### Pilotage Plan: Palma, ES to Calvia, ES**Departure from Palma:**Starting your journey in Palma, the vibrant capital of Mallorca, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning sights, such as the impressive Palma Cathedral (La Seu) and the historic Bellver Castle. Both landmarks are not just picturesque but also provide a sense of the rich culture and history of the island. As you prepare to set sail, ensure to check weather conditions and tides; this will be pivotal in ensuring a smooth journey.#### Route OverviewThe direct route from Palma to Calvia covers approximately 12 nautical miles, generally taking a couple of hours, depending on the vessel and weather. This route is best suited for recreational boater types with intermediate experience, as it involves some navigation along busy coastal waters, but offers ample opportunity for exploration.#### Navigational Considerations1. **Departing Palma:** - Use the electronic navigation aids available at the marina as you exit. Pay attention to the buoys marking the designated channel to avoid shallow areas. - Keep a watchful eye on ferry traffic that can be prevalent as you leave the marina.2. **Entering the Bay of Palma:** - Once clear of the marina, you will enter the Bay of Palma. Here, you can experience good sailing conditions—watch for ferries and local fishing vessels, and maintain a safe distance from the commercial shipping lanes.3. **Landmarks:** - As you cruise past Can Pastilla and Magaluf, these coastal resorts have beautiful beaches where you can stop briefly for a swim or a stroll along the promenade if time permits. - The **Illa de Sa Porrassa**, a picturesque small island just off the coast, is an excellent place for a quick detour if the weather is calm.#### Notable Shelters and Points of InterestShould the weather change, you have several options:- **Portals Nous:** A lovely marina that offers well-equipped facilities and a good place to take shelter from inclement weather if needed.- **Punta Negra:** Generally offers some calm waters to anchor if conditions worsen suddenly. #### Local Regulations- It's crucial to stay updated on local navigation laws. The Balearic waters have restrictions on speed limits, particularly near harbors and during peak tourist season, so keep your speed in check.- Monitor local VHF channels for maritime traffic updates or potential hazards, especially during the busy summer months.#### Arrival at CalviaAs you near Calvia, you’ll experience the dramatic coastal scenery along the way. The entrance to Calvia and the surrounding area is marked clearly with navigational aids, ensuring safe access. Make sure to approach slowly, as local traffic, including pleasure boats and jet skis, can congest this area.#### ConclusionThis trip from Palma to Calvia is a delightful blend of scenic views, rich culture, and opportunities for leisure and shelter. It caters well to intermediate boaters or families looking to combine sailing with relaxation and exploration. Remember to utilize reliable boating navigation apps like savvy navvy, Navionics, or iNavX for route planning and real-time navigation assistance.Your journey promises memories, beautiful vistas, and an experience where safety, when prioritized, can go hand in hand with pleasure out on the water. Have a splendid trip!