**Pilotage Plan from Old Lyme, Connecticut to Mystic, Connecticut****Route Overview:**This delightful passage from Old Lyme to Mystic offers an excellent mix of scenic beauty, navigational challenges, and opportunities for shelter along the way. It's suitable for intermediate to experienced boaters who are comfortable with coastal navigation.**Starting Point: Old Lyme, CT**Situated on the Connecticut River, Old Lyme is just a short distance from more open waters. Before departing, ensure that you’ve checked local weather conditions and tide tables. As you cast off, the marshy landscapes of the Old Lyme area will provide picturesque views, often buzzing with local wildlife – a perfect start to your journey.**Leg 1: Old Lyme to the Connecticut River Entrance**Your first move will be navigating down the Connecticut River. Keep a lookout for the many pleasure and fishing boats as you head towards the river's mouth. Pay special attention to the navigational aids, such as buoys and markers that delineate the channel. The marshlands on either side can create a bit of a tidal influence, so it's best to time your exit to avoid any strong currents.**Points of Interest:**- **Old Lyme’s Historic District:** Before heading out fully, consider a quick exploration of the town's charming streets, featuring historical homes and art galleries.**Leg 2: Long Island Sound**Once you reach the mouth of the Connecticut River, you’ll transition into Long Island Sound. This area is known for its open waters, so stay alert for large commercial vessels as you navigate eastward. The best course will generally keep you about 1-2 nautical miles offshore. This gives you the chance to avoid shipping channels while still enjoying the view of Long Island across the water.Pay attention to your chart plotter and keep an eye out for distant landmarks. The famous Watch Hill Light off Rhode Island becomes a notable point as you approach it from your starboard.**Shelter Points Along the Way:**With the potential for sudden weather changes typical of New England, you might consider two bays for emergency shelter:- **Saybrook Point and Harbor:** Just west of the Connecticut River entrance, this harbor offers a safe haven where you can drop anchor if needed.- **Clinton Harbor:** Another great spot, Clinton Harbor is well-marked with buoys and provides good shelter against winds from the south.**Leg 3: Approaching Mystic**As you continue eastward, you’ll want to start looking for the entrance to Mystic River. Once you spot the Mystic Seaport, with its tall masts and charming collection of historic boats, you are right on track. This is also a great opportunity for some leisurely sightseeing as you approach your destination.**Navigational Aids:**Keep a sharp eye on your charts and adjust your course as necessary. The buoys along the Mystic River can be tricky, so follow them closely as you navigate to avoid shallow spots. Always remember to observe local no-wake zones to preserve the tranquility of this beautiful area and ensure the safety of other boaters.**Arriving in Mystic: Mystic, CT**The Mystic River will bring you right into the heart of Mystic, where you can enjoy the sights of the iconic Mystic Seaport, a social and historical gem. You might want to spend time exploring the town, visiting the Mystic Aquarium, or sampling the local seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants. **Final Notes on Safety and Regulations:**Before setting out, ensure that you have all necessary safety equipment on board, including life jackets, flares, a fire extinguisher, and a first-aid kit. Familiarize yourself with local boating regulations, especially regarding wake zones in populated areas like Mystic. Utilizing a boating app like savvy navvy can be immensely helpful as you navigate this route, providing you with up-to-date charts, tide information, and weather alerts, ensuring your journey remains as smooth as possible.In summary, this route from Old Lyme to Mystic blends the serene beauty of Connecticut's coastline with the excitement of navigating through varied waters. It’s an enriching experience that offers both challenges and delightful opportunities to explore the local culture. Happy boating!