Loggerhead Marina - Cortez Village Marina to Long Bar Point

Pilotage Plan: Loggerhead Marina to Long Bar Point

Preparation and Departure: Loggerhead Marina - Cortez Village Marina

Before setting sail, ensure you have all the required safety equipment on board: life jackets for all passengers, a working VHF radio, navigation tools, and emergency supplies. Check the weather forecast and plan for any potential bad weather by identifying safe harbors along your route. Loggerhead Marina—Cortez Village offers a good starting point with its well-equipped facilities, ensuring you're well-prepared before departure.

Step 1: Navigation Considerations and Initial Course

Upon departure, navigate the boat out of the marina with caution, watching for local traffic and adhering to the marina's speed limits. Set a course towards the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway), taking note of the channel markers. These navigational aids are critical in this area due to shifting sands and shallows near the marina entrances and exits.

Step 2: Points of Interest and Shelter Bays

• Palma Sola Bay: Early in the journey, you’ll pass by Palma Sola Bay. This bay offers a scenic view and, if needed, a calm location to anchor and wait out any unexpected weather. Keep an eye out for manatees, which are often spotted in these waters.
• Anna Maria Island: As you continue, Anna Maria Island lies to your west. This barrier island offers not only a picturesque stopover with its beautiful beaches but also hosts a range of restaurants and shops. It can be a perfect place for a leisurely stop, enjoying local cuisines and exploring. The waters here can be busy, so cautious navigation is advised.

Step 3: Navigation Aids and Hazards

After passing Anna Maria Island, maintain a vigilant watch for navigation aids. The channel markers here are well-placed, guiding you through safer waters. However, this region requires attention due to possible strong currents and shifting shoals, especially around inlets.

Local Regulations and Considerations:

• Be mindful of speed restrictions throughout the ICW to protect marine life and reduce wake impact on the shoreline.
• Fishing is popular in these waters, so watch for smaller boats and fishing lines.

Step 4: Final Approach to Long Bar Point

Approaching Long Bar Point, the water opens up, offering stunning views of the bay. This area is known for its seagrass beds, so it's crucial to navigate carefully to avoid damaging the environment. Use charts and GPS to guide you through these shallower waters.

Long Bar Point: Your destination boasts sweeping views of the bay and is known for its serene beauty. Here, the setting sun offers a spectacular scene, making it an unforgettable stop. The area around Long Bar Point is environmentally sensitive, with restrictions in place to protect its natural beauty. Ensure to follow all local guidelines.

Conclusion:

This pilotage plan from Loggerhead Marina - Cortez Village Marina to Long Bar Point offers boaters a journey filled with scenic beauty, potential for adventure, and the serenity of Florida's coastal waters. While prioritizing safety, this trip allows boaters to explore some of the best that Florida's west coast has to offer—from quiet bays perfect for shelter or observing marine life, to vibrant, bustling islands rich in culture and activities.

This route is particularly suitable for boaters who enjoy mixing open-water cruising with the exploration of coastal communities and natural attractions. Throughout the trip, maintaining a careful watch and adhering to navigation aids and local regulations ensures a safe and enjoyable journey for all. Whether seeking shelter in one of the scenic bays or exploring local points of interest, this plan offers a perfect balance for an adventurous yet secure boating experience.