### Pilotage Plan for a Boat Trip from Port Angeles, WA to Port Ludlow, WA**Route Overview:**Embarking on this journey from Port Angeles to Port Ludlow offers an excellent blend of beautiful scenery, cultural landmarks, and sheltered bays. This route is particularly suitable for intermediate to experienced boaters, given the occasional tidal currents and busy marine traffic in parts of the route. The journey takes you through the stunning waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Puget Sound, allowing you to appreciate Washington’s breathtaking coastal landscapes.**Leg 1: Port Angeles Departure**1. **Starting Point: Port Angeles, WA** - Ensure your boat is fully equipped, and check weather forecasts. The waters can be unpredictable, especially if storms arise. - From the harbor, you will navigate toward the east.2. **Navigational Aids:** - Pay attention to the Port Angeles Harbor Light (Fl R 4s 21ft 10M, near the breakwater), which marks the entrance and is vital for safe exit from the harbor. - The safety of the bar should be your first concern, especially around the harbor entrance, where tidal flows can be strong.3. **Shelter Opportunities:** - If weather conditions worsen upon departure, consider returning to Port Angeles or taking refuge in Ediz Hook, which offers protection from northwesterly winds.**Leg 2: En Route to Sequim Bay**1. **Leaving Port Angeles:** - Set a course toward Sequim Bay. This bay is a picturesque stopover and is about 8 nautical miles from Port Angeles. - Watch for freighter traffic as you navigate towards your first waypoint.2. **Notable Landmarks:** - Keep an eye out for the Dungeness Spit Lighthouse (located about 5 miles to the west), a historical site worth viewing from a distance.3. **Shelter Options:** - Sequim Bay State Park acts as an excellent refuge point. It's well-protected and offers facilities for resting and picnicking. - The head of Sequim Bay provides good anchorage with depths suitable for various boat types.**Leg 3: Passing Through Hood Canal**1. **Course Adjustment:** - After Sequim Bay, set a course southwest towards the entrance of Hood Canal. This area is known for its calm waters and scenic beauty.2. **Navigational Cautions:** - Monitor tide charts since the currents in Hood Canal can be significant. Some channels are quite narrow with limited depth. - Be vigilant regarding the many buoys and markers that indicate safe channels for navigation.3. **Interesting Stops:** - Stop at Sooke Harbor if desired to refuel or explore local shops and eateries offering fresh seafood and local attractions.**Leg 4: Closing in on Port Ludlow**1. **Final Destination Approach:** - As you navigate northeast towards Port Ludlow, be vigilant of recreational boat traffic. This area is popular for sailing enthusiasts. - The final approach toward Port Ludlow requires navigating the junction of the southern reach of Admiralty Inlet and the northern approaches to the Puget Sound.2. **Navigational Aids:** - Ensure constant vigilance on the buoys marking the channel leading into Port Ludlow, especially near the entrance, where shoaling can occur.3. **Arrival at Port Ludlow:** - Port Ludlow is a great place to rest, with a marina that boasts various amenities, including dining options and parks. - The surrounding waterfront and the nearby Olympic Peninsula offer stunning landscape views, making your arrival feel rewarding.**Safety Considerations:**- Always carry a VHF radio for communication, especially for emergency updates on weather and navigation.- Familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding boating in these waters, including no-wake zones in marinas and restrictions on fishing activities.- Be fully prepared with life jackets, flares, and a first aid kit onboard.**Recommended Apps:**While at sea, use navigation apps for added safety; I recommend using Savvy Navvy for its excellent charting capabilities and ease of navigating the complex waterways. Other useful apps include Navionics and predictWind for weather updates.This route not only prioritizes safety but also immerses you in some of the finest scenery that Washington State has to offer, making it a fantastic boating adventure suited for the avid mariner. Happy and safe cruising!