**Pilotage Plan: Palm City, Florida to West Palm Beach, Florida****Trip Overview**This route takes you from the quaint coastal town of Palm City to the vibrant West Palm Beach. The journey spans approximately 40 nautical miles, weaving through picturesque waterways and offering both scenic beauty and potential fun stops along the way. Perfect for a recreational boater, this trip requires a keen awareness of local hazards, navigation aids, and opportunities for picturesque shelter in case of inclement weather.---### **Route Description****1. Departure from Palm City**Your adventure begins in Palm City, where the St. Lucie River flows gracefully. Head southwest and steer towards the St. Lucie Inlet, channeling your vessel into the wide-open waters. As you depart, keep an eye out for local wildlife and the tropical flora that line the shores.**2. Navigating the St. Lucie River**As you navigate the St. Lucie River, pay close attention to the marked channels, as shoaling can occur in certain areas. The river offers various marinas, such as the Palm City Yacht Club, making it an ideal spot to fuel up before venturing into the Atlantic.**3. Entering the Atlantic Ocean**Upon reaching the St. Lucie Inlet (approximately 10 nautical miles), be mindful of tidal currents, which can be quite strong, especially during outgoing tides. Once you pass through the inlet, you'll find yourself in the Atlantic Ocean, where the vast expanse offers a delightful change of scenery. **4. Point of Interest: Hutchinson Island**As you continue along the coast, consider stopping at Hutchinson Island - a beautiful barrier island featuring pristine beaches and natural parks. Whether for a short swim, a leisurely walk, or a quick picnic, Hutchinson Island offers an excellent respite before continuing your journey.**5. Continuing Along the Coast**Make your way south-southwest. Take note of the navigational aids like buoys and beacons: *Boca Inlet Light* to your southeast and the *Southeast Breakers Light* marking dangers along the coastline. Keep a constant lookout for local fishermen and other recreational vessels, especially near known fishing spots.**6. Safe Harbor Options: Lake Worth**If the weather conditions turn unfavorable, consider diverting into Lake Worth, a well-known natural harbor. This area is sheltered and provides ample anchorage for fuel stations and provisions. Alternatively, the Boynton Harbor Marina is a great place to stop for a meal and wait for any hazardous weather to pass.---### **Navigational Considerations**- **Tides and Currents:** Be aware of the tides when navigating the St. Lucie Inlet and the open waters. Using tide charts will help you optimize your timing when traveling through these areas.- **Occasional Traffic:** Monitor VHF Channel 16 for any communications from nearby vessels. You may also want to plan your departure during non-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic.- **Weather Monitoring:** Keep a reliable weather app handy (Savvy Navvy is recommended for its marine-specific insights) to track changes in weather, particularly in summer months when thunderstorms are prevalent.- **Local Regulations:** Always comply with local ordinances regarding no-wake zones, especially near marinas and residential areas, ensuring safety for all water users.---### **Concluding Thoughts**This route from Palm City to West Palm Beach invites you into a world of shimmering blue waters and sandy shores, sprinkled with opportunities for both adventure and retreat. Recommended for both seasoned sailors and casual boaters alike, it ensures safety while balancing the enjoyment of Florida’s remarkable coastal beauty. Stay vigilant, heed local guidelines, and relish the journey ahead!