**Pilotage Plan: Warwick, RI to Southold, NY****Departure: Warwick, Rhode Island, USA** Setting off from Warwick, you'll be greeted by a vibrant harbor scene, which provides an excellent starting point for your journey. Before you head out, ensure that your vessel is fully stocked with safety equipment, navigation tools, and emergency supplies.**Plan Your Route: The Narragansett Bay Crossing** Your adventure will take you out of the relatively sheltered waters of Warwick and into the open waters of Narragansett Bay, where you'll need to be especially vigilant about changing weather conditions. ### Section 1: Navigating Narragansett Bay**Departure and Initial Navigation** As you depart, head southward towards the southern entrance of Narragansett Bay. Keep an eye out for the iconic structures such as the Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge, which stands as a landmark along the way. The bay has a mix of commercial and recreational boating traffic, so stay alert to other vessels, especially near the shipping lanes.**Hazards to Consider** Be cautious of strong tidal currents as you approach the open waters near the entrance to the bay. Familiarize yourself with local charts to identify shallow areas and submerged rocks, particularly around Beavertail Lighthouse at the southern tip of Conanicut Island — a natural beauty and a navigation aid.### Section 2: Resting at Safe Havens**Bay Areas for Shelter** In the event of inclement weather, the following locations are ideal for taking shelter:- **Newport Harbor**: A bustling point of interest, Newport is known for its historic mansions and vibrant sailing culture. You can safely dock here to ride out a storm and enjoy local attractions. - **Tiverton and Little Compton Harbors**: These hidden gems allow for a peaceful retreat to enjoy quaint shoreline communities and picturesque views.### Section 3: Entering Long Island Sound**Crossing the Sound** Once you feel confident about progressing, set a course towards the north and make the crossing into Long Island Sound. Pay close attention to the navigational buoys and markers along the way; they guide you through the busy waters, particularly noting the entrance to the Sakonnet River.**Approaching Shelter Island** On your route towards Southold, you'll have the option to catch a glimpse of Shelter Island’s serene landscapes. This island is an ideal spot for a brief anchorage. The local waters can become challenging with changes in tide, especially around the Southold Bay area, so make sure to time your approach with the tides for a smoother entry.### Section 4: Arrival at Southold, New York**Final Approaches** As you navigate towards Southold, you'll encounter some popular landmarks, such as the historic Southold Lighthouse, which is prominent and easy to spot, making it a good navigational reference. This quaint fishing village provides a great atmosphere for boaters, with easy access to local shops and restaurants.**Local Regulations** Be mindful of local boating regulations regarding speed limits in these waters, particularly in residential zones and where recreational fishing occurs. Fishing enthusiasts may want to stop in the area, as Southold is well-known for its fishing spots.### Safety First: Recommendations- **Don’t Skip the Safety Gear**: PFDs, an EPIRB, and a well-stocked first aid kit are non-negotiables.- **Check Weather Conditions**: Weather can change rapidly; keep an eye on the forecast and adjust your plan accordingly.- **Communication Tools**: Ensure your VHF radio is operational for easy communication with other boaters and the coast guard.### Smart Apps for Boaters To enhance your navigation and awareness, consider installing these apps on your mobile device: - **Savvy Navvy**: Excellent for route planning and gives real-time weather updates.- **Navionics**: For detailed nautical charts and tide information.- **Windy**: Perfect for checking wind conditions to ensure safety while crossing open waters. This journey offers not only stunning landscapes but also a host of recreational opportunities and beautiful points of interest. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a recreational boater, this route from Warwick to Southold presents a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. Stay alert, plan ahead, and embrace the adventure that lies ahead! Safe cruising!