Pilotage Plan for a Boat Trip from City Island, NY to Pelham Manor, NY
- Departure from City Island, NY
Your journey begins at City Island, a charming community known for its nautical culture. Before casting off, ensure your vessel is prepared with the necessary safety equipment: life jackets, flares, a first-aid kit, and a VHF radio. The first route leg is to navigate from City Island's marina out into the Eastchester Bay. - Navigating Eastchester Bay
As you head southwest, you'll enter Eastchester Bay, where the waters can be relatively calm but remain vigilant for small crafts and jet skis that dot the area. This bay provides a sheltered environment, making it an excellent spot in case of sudden weather changes. The weather can be unpredictable, so keep an eye out for building clouds or wind changes.
Navigational Aids and Hazards:
- Familiarize yourself with the local navigation aids, including buoys indicating channels and shoals.
- Pay attention to the Eastchester Bay Buoys which are vital for safe navigation, especially during foggy conditions.
- While approaching the western shores of Eastchester Bay, be aware of shallow areas, especially around the Greenwich Point area, to avoid grounding.
- Visiting Rye Town Park
Just south of your route, consider making a detour (if conditions permit) to Rye Town Park. This scenic area has beautiful beach views, walking paths, and picnic spots. It's an ideal place to stretch your legs or enjoy a packed lunch, should the weather allow. The park and its public facilities can be a great stop. - Heading towards Pelham Manor
After enjoying the park, retrace your route back to the main channel towards Pelham Manor. The waterway will begin to channel more significantly as you approach the Pelham Bay regions. Keep an eye on the depth sounder as you may encounter shallows, particularly near the Throgs Neck Bridge which is a prominent landmark of this area.
Navigational Aids and Hazards:
- The Throgs Neck Bridge is not just a navigational landmark; be aware of the navigable channel beneath it, as well as the surrounding waters which can be busy with larger vessels.
- Monitor the VHF channels for any commercial traffic announcements; this area is frequented by larger boats making navigational awareness essential.
- Report any emergencies or unusual activity immediately over VHF channel 16, the emergency channel, which should always be monitored.
- Entering Pelham Manor
As you approach Pelham Manor, the scenery changes with more urban landscapes visible, though the waterways remain pleasantly quiet. As you navigate closer, ensure to be aware of any traffic regulations, especially as you might encounter dock areas with private access. - Points of Interest and Shelter Opportunities
While Pelham Manor is primarily residential, it does port the Pelham Manor yacht club which offers transient slips depending on availability. Should the weather take a turn for the worse, the club could provide a safe haven with amenities. Additionally, nearby you’ll find the picturesque Shore Park. A stroll here can wrap up your boating adventure with a relaxed end.
Safety and Regulations Reminder
Always check local boater regulations before departure. It's advisable to consult boating apps such as Savvy Navvy, Navionics, or iNavXto maintain situational awareness of tides, weather changes, and navigational hazards along your route. Weather apps should also be included in your arsenal to ensure a safe journey.
This route is particularly well-suited for recreational boaters looking for a short day trip, families, or those new to boating. The combination of scenic views, manageable navigation, and ample spots for shelter makes it an excellent choice for all levels of experience. Enjoy the journey, but most importantly, prioritize safety while embracing the beauty that surrounds you on the water!
