### Pilotage Plan: Tisbury, Massachusetts to Providence, Rhode Island**Departure Point: Tisbury, Massachusetts, United States (Latitude: 41.4548, Longitude: -70.6243)**Get ready to embark on a beautiful maritime adventure as you set sail from Tisbury, a charming town located on Martha's Vineyard. Your destination is Providence, Rhode Island, a vibrant city known for its rich history and engaging culture. This journey will take you through spectacular waters, and while it’s filled with delightful sights, it also demands diligent navigation to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.---#### Navigation OverviewThe approximate distance from Tisbury to Providence is around 31 nautical miles. The journey will take you across Vineyard Sound, past the Elizabeth Islands, through the West Passage of Narragansett Bay, and ultimately into Providence. It's crucial to keep an eye on weather forecasts and navigational conditions, as the waters can be unpredictable.**Navigating Hazards:**- **Vineyard Sound**: This area can be choppy, especially during strong winds. Watch for ferry traffic and larger vessels in this heavily traveled corridor.- **Elizabeth Islands**: Be mindful of hidden rocks and shoals when navigating the narrow channels between the islands.- **Bluff Point & Montaup Point**: The waters around these points can have strong currents, particularly during tidal changes, so plan your passage accordingly.---#### Points of Interest & Possible Shelter Bays1. **Vineyard Haven**: - **Distance from Tisbury**: 3 nautical miles. - **Attractions**: A quaint harbor town offering dining, shopping, and access to beautiful beaches. - **Shelter**: The calm harbor provides excellent shelter from winds, allowing you to take a break if needed.2. **Egremont Channel**: - **Navigational Note**: As you approach the channel, pay attention to the buoys marking the navigable path. It’s a scenic area with rich wildlife, perfect for a relaxing day if the weather holds.3. **Cuttyhunk Island**: - **Distance from Tisbury**: 9 nautical miles. - **Attractions**: Explore the island's trails and scenic vistas. A great spot for photography and nature lovers. - **Shelter**: Tranquil harbor ideal for anchoring if weather conditions worsen.4. **West Passage, Narragansett Bay**: - **Navigational Note**: As you enter Narragansett Bay, you will encounter key navigational aids such as the Prudence Island Lighthouse. Keep an eye on the chart as shallow areas can be tricky.5. **Newport**: - **Distance from Providence**: 15 nautical miles. - **Attractions**: Renowned for its maritime history and beautiful waterfront. Stop here for fine dining and historical tours. - **Shelter**: The harbors of Newport offer excellent docking options and protection from prevailing winds.---#### Route Description**Leg 1: Tisbury to Vineyard Haven**- Start your journey by heading to Vineyard Haven. Stick to the main channel, respecting the marked buoys for a safe passage.**Leg 2: Vineyard Haven to Cuttyhunk**- Proceed southwest across Vineyard Sound. Carefully navigate through the shipping lanes, watching for ferry traffic. Stay on alert for the stark beauty of Cuttyhunk Island as you arrive.**Leg 3: Cuttyhunk through the Elizabeth Islands & into Narragansett Bay**- Depart from Cuttyhunk and navigate through the islands while keeping an eye out for natural hazards. Utilize your nautical charts and tools to plot your course through the Elizabeth Islands. As you enter Narragansett Bay, adjust your route to follow the marked channels.**Leg 4: Narragansett Bay to Providence**- As you continue towards Providence, take note of the changing tides and currents. Enter the Providence River with care, watching for local boat traffic, especially in the vicinity of the downtown area.---#### Safety Communications and Regulations- Ensure you have all safety gear on board, including life jackets, flares, a First Aid kit, and fire extinguishers.- Carry a VHF radio for communication. Monitor channel 16 for emergencies.- Be aware of specific local boating regulations, such as speed limits in certain zones and no-wake areas.Before you head out, I recommend downloading several useful boating apps to streamline your navigation and safety protocols. Among them, **Savvy Navvy**, which is excellent for route planning and live weather updates, along with other notable apps such as Navionics and NOAA Marine Weather.---This route from Tisbury to Providence offers a fabulous balance of scenic beauty and safe harbors while accommodating varying levels of boating experience. With good planning and respect for navigational aids and local regulations, your journey will be one to remember. Happy sailing!