### Pilotage Plan: New London, Connecticut to Mystic, Connecticut#### Starting Point: New London, CT **Coordinates:** -72.0976666667, 41.3362 **Notable Features:** New London is rich in maritime history, home to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the historic New London Waterfront Park. Before setting sail, consider taking a stroll along the waterfront to appreciate the views and tide changes.#### End Point: Mystic, CT **Coordinates:** -71.9726, 41.3486833333 **Attractions:** Mystic is famed for its charming village, the Mystic Seaport Museum, and the Mystic Aquarium. You can also enjoy local dining options with superb seafood.### Route OverviewThis route along the Long Island Sound is ideally suited for intermediate to experienced boaters due to its picturesque environment coupled with some demarcated hazards. Given the distance is around 10 nautical miles, enjoy a leisurely cruise while keeping safety in mind.### Route Details#### 1. Departing New London Harbor - As you leave New London, remain vigilant for ferry traffic operating in the area, especially the Cross Sound Ferry. This is particularly nerve-wracking during peak tourist seasons, so always maintain a lookout.#### 2. Navigating the Long Island Sound - Keep to the designated channel and monitor the following navigational aids: - **New London Harbor Light:** Be aware of this lighthouse and give it a berth, as it's a crucial marker for incoming traffic. - **Buoys and Markers:** Follow the channel markers along the Sound, specifically the Red/Green buoys guiding vessels safely away from shoals.#### 3. Entering Fisher's Island Sound - As you steer into Fisher's Island Sound, the waters may become choppier, depending on the wind conditions. This is a good opportunity to adjust your speed and tighten your safety gear. ##### **Shelter Options:**- If weather conditions start worsening, anchor in **Fishers Island** or the nearby **Noank Harbor**, which are excellent spots for protection against prevalent Northeast winds. #### 4. Approaching Mystic - As you approach Mystic, the last stretch requires attention. You will enter a more confined section where boat traffic increases with recreational vessels and kayakers. - Be mindful of local regulations. The Mystic River has a no-wake zone in certain areas, which is enforced rigorously during the busy summer months.### Important Navigational Considerations- **Weather Awareness:** Always check weather forecasts and real-time updates before departure. Strong winds and sudden storms can affect your route biology.- **VHF Radio:** Maintain a working VHF radio, ideally VHF Channel 16, for emergency communication and to stay informed about local conditions and possible broadcasts.- **Tidal Currents:** Monitor the tidal charts; the currents can be swift, especially near the mouth of the Mystic River. ### Points of Interest Along the Route- **Fort Trumbull State Park:** A great historical stop if you’re interested in exploring coastal fortifications.- **Groton Long Point:** A lovely place for a brief detour if you want to engage in some fishing or explore local beaches.#### Suggested Boating AppsTo enhance your boating experience and safety, I recommend using:- **Savvy Navvy:** A user-friendly app that provides navigation and weather details crucial for safe voyaging.- **Navionics:** Useful for detailed nautical charts and local information.- **Windy:** For real-time weather updates, essential for mindful navigation.### Conclusion This route from New London to Mystic is not just a safe passage; it's a delightful journey through some of New England's breathtaking seaside scenery. By prioritizing safety with attention to detail in navigational aids and prevailing conditions, you can enjoy everything this unique waterway has to offer. Whether you're a leisure boater aiming for a gentle cruise or an experienced sailor navigating through the twists of local currents, this route promises both safety and memorable experiences!