City of New York to Sewaren by boat

Pilotage Plan: New York City, NY to Sewaren, NJ

Overview:
Embarking on a boat trip from New York City, NY, to Sewaren, NJ, offers a splendid journey filled with potential sights while emphasizing safety and navigation through potentially busy waters. This route is particularly suitable for seasoned boaters looking for an exciting yet manageable cruise. Given the proximity to busy shipping lanes and urban areas, attentiveness to navigational aids and weather patterns is crucial.

Route Summary:
The trip covers approximately 22 nautical miles, depending on the precise route chosen. The most common passage involves traveling through the Upper New York Bay, across the Kill Van Kull, and into the Arthur Kill to reach Sewaren.

Departure: New York City
Starting your journey in New York City, take a moment to enjoy the skyline filled with iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

Navigational Considerations:
Aids to Navigation:Upon exiting the harbor, you will encounter navigational buoys and lighthouses. Pay close attention to the lighted buoys marking the channels leading away from the bustling harbor. Notable aids include:

• The Sandy Hook Light at the northern entry to Lower New York Bay
• The Ambrose Channel Lighthouse as you cross over to the Lower Bay

Points of Interest:

• The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are excellent stops for those looking to explore history before heading on.
• Governors Island offers beautiful parks and is usually a less-frequented spot worth visiting for lunch or a stretch.

Upper New York Bay to Kill Van Kull:
As you proceed towards the Kill Van Kull, be vigilant of commercial vessel traffic, particularly ferries and cargo ships, which frequently navigate these waters. Monitoring VHF channel 13 is advisable for vessel traffic information.

Sheltering Bays:
If the weather turns inclement, consider diverting to:
Newark Bay:Offers some shelter close to the Newark waterfront. Ensure you stick to marked channels.
Hillside Bay:A less frequented area near the mouth of the Kill Van Kull that can provide temporary refuge.

Navigating the Kill Van Kull:
The Kill Van Kull can be busy, especially during peak shipping hours. Keep an eye on commercial maritime traffic, and adhere to the following guidelines:

• Maintain a safe distance from large vessels, and be prepared for possible wake turbulence.
• Utilize markers and buoys to ensure safe passage—these are crucial for navigational safety.

Approaching Sewaren:
As you enter the Arthur Kill and head toward Sewaren, the environment shifts to a more tranquil setting compared to the earlier urban bustle. The shores are dotted with parks and nature preserves, making it a beautiful end to your trip.

Final Considerations:
Local Regulations:Be aware of and comply with local boating regulations, including speed zones, especially near marinas or residential areas.
Safety Gear:Ensure your boat is equipped with life jackets, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, and all necessary safety equipment.
Weather Check:Prior to departure, check local weather reports to avoid sudden weather changes that can occur, particularly when navigating open waters.

Boating Apps:
Consider using navigation apps such as Navionics, MarineTraffic, and SavvyNavvy to assist with real-time weather updates, tide charts, and navigational recommendations.

This route from New York City to Sewaren captures the essence of a successful boating experience—blending adventure with the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Enjoy your time on the water!