**Pilotage Plan from Warwick, RI to Vineyard Haven, MA****Departure: Warwick, RI** Your journey begins in the charming coastal town of Warwick, Rhode Island. Before setting out, ensure that your vessel is well-equipped for the trip and that safety gear is onboard, including life jackets, flares, and a first aid kit. Check the latest weather conditions and tides since they can significantly affect your journey across the waters of Narragansett Bay and beyond.**Course to Vineyard Haven, MA** Your primary route from Warwick to Vineyard Haven will be approximately 25 nautical miles, with direct navigation leading you across Narragansett Bay and into the famed waters surrounding Martha's Vineyard. 1. **Navigating Narragansett Bay** As you leave Warwick, keep a sharp eye on your navigation aids. You'll be passing several marker buoys, including the Conimicut Light at the entrance to the bay. This is important information for your course, as it marks the way toward the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. The East Passage tends to be deeper and is less affected by the currents than the West Passage. 2. **Hazards Awareness** Be vigilant of the shallow waters around the Newport Bridge—stay close to the marked channel to avoid running aground. Along the route, avoid the numerous fishing vessels and navigational traffic, especially around the popular points of interest such as the famous Newport harbor. 3. **Points of Shelter** Should the weather take a turn, several bays along your route offer safe harbor. The picturesque East Greenwich Bay provides good shelter from prevailing winds and excellent facilities for transient boaters. In addition, if you choose to venture slightly off course, Apponaug Cove is a serene spot to consider for refuge, featuring calm waters and beautiful surroundings. **Points of Interest** As you navigate the broad waters leading to Martha’s Vineyard, you might want to make a couple of stops. You can anchor at the quaint town of Jamestown or Moor at Fort Wetherill State Park, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the stark coastal beauty. The iconic Newport is also nearby, famous for its grand mansions and vibrant sailing culture, well worth a brief detour. 4. **Entering Vineyard Haven** Approaching Vineyard Haven, pay special attention to navigational buoys and markers that guide you safely into this busy harbor. The long dockside along the main harbor is easily visible and can be quite bustling with ferry and fishing traffic. Be mindful of influential currents while docking here, particularly during peak ferry hours. 5. **Regulatory Considerations** Before setting out, familiarize yourself with any local regulations, especially if you plan to fish in the waters along your route. Massachusetts has specific fishing licenses and rules you will need to consider. Always check the local boating regulations regarding speed limits, no-wake zones, and wildlife preservation areas as these are strictly enforced.6. **Recommended Apps** To assist you in navigating safely and efficiently, consider downloading boating apps like Savvy Navvy, which provides crowd-sourced updates and live data. Other useful apps include Navionics for charts and weather, and Windy for real-time weather updates.**Final Thoughts** This route from Warwick to Vineyard Haven offers a perfect mix of sheltered waters, scenic beauty, and nautical adventure. It’s particularly suitable for experienced boaters looking for an enjoyable yet safe cruising experience. Always maintain watchfulness for other vessels and the weather conditions. This journey not only provides rich experiences at each stop but also the joy of navigating our beautiful New England coastline. Paddle forth wisely!