### Pilotage Plan: Jersey City, New Jersey to Stamford, Connecticut**Overview** This route from Jersey City to Stamford offers a blend of scenic beauty, interesting points of interest, and manageable navigation for boaters of all skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a weekend boater, this journey will suit your needs, providing ample opportunities for shelter and attractions along the way, all while ensuring safety remains a top priority.---#### Route Sections**1. Departure from Jersey City** Starting at the bustling harbor of Jersey City, launch your boat in the early morning to avoid the usual traffic of boats and ferries. From here, navigate carefully past Liberty State Park, offering breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan. Ensure to remain aware of the busy shipping lanes, as commercial traffic can be significant.**2. Coast around the Hudson River** Heading northward, follow the Hudson River as it curves toward the northeast. The river can be busy, so keep a vigilant eye on the navigational aids—these include buoys and markers indicating the channels. Be mindful of strong currents, especially near the northern sections where they can change rapidly. Look for the key markers like the New York Harbor East Rock, a notable landmark.**3. Approaching the Spuyten Duyvil Creek** As you reach the vicinity of the Spuyten Duyvil Creek, consider checking the current and wind conditions. The creek provides excellent shelter should inclement weather arise, making it a perfect spot to take a break if necessary. The creek connects to the Harlem River; while it’s an alternative route, determine the current conditions to avoid straying from your plan.**4. Entering Long Island Sound** As you navigate along the western shorelines toward Long Island Sound, keep an eye out for the many beautiful parks and protected areas. The sound is relatively shallow, so pay attention to the tide charts to avoid grounding. Notable landmarks such as City Island and the entire chain of the Throgs Neck Bridge provide great visual cues and photo opportunities.**5. Taking Shelter at Port Chester** Should the weather worsen or if you need a break, the Port Chester Harbor is a great sheltering spot. The harbor is equipped with marine facilities and offers ample dining options in the town of Port Chester. Ensure that you keep your VHF radio handy to communicate with local marinas regarding slip availability.**6. Navigating to Stamford** Leaving Port Chester and moving eastward toward Stamford, watch for the sharp turns and shifting tides as you approach the harbor. Create a mental map or a physical chart marking the marina entrances and potential mooring areas.---#### Navigational Aids and Safety Considerations- **Navigational Aids**: Utilize chart plotters or reliable apps like savvy navvy to help navigate complex areas, listing key buoys and markers.- **Local Regulations**: Remember to check for any local restrictions, particularly speed limits in certain zones, and fishery interests that may require licensing.- **Weather Monitoring**: Stay up-to-date with marine weather forecasts and always have an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) accessible.- **Cell Coverage**: While signal reception can be spotty in some areas, ensure you have the latest navigation updates downloaded prior to departure.---### ConclusionThis trip from Jersey City to Stamford is an ideal journey for boaters looking for a mixture of leisure and adventure. With beautiful landmarks, safe harbors, and manageable navigational challenges, every aspect of this route ensures an enjoyable and safe boating experience. By planning ahead and staying updated on conditions, you can have a wonderful time on the water. So smooth sailing, and may your voyage be filled with pleasant experiences!