### Pilotage Plan from North Fort Myers, Florida, to Port Charlotte, Florida**Departure Point: North Fort Myers, Florida (26.6577° N, -81.8963° W)** **Destination Point: Port Charlotte, Florida (26.9586° N, -82.0808° W)**---### Overview:This cruise along the southwestern coast of Florida, spanning approximately 20 nautical miles, offers a blend of serene waters, scenic views, and opportunities for sheltered stops along the route. It's an excellent trip for intermediate to seasoned boaters who appreciate a comfortable day on the water while remaining primarily safety-conscious. ### Route Sections:#### 1. Starting at North Fort Myers:- **Departure Considerations**: Before departing, ensure the weather is clear and the tides favorable. The Caloosahatchee River can have strong currents, particularly during tidal changes. - **Navigational Aids**: Pay attention to the Caloosahatchee Lighthouse buoy as you begin your journey; it provides vital positioning as you navigate out of the river.#### 2. Passing through the Caloosahatchee River:- **Landmarks along the River**: Watch for the historic Edison and Ford Winter Estates. This landmark, while not directly on the water, offers a great onshore activity opportunity if you decide to anchor and visit.- **Hazards to Monitor**: Be cautious of shallow spots, particularly near the banks and local marinas. Stay aligned with the marked channel and pay close attention to depth soundings.#### 3. Approaching the Gulf of Mexico:- **Transition to Open Water**: As you exit the river mouth into the Gulf, the open water presents its own challenges. Before leaving, double-check local weather forecasts; storms can form quickly.- **Shelter Options**: The area around Pine Island Sound offers several sheltered bays. Particularly, Matlacha Pass provides a safe harbor if weather conditions change unexpectedly.#### 4. Navigating the Gulf:- **Coastal Navigational Aids**: Look for the prominent markers such as the Boca Grande Lighthouse. This serves as a significant point to ensure you’re on the correct navigational path.- **Depth Awareness**: The surrounding waters can shift dramatically in depth, so remain vigilant and utilize depth finders. Maintaining a close watch over your chart plotter is advised.#### 5. Entering Charlotte Harbor:- **Points of Interest**: As you get closer to Port Charlotte, consider taking a detour to utilize Fisherman's Village. This recreational complex offers shopping, dining, and beautiful views of the harbor.- **Local Regulations**: Be aware of any No Wake zones, especially near Port Charlotte and the community's residential areas.### Final Destination: Port Charlotte, FloridaAs you arrive, familiarize yourself with the Port Charlotte area, which is known for its well-kept marinas and hospitality. There are multiple facilities for transient boaters, and local amenities like restaurants and shops are within easy reach.### Safety and Navigation Considerations:- **Weather Monitoring**: Equip your vessel with a reliable weather app, including Savvy Navvy, to help watch for sudden changes in conditions. - **Local Regulations**: Before departure, check the latest local navigation rules, which may include speed limits in certain areas and restrictions on fishing or anchoring.- **Communication Equipment**: Ensure you have a VHF radio on board for emergency communications. Familiarize yourself with the local Coast Guard frequency for updates and assistance.### Conclusion:This trip from North Fort Myers to Port Charlotte perfectly balances convenience and safety. It provides a stunning maritime experience without venturing too far offshore. Ideal for boaters who prioritize safe navigation while relishing the beauty of Florida's coastline, this route is sure to please without compromising on the essentials. Enjoy the journey!