Your journey begins in Brooklyn, nestled among a vibrant array of neighborhoods and iconic landmarks. Before you cast off, ensure you’ve carefully checked your vessel's readiness and reviewed the local weather conditions. A good starting point is to launch from one of the marina facilities in the area—Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse or the East River State Park would be ideal spots.
As you leave the Brooklyn shoreline, take a moment to appreciate the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline—especially striking in the early morning light.
As you head out, pay close attention to the busy waters of the East River. This area can be bustling with ferry traffic, fishing vessels, and the occasional cargo ship. Maintain a vigilant lookout and heed any signage or navigational buoys indicating no-wake zones and local traffic rules.
Keep in mind the tidal currents along the East River can be strong, particularly in the Harlem River where it connects to the Hudson, so timing your departure with favorable tide conditions will ensure a smoother passage.
Just to the south of Brooklyn lies Governors Island, a magnificent spot located between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. This accessible island offers historic sites, numerous parks, and recreation areas—worth a short detour for a land exploration if the weather permits!
As you approach the mouth of the Hudson River, you’ll see the caution markers for the shipping lanes. Transitioning into the Hudson, maintain your course along the western edge to avoid larger commercial vessels navigating to and from the Port of New York/New Jersey.
The Great Statue of Liberty greets you as you cruise northward, and it’s an amazing sight! If time allows, you can slightly veer off to experience the Liberty State Park in Jersey City, a perfect place for a dockage and some exploration.
Throughout your trip, keep an eye on the following navigational markers:
As you continue your route toward Carteret, you may want to consider going into either Newark Bay or Raritan Bay, depending on weather conditions. These bays provide ample shelter should you encounter rough waters or sudden weather changes.
When approaching Carteret, you’ll have to be mindful of small craft traffic, especially as you navigate through the Arthur Kill. If you're unable to make your destination due to changing conditions, you can always opt to anchor in the calmer waters of the channel leading into the Rahway River, which offers further shelter.
Local regulations may apply to anchoring and navigation speed, so always make sure to follow the current rules laid out by the authorities.
To further enhance your journey, I suggest utilizing a few boating apps for navigation and local insights. Savvy Navvy is a fantastic tool for plot routes, as it combines charts and weather forecasts effortlessly. Along with it, consider these apps:
This trip suits recreational boaters who appreciate leisurely cruising while still respecting the robustness of the waters they navigate. With its blend of breathtaking sightseeing and the potential for spontaneous excursions, the journey from Brooklyn to Carteret can be a memorable maritime adventure—just ensure to stay prepared and prioritize safety above all. Enjoy the wind in your sails!