**Pilotage Plan from New York City, NY to Staten Island, NY****Starting Point: City of New York, NY**As you prepare to set off from the bustling waters of New York City, you'll find yourself surrounded by iconic landmarks and a lively atmosphere. This route is particularly suitable for intermediate to seasoned boaters due to the busy water traffic, requiring careful navigation and awareness. **Route Overview:**1. **Setting Out from NYC:** Begin your journey by leaving the East River, making your way towards Upper New York Bay. Keep a vigilant eye out for ferry traffic, particularly from the Staten Island Ferry that runs often between Manhattan and Staten Island. Utilize the AES (Automatic Electronic Signaling) Buoys and other navigational aids to chart your course accurately.2. **Navigating The Upper New York Bay:** Once in Upper New York Bay, set your heading toward the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. This area is a busy shipping lane, so maintaining communication on VHF Channel 13 with the Coast Guard and other vessels is crucial. If the conditions get choppy, the bay provides ample space for boating yet be wary of currents and eddies, especially near the bridge.3. **Shelters Along the Way:** While the route is exhilarating, should the weather take a turn, you can seek refuge in several spots. Notably, you can find calm waters at Hoboken Cove, just across the river from Midtown Manhattan. This picturesque area allows for some downtime if necessary, with beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline.4. **Points of Interest:** While navigating, make sure to glance at the historical Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty to your starboard side. These sights add a rich cultural context to your nautical adventure. Additionally, near the mouth of the Hudson River, you might consider a brief stop at Battery Park, where one can take a stroll or grab a bite.5. **Continuing to Staten Island:** Proceeding past the bridge, you’ll enter the waters heading towards Staten Island. Expect to see the vibrant Staten Island Ferry in your vicinity—always give way to ferries, which have the right of way. The Ellis Island and Liberty Island views are stunning, so have your camera ready!6. **Navigational Aids:** Pay attention to local navigation aids such as the buoys marking the channels. The navigational markings in this area are typically reliable, but it's advisable to cross-check your location frequently using a marine GPS or nautical charts. Furthermore, observe all local regulations, including speed limits in specific zones, to ensure safe passage.7. **Arrival at Staten Island:** As you approach Staten Island, make sure to prepare for an anchorage or docking at one of the available marinas. Great Kills Harbor offers good shelter and is a popular choice for transient boaters. Remember to follow the local rules regarding dockage and mooring.**Conclusion:**This journey from New York City to Staten Island is a wonderful blend of exhilaration and exploration. From iconic landmarks to safe harbors, it caters beautifully to boaters who appreciate both the thrill of navigating busy waterways and the tranquility of stopping at various points of interest. Always prioritize safety by being aware of your surroundings, and don't forget to keep handy useful boating applications like Savvy Navvy to assist with route planning and real-time navigation. Safe travels!