**Pilotage Plan for the Trip from Portsmouth, GB to Shoreham by Sea, GB****Start Point: Portsmouth, Hampshire, GB**Your journey begins in Portsmouth, a vibrant city known for its rich maritime history and modern marine facilities. Before setting sail, ensure your vessel is well-prepared, fuelled, and stocked with all necessary safety gear, including life jackets, flares, and a VHF radio. The Solent is a bustling waterway, so be prepared for commercial traffic, especially ferries and container ships.**Notable Landmarks and Points of Interest** - **Portsmouth Historic Dockyard**: Before heading out, take the opportunity to visit the Historic Dockyard, home to iconic ships like HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. - **Spinnaker Tower**: This modern landmark offers stunning views of the Solent and is a great way to orient yourself before your journey.**Route Overview**The route from Portsmouth to Shoreham by Sea is approximately 16 nautical miles along the South Coast of England. The entire trip should take around 3-4 hours under pleasant sailing conditions. The ideal conditions for this journey are light to moderate winds and smooth seas, as the Solent can often become choppy.**Navigational Considerations Along the Route** 1. **Portsmouth Harbour Entrance**: Keep an eye on the buoys marking the harbour entrance, especially when navigating through this busy area. The entrance is marked by the East and West Solent buoys. 2. **Isle of Wight**: Keep the Isle of Wight to your South as you travel along the eastern reach of your route. While it’s not directly on your course, its presence is a constant reminder of navigation safety and awareness.3. **Langstone Harbour**: As you leave Portsmouth, you might consider a detour into Langstone Harbour. It offers excellent shelter in inclement weather conditions, but be sure to check the tide tables as it can dry out.4. **Hayling Island**: On route, you may enjoy the picturesque views of Hayling Island. While you won’t dock here, it’s a lovely sight, and the area is known for its water sports opportunities.5. **Northney Marina**: If the weather takes a turn for the worse, Northney Marina at Hayling Island offers a safe haven with full services available.**Important Navigational Aids** - Pay attention to the **Royal Navy’s Port Control** communications, particularly regarding commercial maritime traffic. - Look out for **The Nab Tower**, a crucial mark and a helpful landmark as you approach the midpoint of your route. - As you near Shoreham, be mindful of the **Shoreham Port** and the restrictions associated with commercial traffic and timings. **Shelter and Safety Options** If the weather changes abruptly, potential shelter spots include:- **Langstone Harbour**: as previously mentioned.- **Chichester Harbour**: a bit out of your direct path, but another excellent option with plenty of mooring opportunities.- **Shoreham Harbour** itself is a well-equipped port with ample facilities for a safe resting point.**Arrival Point: Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex, GB** Upon reaching Shoreham by Sea, you’ll find a charming town with a friendly marina environment. The area is perfect for enjoying local eateries, shops, and the beach. **Regulatory Compliance** While navigating this route, remember to adhere to the local regulations concerning maritime traffic, including keeping a lookout for fishing vessels and recreational boats. Always maintain a proper lookout and ensure communication on the VHF radio is strong, especially around busy ports and marinas. For enhanced navigation and safety planning, consider using marine apps like **savvy navvy** for route planning and updated weather forecasts, along with other resources such as Navionics and MarineTraffic.**Boater Profile** This route is ideal for intermediate boaters who have experience navigating busy harbors but who enjoy scenic coastal routes. The mix of potentially rough waters and serene bays offers the chance for both excitement and relaxation. Set your sail and enjoy the journey along this historic yet lively stretch of the UK coastline while keeping safety your priority.