**Pilotage Plan: Sanremo, IM, Italy to Cannes, France****Departure: Sanremo, IM, Italy** Your adventure begins in the picturesque town of Sanremo, nestled along the Italian Riviera. As you prepare to set sail, ensure your vessel is equipped with all necessary safety gear, navigate using up-to-date nautical charts, and confirm your communications equipment is functioning properly. The area around Sanremo is typically calm, but keep an eye on local weather forecasts.**Route Overview** The journey spans approximately 30 nautical miles predominantly along the beautiful coastline of the French Riviera. This route is ideal for cruising sailors with moderate experience, as the main hazards are well-marked, but precautions are advised—especially with the potential for sudden weather changes.### Leg 1: Sanremo to Cap Martin As you leave Sanremo harbor behind, maintain a steady course of roughly 300 degrees leading you toward Cap Martin. This section is characterized by gentle coastal winds and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. Watch out for small fishing boats leaving the port and always keep a safe distance. As you approach Cap Martin, note the rocky coastline—it's advisable to stay at least 0.5 nautical miles offshore to avoid unmarked underwater hazards.**Shelter Point:** *Bays Along the Way* If you encounter inclement weather, you're in luck—around Cap Martin, the beautifully secluded Baie des Fourmis offers good shelter. It’s a perfect spot to anchor down, enjoy a meal, or simply wait out a storm. The bay is also an excellent place to relax and explore the coastline.### Leg 2: Cap Martin to Monaco Continuing northward along the coast, your next stop is the majestic Principality of Monaco. Set your course towards the entrance of the harbor, being mindful of the busy waters filled with boats of all kinds, especially yachts and tourist vessels. The entrance to Monaco can be congested, so approach carefully, and listen for any instructions from the harbor master.**Points of Interest:** Monaco is a thrilling stop—explore the renowned Monte Carlo Casino, stroll through the exotic gardens, or simply appreciate the stunning marina. This vibrant city-state provides a delightful atmosphere for a brief respite.### Leg 3: Monaco to Villefranche-sur-Mer Lead your vessel out of Monaco and follow the coastline towards Villefranche-sur-Mer. This segment of your journey is particularly scenic, with breathtaking vistas of both the sea and the Bastion Saint-Elme. Be vigilant of local shipping traffic; the area can become busy. The navigation aids in this stretch are well marked, including the prominent Cap Ferrat Lighthouse, which can serve as a reliable reference point.**Make sure to check:** Local regulations concerning anchoring and mooring—Villefranche can have crowded bays during peak season. ### Leg 4: Villefranche-sur-Mer to Cannes As you set sail towards Cannes, you'll begin to notice the iconic silhouette of the city's Palais des Festivals and Congresses rising on the shore. The final stretch is approximately 10 nautical miles and generally offers smooth sailing. However, the waters can become choppy with recreational traffic, especially during the summer months. It's crucial to stay informed of any route changes and pay attention to navigational aids like buoys.**Shelter Point:** Should there be a need to take cover, the sheltered Bay of Cannes provides ample space for mooring and is an ideal anchorage in case of sudden weather changes.### Arrival: Cannes, France Once docked in Cannes, spend some time enjoying the local culture. The beaches, vibrant markets, and picturesque promenade invite exploration. ### Safety Considerations:- Always check the weather forecast before departure and remain vigilant to changing conditions.- Keep your VHF radio tuned to Channel 16 for receiving emergency broadcasts and communicating with other vessels.- Ensure life jackets are on board for every person and confirm that first aid kits and flotation devices are easily accessible.- Familiarize yourself with the local regulations regarding anchoring and navigation.### Recommended Apps:Consider using the following apps to enhance your navigation experience:- **Savvy Navvy**: Offers a comprehensive mapping and navigation tool tailored for boaters, complete with weather overlays.- Navionics: For detailed nautical charts and updates.- Windy: To track real-time weather conditions along your route.Thus, your journey from Sanremo to Cannes weaves together astonishing coastal landscapes, charming stops, and varied nautical experiences while ensuring you remain safe on the water. Happy sailing!