This pilotage plan outlines an exciting and safe boating route from Edgewater, New Jersey to Brooklyn, New York. The journey covers a distance of approximately 14 nautical miles, taking you through various local waterways, past some notable landmarks, and offering opportunities for shelter if the weather changes unexpectedly. This route is particularly suited for recreational boaters looking for a scenic day trip with the chance to explore vibrant city life at the destination.
Start your journey from Edgewater. Before departing, check local weather conditions, tides, and currents. Make sure your vessel is prepared with all safety equipment, including life jackets, a first aid kit, flares, fire extinguishers, and a working VHF radio for communication.
1. Leaving Edgewater: As you leave Edgewater, set a course to the east, passing the picturesque views of the Hudson River waterfront. This stretch is busy with boats and ferries, especially around the Weehawken and Hoboken areas. Stay vigilant and maintain a safe distance from larger vessels.
2. Navigational Aids: Pay close attention to the navigational aids along the route, such as buoys and markers. The river is well-marked, but it's essential to monitor your chartplotter or navigation app. Keep an eye out for the prominent light on the George Washington Bridge, as it serves as a great reference point.
3. Points of Interest: As you cruise southward along the Hudson, take a few moments to admire the skyline of Manhattan to your left. This is an excellent opportunity to slow down and enjoy the scenic beauty. On weekends, the river can become busy with recreational boaters, so stay alert for other vessels.
4. Hudson River Harbors: Should you need to seek shelter, consider detouring to the nearby harbor of Hoboken or Jersey City. Both locations offer marinas with amenities, restroom facilities, and dining options. They're great spots to relax if the weather turns nasty.
5. Approaching the Statue of Liberty: Continue south toward the Statue of Liberty, maintaining a safe distance from surrounding ferry routes. The area directly near the statue is often busy with tourist boats and sightseeing vessels. Observing this historical monument from your boat adds to the trip's charm.
6. Navigating towards Brooklyn: Once you’ve enjoyed the views and continued down the Hudson, you'll start reaching the entrance of the East River. Transitioning into the East River, remain cautious of the tidal currents, which can be very strong. Maintain a steady course towards the Brooklyn area, using the Brooklyn Bridge as a visual guide.
As you approach Brooklyn, keep an eye on your navigation tools for the designated boat channels and specific past buoys guiding you closer to land. Spend time exploring Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can tie up at a transient dock and enjoy some local attractions.
While traditional navigational tools and charts are valuable, consider using mobile applications like “savvy navvy” for real-time tracking and AIS capabilities. Other useful apps include “Navionics” and “iNavX,” which can enhance your navigational confidence on this journey.
This route from Edgewater, NJ, to Brooklyn, NY, combines the thrill of urban exploration with the beauty of the Hudson River scenery. Keeping safety at the forefront while enjoying the voyage guarantees not only a memorable trip but also peace of mind. With adequate preparation, discover the charm of one of the busiest water routes in the country and the vibrant life of Brooklyn awaiting you. Enjoy your adventure!