**Pilotage Plan: Jersey City, NJ to Seaford, NY****Overview:**Embarking on a boating adventure from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Seaford, New York, presents an incredible opportunity to explore the diversity of the New York Harbor and the Long Island Sound. This journey, approximately 25 nautical miles, is suitable for experienced boaters looking for both safety and scenic views. The route boasts notable landmarks, sheltered bays, and navigational aids that will guide you safely to your destination.---**Route Section: Jersey City to Sandy Hook Bay****Departure Point: Jersey City, NJ**Starting from Liberty State Park Marina, replete with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, this is a prime launch point with accessible facilities.Leave the marina and navigate through the Upper New York Bay. Be cautious of the busy waters around Ellis Island and Liberty Island, home to Statue of Liberty. **Navigational Highlights:**As you set out:- Monitor traffic near the busy ferry routes.- Keep a close eye on the buoy markers denoting the shipping channels along your route to avoid straying into deeper commercial shipping lanes.**Point of Interest: Ellis Island and Liberty Island**A quick stop to view the icons can be enriching if weather permits. ---**Navigating to Sandy Hook Bay:**Continue on course towards Sandy Hook Bay; the waterway twists past the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and will soon lead you into the more tranquil waters of the New Jersey coastline.**Shelter: Sandy Hook Bay**This large, protected bay provides excellent shelter should inclement weather descend. Sandy Hook is a perfect stopping point with warm beaches and picnic areas, and the nearby Gateway National Recreation Area is ideal for swimming, hiking, and exploration.---**Navigational Highlights: Sandy Hook and Raritan Bay**From Sandy Hook, proceed through Raritan Bay, where the waters are generally calmer. Pay attention to the Raritan Bay Light and the various buoys indicating the navigable channel. The area's tidal patterns need consideration, as they can be relatively strong, especially around the mouth of the Raritan River.---**Route Section: Raritan Bay to the Great South Bay**After navigating through Raritan Bay, you will make your way out towards the Great South Bay. Accompanying this stretch are iconic landmarks like the Sandy Hook Lighthouse.**Shelter: Great South Bay**The Great South Bay offers multiple opportunities to duck into sheltered marinas if conditions worsen. The towns of Bay Shore and Sayville on Long Island's south shore provide great spots for refreshments and leisure.---**Navigational Guidance:**As you approach the entrance to Great South Bay, watch for the numerous navigational markers and local boat traffic, particularly to the east towards Fire Island. Keeping in contact with local marine VHF channels can enhance safety.**Final Approach to Seaford, NY:**Requesting permission to enter the access channel that leads into Seaford from Great South Bay is courteous to local boaters. Golf courses dot the shoreline as you navigate into the serene waters of Seaford.---**Arriving at Seaford, NY**Once you arrive, the pleasant local community welcomes visitors with vibrant parks and eateries along the waterfront. The local marina facilities will assist you with docking.---**Boater Safety Tips:**1. Weather Forecast: Ensure to check local weather forecasts. Sudden storms can pop up.2. Navigational Aids: Be vigilant about buoys, markers, and potential shipping traffic throughout your journey.3. Tidal Awareness: Since you’ll be navigating through tidal areas, understanding local tide schedules is essential.---**Recommended Boating Apps:**- **Savvy Navvy:** For route planning and navigation.- **Navionics:** Real-time navigation and chart plotting.- **Windy:** Keep track of weather conditions throughout your trip.**Conclusion:**This trip showcases both the beauty of the New York Harbor and the peacefulness of the Long Island shoreline. Attention to safety and local conditions will help ensure that you have an enjoyable and memorable boating experience. This journey is ideal for experienced boaters looking to explore scenic environments while ensuring navigational safety and enjoyment. Safe travels!