**Pilotage Plan from Port St. Joe, FL to Destin, FL****Starting Point: Port St. Joe, FL** You’re launching from Port St. Joe, a charming coastal town known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Before setting off, it's a good idea to fuel up and check local marine weather reports. Port St. Joe is nestled between St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, providing exquisite views and excellent fishing opportunities. Make sure to stop by the Port St. Joe Marina for any last-minute supplies and to ensure your vessel is seaworthy for the upcoming journey.**Route Overview:** The journey from Port St. Joe to Destin is a roughly 35 nautical mile passage. This trip offers scenic coastal views, delightful small bays, and some excellent points of interest along the way. Ideal for cruisers who enjoy a relaxing pace with opportunities for exploration, this route is particularly suitable for intermediate to seasoned boaters who are familiar with navigation and weather considerations.### 1. **Departure: Port St. Joe**As you depart the marina, head southwest out into St. Joseph Bay. The waters here are relatively calm, but be cautious of shifting shoals, particularly near the entrance. ### 2. **Navigating St. Joseph Bay**Once you’re past the bay's entrance, keep a lookout for navigation aids. The St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse is a notable landmark, and it serves as a great reference point. Pay attention to the red and green channel markers as you approach the Gulf. Staying within the channels is critical to avoid grounding in the shallow waters.### 3. **Gulf of Mexico Crossing**After you’ve successfully navigated through St. Joseph Bay, you’ll make your way into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Throughout your crossing, it’s important to monitor local weather reports, as conditions can change rapidly. This leg of the journey can be exhilarating, but be cautious of potential weather disturbances. Consider using local apps like savvy navvy for real-time navigation updates and safety alerts.### 4. **Shelter Options:**If the weather turns and you need to seek shelter, look towards: - **Mexico Beach**: Roughly 8 nautical miles west from Port St. Joe, it’s a quaint beach town with a marina where you can wait out inclement weather. - **St. Andrew’s Bay**: Just before reaching Panama City, this large, protected bay offers various anchorages if conditions worsen.### 5. **Points of Interest Along the Way**- **Cape San Blas**: Beautiful beaches where you can take a short break to stretch your legs or enjoy the stunning views. Make sure to keep an eye out for dolphin pods in the area!- **Panama City Beach**: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this area has plenty of opportunities for food and activities. If you're inclined, you could consider a pit stop here, but be mindful of the busy water traffic. ### 6. **Entering Destin, FL**As you approach Destin, the coastline becomes more developed with numerous marinas and waterfront restaurants that offer great food. Make sure to keep an eye on the numerous boats in the area, as it can be busier than your previous legs. The entrance has buoys that guide you safely into the harbor—pay close attention, as the currents here can be tricky.### 7. **Navigational Aids**Throughout your route, you'll come across multiple navigational aids that are crucial for safe passage. Ensure you have updated nautical charts or reliable marine navigation apps. Familiarize yourself with navigation aids such as:- **Buoys** marking channels- **Lighthouses**, which serve as excellent reference points- **Depth markers**, especially as you approach the shallow waters around Destin### 8. **Local Regulations**Stay updated on local boating regulations in both St. Joe and Destin, particularly concerning speed limits, no-wake zones, and anchoring restrictions in certain areas. As you enter the Destin vicinity, additional regulations regarding fishing licenses may apply if you plan to drop a line.This well-rounded trip provides both safety and pleasure, with ample opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenery and explore local landscapes. Whether you’re an intermediate sailor looking to improve your coastal navigation skills or a seasoned cruiser seeking delightful waters to traverse, this journey from Port St. Joe to Destin is sure to be rewarding. Be prepared, stay vigilant, and enjoy the natural beauty along your passage!