fishers Island**: This small island, located about 2 miles off the coast, is a scenic stop where you can enjoy quiet beaches and hiking trails. It’s particularly safe to harbor in if conditions get rough.- **Noank Village**: This charming seaside village offers picturesque views and is perfect for a brief exploration before heading onward. The harbor here is accommodating for transient boats. **Navigational Hazards** Pay particular attention to the following hazards:- **Mitchell College Jetty**: Stay clear of the rocky outcrop on the southern side as it can be tricky, especially during bad weather or fog.- **Fishers Island Sound**: Depending on tidal conditions, this area can become choppy. Check local tide tables as you approach.#### Shelters and Safe Havens- **Mystic Harbor**: Located slightly to the north of your direct route, Mystic is a fantastic stop for shelter. The harbor is well-marked and offers ample amenities including refueling, dining, and maintenance.- **Stonington Harbor**: Along the way, if the weather begins to turn, this charming harbor provides a calm refuge, complete with quaint waterfront cafés and shops.#### Final Stretch to Bridgeport On your final leg toward Bridgeport, the following should be noted:- **Navigational Aids**: Keep an eye on the prevailing currents and the numerous channel markers as you make your way into the busy Bridgeport Harbor. The channel is well-marked, so follow the designated path closely.- **Bridgeport Bridge**: As you approach Bridgeport, be aware of any bridge openings. Monitor local VHF channels for any announcements regarding bridge operations to ensure you can navigate smoothly through if necessary.#### Regulations to Consider- **Speed Limits**: Be aware of the speed zones as you enter various harbors. These regulations are in place to protect local wildlife and ensure the safety of all waterway users.- **No-wake Zones**: Many areas along the shore and in harbors feature no-wake zones to minimize disturbance. Pay particular attention to these areas to avoid penalties and to respect the local ecology.#### Boating AppsTo enhance your navigation and keep you informed along the way, it’s wise to utilize boating apps such as:- **Savvy Navvy**: Known for its intuitive interface and excellent charting capabilities.- **Navionics**: Useful for detailed maps and route planning.- **Windy**: A great tool to monitor weather conditions and forecasts.### ConclusionThis route from New London to Bridgeport is more than just a means to an end; it’s an exploration of Connecticut's beautiful coastline. With plenty of opportunities for shelter and sights to see, you can enjoy the journey while prioritizing safety. Whether you are looking for a peaceful day on the water or an adventurous outing, this pilotage plan will serve your needs well. Safe travels!