Pilotage Plan: Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Monmouth Beach, New Jersey

Overview

Embarking on your journey from Atlantic City, NJ, to Monmouth Beach, NJ, promises a delightful blend of coastal scenery and navigational challenges. Ideal for intermediate to experienced boaters who appreciate both the thrill of open waters and the solace that nearby bays provide, this route presents opportunities for exploration and necessary safety measures.

Starting Point: Atlantic City, NJ (Latitude: 39.3796333, Longitude: -74.42125)

Before you set sail, ensure your vessel is well-prepared and all safety gear is onboard. Atlantic City offers multiple marinas with facilities that can provide last-minute supplies and fuel. The Atlantic City Marina offers breakwater protection, making it a perfect place to start your trip.

Route Description:

1. Departure from Atlantic City

As you leave Atlantic City, navigate safely through the Absecon Inlet, ensuring you pay close attention to local navigation markers, specifically the U.S. Coast Guard navigational buoys. The inlet can be tricky during low tide, so time your departure accordingly.

2. Ventnor City and Margate City

Traveling north along the New Jersey coastline, keep an eye out for the charming Ventnor and Margate Cities. These areas embody a classic beach town vibe, and it’s advisable to navigate through the wealth of leisure boats and jet skis often seen here. Your passage will be rewarded with views of historic piers and beachfront dining opportunities if you choose to anchor and explore.

3. Absecon Bay

As you continue past the developed shoreline, consider Absecon Bay for a potential sheltering spot. Should any sudden storms roll in, this bay offers a protective anchorage with ample depth and resources for securing your vessel. Also, look out for birds and other wildlife that frequent this area, making it a beautiful spot to take a breather.

4. Barnegat Bay

As you progress north, keep a watchful eye on the water conditions. Barnegat Bay, known for its expansive reach and calming waters, is another excellent location for refuge. If you have time, consider a short side trip to explore Island Beach State Park, which offers hiking and unspoiled beaches, adding an exciting link to your journey.

Navigational Aids & Hazards

Throughout your route, maintain a keen awareness of the following navigational aids and potential hazards:

• Lighthouses: Pay attention to the Barnegat Lighthouse as a key navigational landmark.
• Shoals and Shallows: Specific areas can have unexpected shallow spots, especially around Barnegat Bay. Check your nautical charts for the latest depth information.
• Weather: Local weather conditions can change rapidly. Utilize a boating app like savvy navvy to monitor forecasts and tides along your route.

Arrival at Monmouth Beach, NJ (Latitude: 40.3366667, Longitude: -73.9791667)

Upon nearing Monmouth Beach, the transition from the wild waves to the more serene harbor approaches creates a lovely sense of arrival. Here, you can take advantage of the expanding public docks or nearby marinas for docking. Monmouth Beach is home to beautiful sandy shores, and for those who want to experience the local culture more intimately, exploring nearby oceanfront restaurants and shops will enhance your trip.

Conclusion

This route from Atlantic City to Monmouth Beach is a delightful mix of coastal beauty and practical considerations. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or an intermediate boater, this passage gives you the opportunity to encounter stunning scenery while maintaining safety through the knowledge of local hazards and landmarks. Remember, priority

1 is always safety—but with it comes the joy of exploration. Happy sailing!