Pilotage Plan: City of New Rochelle, NY to Brooklyn, NY
Overview
This trip from New Rochelle to Brooklyn, covering approximately 17 nautical miles along the scenic coast of Long Island Sound and New York Harbor, offers an engaging blend of maritime navigation, historical landmarks, and potential hazards. It’s suitable for experienced boaters familiar with coastal navigation, as well as those seeking a leisurely cruise with points of interest along the way.
Departure – New Rochelle, NY
Starting out from New Rochelle, you’ll prepare your vessel in the protected harbor of this vibrant city. Familiarize yourself with the New Rochelle Harbor entrances and navigational markers. Before casting off, check the weather for any potential changes in wind and sea conditions.
Notable Point of Interest:
- New Rochelle Waterfront: A beautiful area to explore before departing. The waterfront park offers a serene view and is perfect for a quick stroll.
Heading Southeast to Execution Rocks
Your first leg should take you southeast towards Execution Rocks, which serves as an important navigational landmark. As you approach, the Execution Rocks Lighthouse (with its notable history) will guide your navigation.
Caution: Keep an eye on the depth contours here, as the waters can shift. The tidal currents around Execution Rocks can be strong, particularly around the change of tide.
Shelter Option: The Sound and Manhasset Bay
If conditions worsen, you have the option to divert into Manhasset Bay. This sheltered bay offers various marinas (such as the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club) where you can anchor or dock safely away from rough seas.
Continuing Southwest towards Throg’s Neck
Once navigating past Execution Rocks, your route will take you down towards Throg's Neck. As you progress, keep an eye on your charts, particularly for the Throg’s Neck Bridge. There are often strong currents here, so proceed with caution; it's best to navigate this area during slack tide.
Navigational Aids: Look for the Throg’s Neck Light and the associated buoys marking the shipping channel. Always stay to the right of the channel unless you're sure of your intentions and the state of the traffic.
Point of Interest: The Throg’s Neck Bridge itself is quite the architectural sight to behold, providing wonderful views of The Bronx and parts of Queens.
Entering New York Harbor
As you approach the entrance to New York Harbor, be prepared for commercial traffic. The Hudson River and East River inlets are busy with ferries, cargo ships, and recreational vessels.
Safety Tip: Maintain a vigilant lookout for vessels, and be fully aware of the shipping lanes. Preferably travel towards incoming traffic from the starboard side.
Point of Interest: Governors Island and Ellis Island
Once within New York Harbor, consider a leisurely cruise around both Governors Island and Ellis Island. These spots provide excellent opportunities for exploration, with parks, historical tours, and stunning skyline views.
Final Destination – Brooklyn, NY
Your final navigation will take you towards the Brooklyn waterfront. The East River can be quite busy, so caution is paramount when nearing the Brooklyn Bridge area.
Note on Regulations: Be mindful of local boating regulations and possible no-wake zones—maintaining safe speeds around populated areas is crucial.
Suggested Apps
For navigating this journey, use the following boating apps:- Savvy Navvy: Ideal for route planning with a user-friendly interface, real-time weather updates, and a slew of navigational features.
- Navionics: Offers detailed charts and information on local hazards.
- ActiveCaptain: A community-based app that provides feedback on marinas and anchorages.
Conclusion
This journey from New Rochelle to Brooklyn is filled with a mix of scenic beauty, exciting navigation challenges, and rich historical landmarks. It’s perfect for an experienced boater looking to fine-tune their piloting skills while enjoying the vibrant backdrop of New York’s waterways. Always prioritize safety, adhere to navigational norms, and be prepared for changing weather conditions, and you’ll create unforgettable memories on this route. Enjoy your trip!
