**Pilotage Plan from Sarasota, Florida to Tampa, Florida****Departure: Sarasota, Florida**As you set sail from Sarasota, you're departing from a region known for its beautiful coastlines and vibrant marine life. Before leaving the dock, ensure your vessel is well-equipped with safety gear, including life jackets, flares, a first aid kit, and a working VHF radio. Check the weather forecast — it dictates your departure time and route safety.**Route Overview:**The trip from Sarasota to Tampa covers the serene intracoastal waterways and spans about 25 nautical miles. This trip is particularly suitable for recreational boaters, families, and those looking for a leisurely cruise, showcasing rich wildlife and charming coastal villages along the way.**1. Notable Waypoints and Points of Interest:**- **Sarasota Bay:** As you leave Sarasota, take a moment to enjoy the scenic beauty of Sarasota Bay. The bay features several islands worth exploring, such as Bird Key, a great spot for birdwatching. - **Longboat Pass:** After cruising through the northern part of Sarasota Bay, navigate toward Longboat Pass. Pay attention to the navigation markers and be cautious of tidal currents here, especially during ebb and flow.- **Anna Maria Island:** After passing through Longboat Pass, you may consider a detour to visit Anna Maria Island. Known for its beautiful beaches and local dining options, it’s an excellent stop for lunch or relaxation before continuing your journey.- **Bayshore Gardens:** Continuing southwards, keep an eye on the water for signs of marine life. As you approach the area around Bayshore Gardens, you may encounter various fishing vessels, so navigate slowly to ensure their safety.- **Egmont Key:** Just before reaching Tampa Bay, Egmont Key is another fascinating stop. This uninhabited island is a part of a state park, home to historic sites and pristine beaches, perfect for a beach break or a picnic.**2. Anchorages and Shelter Locations:**- **Anchor at Longboat Key:** Should the weather change unexpectedly, Longboat Key provides safe harbor with calm waters. Ensure to anchor properly and monitor the weather, checking for storms or sudden winds.- **Anna Maria Island:** In addition to its attractions, the many protected coves and inlets around the island can serve as great sheltered anchorages in case of rough weather.- **Bayshore Gardens:** Known for its sheltered waterfronts, if the seas become choppy, this area allows for safe mooring while you reassess your conditions.**3. Navigational Considerations:**- **Be Aware of Channels:** The Intracoastal Waterway requires you to adhere to marked channels. Watch for red and green buoys, as they mark your safe passage. Approaching Tampa Bay, you’ll notice more shipping activity; therefore, it’s crucial to keep a safe distance from large vessels.- **Tides and Currents:** The tidal range can significantly affect your boat's navigation, especially near bridges and inlets. Be mindful of the times you navigate past the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, ensuring you're clear of fast-moving currents that can be dangerous.- **Wildlife:** This route features manatee zones, especially around Bayshore Gardens and Anna Maria Island. Reduce speed in these areas to avoid collisions and help protect these gentle creatures.**4. Local Regulations and Safety Tips:**- **Speed Limits:** Observe local speed limits, particularly in manatee zones where the speed limit is often marked at idle speed or slow speed. This applies heavily around Anna Maria Island and St. Petersburg areas.- **VHF Radio Usage:** Maintain a listening watch on channel 16, the distress frequency, for emergency communications.- **Weather Monitoring:** Keep an eye on weather conditions using reliable boating apps. An excellent option for this is Savvy Navvy, which helps with route planning and allows you to fetch real-time weather updates.**5. Arrival: Tampa, Florida**As you approach Tampa, expect to navigate through bustling waters with more recreational and commercial traffic. Upon entering the bay, stay alert for navigation signage directing you to your chosen marina or mooring point. Tampa offers vibrant nightlife and numerous attractions such as the Florida Aquarium and various waterfront parks perfect for a post-cruise visit.**Conclusion** This route from Sarasota to Tampa is a fantastic choice for the experienced boater and novice alike. With its combination of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and numerous sheltered anchorages, it emphasizes safety while offering plenty of opportunities for enjoyment along the way. Whether you decide to stop at a quaint island or explore waterfront dining in Tampa, you're guaranteed a memorable experience on the water. Always prioritize safety, respect local regulations, and have your navigation tools, such as Savvy Navvy, at the ready. Safe travels!