### Pilotage Plan: Jersey City, New Jersey to Leonardo, New Jersey#### OverviewEmbarking on a boat journey from Jersey City to Leonardo offers an enjoyable experience filled with beautiful waterfront views, charming stops along the way, and fascinating maritime landmarks. This trip is particularly suitable for seasoned cruisers as well as day-trippers looking for a delightful excursion along the Jersey Shore. #### Route SummaryStarting at Jersey City, you'll navigate through Upper New York Bay, past the bustling city skyline, and ultimately transition into the calm waters of Raritan Bay before arriving in the quaint town of Leonardo. #### Departure: Jersey City, NJBegin your journey at the coordinates (40.702606315108, -74.041634057384). Before you set sail, ensure that all safety equipment is aboard: life jackets, navigation lights, flares, and a first aid kit. #### Key Points of Interest and Shelters1. **Liberty State Park**: As you depart, be sure to pause at Liberty State Park. This green oasis offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, making it a perfect picnic spot. The park also features piers and a terminal for boaters to moor and explore the trails.2. **Hoboken Cove**: A little further along, Hoboken offers a bustling waterfront with vibrant eateries and shops. You can anchor briefly to enjoy a meal or take in the scenery of the Manhattan skyline.3. **Newark Bay**: As you make your way south, consider the option to seek refuge in Newark Bay should the weather take a turn. It’s a relatively sheltered area, ideal for waiting out squalls.4. **Sandy Hook Bay**: Upon entering Sandy Hook Bay, your final stretch leads toward Leonardo. This expansive bay can serve as excellent shelter in inclement weather, with several inlets and marinas available.#### Navigational Aids and ConsiderationsAs you navigate this route, pay close attention to the following navigational aids:- **Raritan Reach Buoy**: This prominent buoy marks the entrance to Raritan Bay and is crucial for keeping your bearing.- **Sandy Hook Light**: A well-known lighthouse that serves as a superb landmark for approaching Leonardo. Make sure to bear east as you near the light for a safe entry into the bay.#### Local Regulations and Safety Tips- **Speed Limits**: Be mindful of slow speed zones, especially near marinas and inlets. There are designated no-wake areas to protect local wildlife and show consideration to other boaters.- **Fisheries Restrictions**: Pay attention to seasonal restrictions and protected areas for local fisheries.- **Tide and Current**: Familiarize yourself with local tide tables as Raritan Bay can experience strong currents. Planning your travel times around slack tide can make your journey smoother.#### Arrival: Leonardo, NJYou will arrive at Leonardo (40.4213333333, -74.0613333333) with ample options for docking or mooring. The local marina provides facilities for boaters, and the surrounding area is perfect for relaxation after your voyage.#### Final ThoughtsThis boating route from Jersey City to Leonardo combines safety, navigation ease, and picturesque sites, making it an ideal trip for boaters seeking a scenic cruise without straying far from the shores. Don’t forget to keep your boating apps handy; along with savvy navvy, consider using NOAA Weather, which provides real-time weather updates, and Navionics for detailed nautical charts. Enjoy your journey while keeping safety at the forefront!