### Pilotage Plan: Blauvelt, NY to Staten Island, NY**Route Overview** This planned route takes you from the quaint waters of Blauvelt, New York, to the bustling shores of Staten Island, navigating through picturesque landscapes, all while emphasizing safety and enjoyable experiences along the way. This journey is particularly suited for intermediate to experienced boaters due to varied navigational challenges and the need for attentiveness to local regulations.**Departure from Blauvelt, NY** As you set off from Blauvelt (coordinates: -73.9064, 41.0921), you’ll primarily be cruising through the picturesque Hudson River. Before departure, ensure your vessel is equipped with adequate safety gear, including life jackets, a functioning VHF radio, and emergency signaling devices. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so checking forecasts before leaving is crucial.**Heading South on the Hudson River** 1. **Navigational Points** As you make your way south to Hopper’s Landing, keep a lookout for navigational buoys, particularly around the Tappan Zee Bridge. This area has strong currents, particularly near the bridge, so it's essential to maintain a safe distance from the bridge structure, keeping an eye on both fixed structures and navigating vessels.2. **Points of Interest** After you pass beneath the Tappan Zee Bridge, consider a brief stop at Croton Point Park. This large park sits on a peninsula at the confluence of the Croton River and the Hudson. Here, you can enjoy beautiful views, have a picnic, or even explore the small beach area.3. **Weather Considerations** If the weather starts to turn, you have several options. The Croton River offers a sheltered place to anchor. Here you can ride out minor storms while waiting for better conditions.**Entering the Upper New York Bay** Continuing down the Hudson, as you approach the Upper New York Bay, you’ll navigate past the Wards Island Bridge and come nearer to New York City’s shoreline. This area can be congested with commercial traffic, so staying vigilant is key.1. **Navigational Aids** Pay attention to the lights and markers marking the numerous islands, including Rikers Island and Randalls Island. The East River can introduce strong currents, so use caution while entering.2. **Local Regulations** Boating around Ellis Island and Liberty Island is strictly regulated. Ensure that you are aware of any no-wake zones and yacht traffic rules to maintain safety.3. **Shelter and Facilities** If conditions worsen, Battery Park offers expansive areas where you can dock for safety and enjoy the iconic views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. **Traversing Towards Staten Island** From Battery Park, head southwest towards Staten Island. This stretch can get bustling, especially with ferry traffic. Maintain a safe distance from the Staten Island Ferry routes.1. **Navigational Considerations** Be attentive to the marked ferry channels, as these vessels have limited maneuverability and speed. The coast off of St. George is your final approach to Staten Island.2. **Points of Interest** Upon arriving in Staten Island, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is nearby, providing a lovely spot to explore arts and gardens or just relax after your journey. **Final Arrangements** Before docking, ensure you follow local harbor rules and regulations concerning waste disposal and vessel conduct to maintain environmental stewardship. ### Recommended Apps To enhance your navigation experience, I recommend:- **Savvy Navvy**: This navigation app provides live weather updates, tide information, and route planning capabilities.- **Windy**: A fantastic tool for checking live wind conditions.- **NOAA Charts**: Always have updated nautical charts at hand for the safest navigation.By choosing this route, you’re not just making a passage; you’re weaving through some of New York’s most beautiful waters while ensuring that your trip is guided by safety and enjoyment. Happy sailing!