**Pilotage Plan: Town of Southold, New York to Warwick, Rhode Island****Overview:**This journey from Southold, New York to Warwick, Rhode Island spans approximately 50 nautical miles, offering a delightful mix of scenic vistas, charming coastal towns, and well-marked navigational routes. It’s suitable for experienced boaters who appreciate a balance between safety and enjoyment, allowing for sheltered havens and opportunities to explore.---**Departure from Southold, NY:**Starting from Southold, you will find the waters of Long Island Sound calm and inviting. Before setting off, make sure your vessel is well-stocked with emergency supplies, life jackets, flares, and a reliable communication device. The Southold Inlet provides your gateway to open waters.**Key Hazards to Watch Out For:**- **Strong Currents:** Be mindful of the currents, particularly when approaching the Connecticut shoreline.- **Shallow Areas:** The waters can be shallow in parts, so maintaining a keen eye on your depth sounder is crucial. Stick to navigable channels.- **Heavy Traffic:** Be cautious of commercial vessels, particularly near major shipping lanes.---**En Route Shelters and Points of Interest:**1. **Greenport Harbor:** Just a short distance from Southold, Greenport serves as an excellent first stop. A quaint village with attractions like the East End Seaport Museum and charming shops. The harbor offers adequate shelter should the weather turn sour.2. **Peconic Bay:** As you make your way across Peconic Bay, enjoy the views and consider a detour to Shelter Island. Known for its scenic beauty, this is a great spot to anchor briefly, with ample places to explore ashore.3. **Sag Harbor:** Continuing northeast, Sag Harbor offers another welcoming harbor with a vibrant arts scene and historical sites, including the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum. The harbor is sheltered and provides a safe mooring in bad weather.4. **Block Island Sound:** While cruising through Block Island Sound, pay attention to the navigation buoys and keep a lookout for boat traffic. This area can experience chop; use caution in prevailing winds.5. **Nantucket Shoals:** As you approach Rhode Island waters, be mindful of Nantucket Shoals, where navigational hazards can arise. Stick to your charts and maintain situational awareness.---**Final Approach to Warwick, Rhode Island:**Entering the waters off Warwick, you’ll traverse the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. This area is well-marked with navigational aids — be cautious of the changing tides and strong current in this region that can affect your navigation.**Safety Regulations:**- Familiarize yourself with the local boating regulations in Rhode Island, including any speed restrictions or no-wake zones that are enforced.- Monitor VHF radio channels to stay updated on weather conditions and maritime traffic advisories.---**Navigational Aids:**- Utilize your GPS for precise positioning, but also refer to traditional charts for cross-referencing.- Keep a lookout for buoys and markers. Pay special attention to the seasonal changes of some navigational aids that may be temporarily relocated.**Boating Apps:**To make the most of your adventure and stay informed about weather changes or navigational hazards, consider using boating apps like Savvy Navvy, which provides excellent routing, tide predictions, and tools for effective planning. Other helpful apps may include Navionics and NOAA Weather.---**Conclusion:**This route offers a vibrant blend of natural beauty and cultural landmarks, perfect for a seasoned boater seeking both adventure and tranquility. Staying vigilant regarding local hazards and maintaining an engaging itinerary will ensure a memorable trip across the sound and into the welcoming harbor of Warwick, Rhode Island. Enjoy the waters, respect the environment, and savor the experience!