**Pilotage Plan: From São Sebastião, SP, Brazil to Ilhabela, SP, Brazil****Overview:**Setting sail from the quaint coastal city of São Sebastião to the beautiful island of Ilhabela is not just a journey; it’s an experience steeped in the natural beauty and rich culture of Brazil's coastline. Stretching approximately 18 nautical miles, this route is particularly suitable for recreational boaters and experienced cruisers alike, with opportunities for safe mooring, stunning scenery, and a profusion of maritime attractions.**Route Details:**1. **Departure from São Sebastião:** Begin your journey in the bustling harbor of São Sebastião, a gateway to the São Sebastião Channel. Before you set off, ensure you check local weather conditions as they can change rapidly. The harbor is well-marked with navigational aids such as buoys and beacons, making your exit straightforward.2. **Navigational Considerations:** As you leave São Sebastião, you will encounter the São Sebastião Channel. This channel is relatively wide, so keep a lookout for larger vessels that might be transiting. Pay special attention to the markers that guide you through the channel, as they help delineate safe navigable waters.3. **Points of Interest:** - **Ilhabela's northern shore:** As you approach Ilhabela, you might want to pause along the northern coast, where you’ll find beautiful beaches like Praia do Curral and Praia do Julião. These spots are excellent for swimming and offer refreshing breaks during your journey. - **Cobra Island:** Amid your journey, keep Cobra Island on your radar to the west. Known for its wild beauty, it presents a picturesque view and can be a great spot for a brief exploration or picture-taking.4. **Shelter Bays:** - If the weather takes a turn, the **Perequê Bay** on the mainland side is an ideal refuge, providing a safe anchorage with decent protection from winds and waves. - **Enseada Beach** on Ilhabela offers good harboring options and is a great spot to lay low during inbound storms, with amenities available for vessels.5. **Arrival at Ilhabela:** Make your approach towards the southwest corner of the island, navigating around the marked entrance to the main harbor. Illumination on the approach from the harbor aids in safe docking, particularly after sunset.**Local Regulations:**Ensure compliance with local regulations and maritime laws:- Adhere to any speed limits in the channel and near populated areas.- Respect the marine reserve areas around Ilhabela such as the "Área de Proteção Ambiental" (APA), preserving its diverse marine ecosystem.- Always file a float plan and notify someone of your journey for safety purposes.**Safety Recommendations:**Before you cast off, double-check your boat's emergency equipment, which includes life jackets, flares, first aid kits, and a functioning VHF radio. Having communication devices is essential for emergencies. Consider downloading savvy navvy and other boating apps to help you with navigation, weather updates, and local information, ensuring you're equipped to handle any situation that arises.**Conclusion:**The route from São Sebastião to Ilhabela serves as an ideal mixture of safety and enjoyment. With beautiful landscapes, sheltered bays, and practical navigation aids, it promises an enriching boating experience. Whether you're an experienced captain or a weekend sailor, this voyage encapsulates the spirit of exploration on the Brazilian coast. Anchors aweigh!