**Pilotage Plan: Jersey City, NJ to Mount Sinai, NY**Embarking on a journey from Jersey City to Mount Sinai offers a unique blend of urban sights, picturesque waters, and natural beauty. This route is particularly suitable for intermediate to experienced boaters. Bringing required safety gear and ensuring you have an understanding of navigational principles is essential, as you will traverse busy waters and gain experiences in varying coastal environments.### Route Overview1. **Departure from Jersey City, NJ** Start your voyage from the bustling Hudson River waterfront. Be mindful of the busy river traffic, including ferries, water taxis, and sightseeing boats. Before setting off, ensure you have a functional VHF radio to monitor Channel 16 for any safety communications.2. **Navigating the Hudson River** As you depart Jersey City, follow the Hudson River north. Keep an eye out for the navigational buoys that mark the channel. The river can be narrow in places, so maintaining a safe distance from shorelines and other vessels is crucial. Be aware of the shipping lanes designated for larger vessels. 3. **Points of Interest Along the Hudson** - **Liberty State Park**: Stop here to catch views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The park has ample docking facilities if you want to disembark for a picnic or scenic stroll. - **Weehawken Docks**: This area provides great views of the Manhattan skyline and is another spot for potential shelter in inclement weather.4. **Transitioning to the Upper Bay** Upon reaching the Upper Bay, you must carefully navigate toward the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The water can be choppy here, especially if there’s wind against the current. Verify the bridge clearance based on your boat’s height and wait for favorable conditions if necessary.5. **The East River and Long Island Sound** Once you clear the bridge, you will enter the East River. The tidal currents here are strong; plan your journey to rely on flowing tides to assist your passage. Be vigilant about potential commercial traffic, especially large ferries and barges.6. **Bays for Shelter** As you approach the northern reaches of Long Island Sound: - **Sandy Hook Bay**: Offers safe harbor with a clear entrance and good anchorage options. The bay's coastline features a lovely park and beaches. - **Manhasset Bay**: A popular yacht haven with upscale marinas. This area has both dine-in restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance for a brief stop.7. **Navigational Aids to Watch** Key navigational aids include: - **Anchorages**: Identify designated anchorages in Sandy Hook and Manhasset bays for emergencies. - **Lighted buoys and markers**: Pay close attention to these, especially at night or in reduced visibility, as they guide your safe passage.### Entering Mount Sinai, NYAs you approach Mount Sinai, transition from open waters to the smaller coastal waterways. This area is characterized by more complicated navigation due to shallows and channels; ensure your charts are up to date and consult your marine GPS for accuracy. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, particularly fog, which can roll in quickly.### Local RegulationsFamiliarize yourself with local boating regulations, which include speed limits in certain areas, restricted zones near wildlife habitats, and no-wake zones. A VHF radio will also allow you to communicate with marinas and dockmasters when approaching Mount Sinai harbor for docking assistance.### Final Recommendations While this trip can be a fantastic adventure, prioritize safety at all times. A few safety apps are invaluable, including:- **Savvy Navvy**: A great tool for plotting your course, weather forecasts, and navigating busy waterways.- **Navionics**: Offers electronic charts and live weather updates.- **USCG Navigation Apps**: For real-time alerts and advisories.In summary, this route from Jersey City to Mount Sinai provides an exciting nautical journey, allowing you to indulge in both urban and natural experiences. Embrace the voyage, plan wisely for the changing environment around you, and enjoy the voyage with safety as your utmost priority. Safe sailing!