### Pilotage Plan: Port Saint Lucie, Florida to Palm City, Florida#### OverviewThis journey from Port Saint Lucie to Palm City offers a delightful cruise along the St. Lucie River. The route is well-suited for recreational boaters of all experience levels, providing both scenic views and ample opportunities to explore local attractions. Safety is paramount, so let's chart a course that keeps you informed and secure throughout your voyage.---#### Route Description1. **Departure from Port Saint Lucie** Start your trip in the Port Saint Lucie area, navigating out of the local marina. As you embark on your journey, you’ll have access to various amenities in this bustling waterfront community. To head towards Palm City, you’ll want to make your way up the St. Lucie River, maneuvering carefully among any steering shoals and marshy areas. 2. **Navigational Aids & Starting Challenge** Watch for buoys marking the center of the river, particularly those indicating 6-foot depth contours. Familiarize yourself with local navigational charts and keep your eyes peeled for markers such as Red Right Returning—this will help confirm your direction. Pay attention to any signs of shifting currents, especially after rainfall.3. **Points of Interest Along the Way** - **Savannas Preserve State Park:** Just north on the river, this park is worth an exploration stop. It’s a vast natural area, perfect for bird watching or a short picnic. Consider taking the dinghy ashore for an adventure on foot. - **Lawnwood Stadium:** Sports enthusiasts can take a detour to view the stadium, which hosts local baseball events and is often bustling with community activity. 4. **Shelter & Safety Considerations** Should the weather turn for the worse, several inlets and bays provide shelter, including the **St. Lucie Inlet** which is just a bit further east at the river's mouth. The inlet’s relatively protected waters can serve as a haven during sudden storms. Conversely, if you must retreat due to inclement weather, returning south back to Port Saint Lucie might also be prudent.---#### The Last Stretch to Palm City5. **Final Navigation Zigs and Zags** As you approach Palm City, continue following the St. Lucie River northward, closely maintaining awareness of the shifting markers which guide the deeper channels. Just before reaching Palm City, you’ll encounter the **Florida East Coast Railway Bridge** that spans the river. Be mindful of the bridge clearance; it opens at scheduled times, so check the local bridge schedule to avoid unplanned delays.6. **Palm City Arrival** Upon arrival in Palm City, you’ll find several docking options available. Local marinas provide excellent amenities, waterfront dining, and are well-equipped for both transient and local boaters. Palm City boasts friendly locals, vibrant community offerings, and recreational opportunities, from dining to nature trails.---#### Important Navigational Regulations- Maintain a safe speed and watch for waterway traffic.- Be aware of local no-wake zones, especially near marinas and residential areas.- Check for any seasonal regulations, particularly concerning fishing and manatee awareness.---#### Recommended Boating AppsTo enhance safety and navigation during your trip, consider using the following apps:1. **Savvy Navvy** – User-friendly for route planning and real-time navigation.2. **Navionics** – Excellent for marine charts and detailed local depth information.3. **Windy** – A great resource for real-time weather updates and forecasts.---#### ConclusionThis journey from Port Saint Lucie to Palm City promises stunning scenery with a mix of natural beauty and local charm. As you navigate these waters, be sure to embrace the tranquility of the river while remaining vigilant about your surroundings. With the right preparations, knowledge, and a bit of adventure, this trip is sure to be a memorable one. Enjoy your time on the water!