**Pilotage Plan: Jersey City, NJ to Manhasset, NY****Overview**Embarking on a boat trip from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Manhasset, New York, offers coastal cruisers a delightful blend of cityscapes, picturesque views, and peaceful harbors. This route is ideally suitable for seasoned boaters looking for both adventure and safety on the water. As you navigate through this vibrant waterway, you’ll encounter stunning landmarks, bustling marinas, and potential shelter bays, ensuring a memorable experience.**Route Breakdown**1. **Starting Point: Jersey City, NJ** Your journey begins at the Hudson River, right across the water from the iconic Manhattan skyline. Here, ensure that your navigation systems are calibrated, and your safety gear is secured. Before you set sail, it's wise to check the weather forecast.2. **Navigating the Hudson River** As you set out from Jersey City, follow the Hudson River northward. Keep an eye on your depth sounder, especially near the shallow areas close to the banks. Be aware of the river’s swift current, and keep an eye out for ferries operating from Jersey City to Manhattan—they can be quite busy. Notable landmarks along this stretch include: - **Liberty State Park:** A fantastic place for a brief stop. While you cannot dock here directly, enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as you cruise by. - **Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum:** Directly across the river in Manhattan, the Intrepid offers a great opportunity for those who wish to learn more about naval history.3. **Palisades Interstate Park** As you continue north, the cliffs of the Palisades National Park rise majestically along the eastern shore. This is a good section to slow down and enjoy the scenery, but be cautious of sudden shifts in the current and potential wind effects depending on the weather conditions. 4. **Navigating the Tappan Zee Bridge** After passing the Palisades, make a course towards the Tappan Zee Bridge. This bridge is a significant navigation point, and boaters should always stay within the marked channel. Watch for currents and wakes from passing vessels, and be mindful of any construction that may affect your passage.5. **Feeling the Pull of the Croton River** If conditions get rough or you need a break, consider diverting into the Croton River. This is a popular spot where you can anchor in sheltered areas with calm waters. It might also be a place to explore the local parks along the riverbanks.6. **Onward to the Long Island Sound** After passing under the Tappan Zee, you will navigate towards the Long Island Sound. Keep an eye out for seasonal vessel traffic; the waters can become quite busy especially in the warmer months. - **Notable Points of Interest:** - **Haverstraw Bay:** A large expansive area where you’ll find calm waters that are ideal for a rest stop. The bay is home to marinas, restaurants, and gives you a chance to swim, fish, or just enjoy the scenery. - **Nanuet Marsh:** A beautiful natural area to pause, and offers opportunities for wildlife watching.7. **Approaching Manhasset, NY** As you make your way towards Manhasset, look for the markers indicating navigable waters leading into the desired marina or harbor. The area near the Manhasset Bay is especially well-marked by buoys, so navigation should be straightforward.**Safety Considerations** - Always check the tides and currents before departure. The changing water levels can significantly impact your navigational approach, especially near inlets.- Ensure your vessel is equipped with proper safety gear including a first aid kit, life jackets for all passengers, and a fire extinguisher.- Maintain a safe distance from fishing boats and other vessels, and be aware of their activity, particularly in bays where fishing is prevalent. **Useful Apps for Your Trip**Consider using navigation apps for enhanced safety and planning. Make sure to download:- **Savvy Navvy:** A highly recommended app that provides detailed charts and weather information.- **Navionics:** Good for real-time nautical charts and community-driven information.- **Windy:** A helpful app for assessing weather, especially wind conditions which can impact your route.Overall, this route promises an exhilarating experience while providing ample opportunities to stay safe along the journey. So, prepare well, watch your surroundings, and enjoy the journey from Jersey City to the beautiful Manhasset Bay!