**Pilotage Plan: Titusville to Ormond Beach, Florida****Overview**This route, stretching along the beautiful and varied coastline of Central Florida, welcomes boaters to experience both scenic beauty and local charm. The trip covers approximately 50 nautical miles, taking you past tranquil waters, interesting landmarks, and essential navigational aids. This itinerary is well-suited for coastal cruisers and leisure boater families, providing a balance of safety, comfort, and enjoyment.---**Route Summary**1. **Starting Point: Titusville, Florida** - Latitude: 28.5696, Longitude: -80.7822 - Launch your journey from the well-protected Indian River Lagoon, known for its rich biodiversity.2. **Navigational Considerations** - **Titusville to Canova Beach** (Approximately 10 nautical miles) - Keep an eye out for marked channels and buoys indicating water depths, especially around the edges of the lagoon areas. - Notable Landmarks: Cape Canaveral National Seashore and its historic sites. - Hazard: Shallow waters can be found along the coastline; keep to the marked channels.3. **Shelter Point: Canova Beach** - A suitable stopover if weather conditions turn unfavorable. The beach offers limited recreational facilities, but the beauty of the Atlantic and the nearby Indian River makes it a delightful spot.---4. **Canova Beach to Cocoa Beach** (Approximately 7 nautical miles) - As you navigate through the waters, look for navigation lights and local fishing boats. The Cocoa Beach area is lively and well-marked. - Points of Interest: Cocoa Beach Pier offers dining and shopping opportunities. 5. **Cocoa Beach to Cape Canaveral** (Approximately 5 nautical miles) - This leg leads to the bustling Cape Canaveral, home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. - Recommend checking for local shipping traffic, especially near the Cape. - Avoid areas marked as no-go zones for docking, particularly around the launch pads.---6. **Cape Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach** (Approximately 15 nautical miles) - The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) runs parallel here, and you can enjoy a leisurely cruise. Follow markers and buoys along the ICW for safe navigation. - Point of Interest: Visit the quaint downtown area of New Smyrna Beach, which has a vibrant local arts scene.7. **Shelter Point: New Smyrna Beach** - If conditions are less favorable, this is a prime spot to take shelter and explore local restaurants and the charming beachfront.---8. **New Smyrna Beach to Ormond Beach** (Approximately 13 nautical miles) - The final leg can be navigated smoothly along the coast. Clear navigation aids are present, but watch for shifting sandbars, especially close to shore. - Points of Interest: The Tomoka State Park, ideal for hiking or picnicking, is located to your left as you approach Ormond Beach.---**Navigational Aids and Regulations**- **Key Markers**: Pay attention to channel markers, particularly when departing and entering various inlets and marinas. Standard buoy colors (red on the right when returning from sea) should be followed meticulously.- **Speed Limits**: Compliance with local speed restrictions is critical, particularly in residential areas and near marinas.- **Wildlife Considerations**: The Indian River and the beaches are home to various wildlife, including manatees. Boaters should be cautious and maintain a slow speed in relevant areas.---**Safety First!**For this journey, it’s advisable to have mobile apps that enhance navigation and safety. In addition to utilizing savvy navvy for real-time navigation and weather updates, a marine radio for communication, and a reliable GPS unit can be invaluable. Always check your anchoring gear and safety equipment before departure, and be ready to adjust your itinerary based on local conditions.This trip isn’t just about the destination; it’s about enjoying the gentle ebb and flow of ocean waves, marveling at the breathtaking sunsets, and safely exploring the enchanting waterways of Florida. Happy cruising!