**Pilotage Plan from Piraeus to Nafplio****Route Overview:**Starting your journey from Piraeus, a bustling port city close to Athens, you will navigate along the Saronic Gulf, known for its stunning views, charming islands, and historical sites, before continuing through the Argolic Gulf towards Nafplio. This route is well-suited for experienced sailors and leisure boaters alike, offering a glimpse into the rich maritime culture of Greece.**Sections of the Route:**1. **Piraeus to Hydra:** - **Distance:** Approximately 37 nautical miles. - **Navigation Considerations:** As you depart from Piraeus, be mindful of commercial traffic in the port. Keep an eye on the navigation markers indicating the deeper shipping lanes. - **Hazards:** Look out for ferry routes and fishing boats, particularly near the islands. - **Points of Interest:** - **Hydra Island:** A car-free island famous for its stone mansions and scenic hamlets. It’s a great spot for lunch or exploring. - **Shelter Bay:** The harbor at Hydra is an excellent place to anchor, providing safe shelter from unexpected winds.2. **Hydra to Spetses:** - **Distance:** Approximately 17 nautical miles. - **Navigational Aids:** Use the lighthouse on Hydra as a key marker for navigation. Maintain a watch for small craft in this popular tourist area. - **Points of Interest:** - **Spetses:** Known for its elegant architecture, Spetses offers lovely beaches and charming taverns. The harbor allows for easy anchoring, providing a safe haven if the weather changes.3. **Spetses to Porto Heli:** - **Distance:** About 12 nautical miles. - **Navigation Considerations:** Keep to the eastern side of the channel for deeper waters, and watch out for shallow patches as you approach Porto Heli. - **Points of Interest:** - **Saronic Gulf Coastline:** Beautiful views and several small islands worth a detour for a swim. - **Porto Heli:** A lovely anchorage with plenty of shelter. Its vibrant town offers various amenities and attractions.4. **Porto Heli to Nafplio:** - **Distance:** Roughly 27 nautical miles. - **Navigational Aids:** As you approach Nafplio, follow the buoyed channels closely to avoid shallow areas along the coast. - **Points of Interest:** - **Nafplio:** On arrival, immerse yourself in the historical charm of this town, with its Venetian architecture, the Palamidi Fortress, and the picturesque waterfront. - **Shelter Opportunities:** Nafplio's harbor offers excellent shelter from the elements, making it a perfect end point for your journey.**Safety Considerations:**- Always check the local weather and sea conditions before setting off. Greek winds can be variable, and sudden changes can occur. - Monitor VHF radio channels for navigational alerts and local communications.- Ensure your navigation equipment is functioning properly, and consider having backups (such as charts and a compass).- Familiarize yourself with local regulations, including speed limits in crowded areas and marine protected zones.- Ensure you have adequate safety gear aboard, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit.**Boating Apps:**For navigation support, I recommend using apps like Navionics and iNavX, but don't forget to have savvy navvy as a go-to tool. It provides interactive maps and real-time weather data, making it invaluable for your journey.In conclusion, this route not only ensures safety through well-charted waters and numerous stopping points for exploration; it also allows for a memorable voyage enriched by Greek history and breathtaking scenery. Perfect for those ready for a delightful maritime adventure while keeping safety the priority. Enjoy your time on the water!