**Pilotage Plan from Kingston, New York to Hudson, NY****Route Overview** Embarking on this nautical journey from Kingston to Hudson is a delightful experience, ideal for boaters eager to explore the scenic beauty and rich history of the Hudson River Valley. The approximately 20 nautical mile journey offers a good balance of navigational challenges and opportunities for leisure, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced cruisers.**Start Point: Kingston, NY** Set your course at the Kingston waterfront, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Rondout Creek. Before departing, ensure your vessel is well-stocked, and all safety equipment—including life jackets, flares, and fire extinguishers—are in place. Kingston's marina facilities provide amenities like fuel, food, and bathroom facilities.**Section 1: Kingston to Rondout Lighthouse** Departing Kingston, head north on the Hudson and enjoy the majestic views of the Catskill Mountains. This stretch is relatively open water, but watch out for commercial shipping traffic. Keep an eye on the navigation markers as they guide your path. The Rondout Lighthouse, located about 2 nautical miles from Kingston, is a great photo op, where you can ponder the maritime history of the area. Though you should avoid stopping in the navigation channel, this spot makes for a great landmark to anchor and stretch your legs while you soak in the views.**Shelter Option**: If the weather begins to turn, you can find shelter in the Rondout Creek. It's a well-protected anchorage with easy access to facilities, making it an ideal spot to wait out any inclement weather.**Section 2: Rondout Lighthouse to Saugerties** Continuing north along the river, you will navigate through some slightly more congested waters. Watch out for commercial vessels, particularly at the Saugerties area, where the channel narrows. The Saugerties Lighthouse is your next point of interest, located about 5 nautical miles up the river. Here you may experience the serenity of the riverbank trails or grab a bite at local eateries nearby.**Shelter Option**: Windward on the Saugerties side offers a secure anchorage point should the winds pick up. Check the local weather reports before heading out.**Section 3: Saugerties to Hudson** The final leg of your trip takes you through some of the most picturesque scenery along the river. As you approach Hudson, be mindful of the shallow areas, especially in the vicinity of the city docks. The charming streets of Hudson beckon with shops, art galleries, and eateries, perfect for a brief port stop before your journey concludes.**Navigational Aids and Hazards** While navigating through this route, ensure you have up-to-date nautical charts and are aware of the navigational aids—buoys, lights, and markers. Pay close attention particularly to the Saugerties and Hudson Harbor areas where shoaling occurs. Formats on navigation aids may change, so frequent updates to your electronic charts and usage of apps like savvy navvy will greatly enhance your situational awareness.**Local Restrictions and Regulations** Be mindful of speed limits within all harbor areas and keep an eye out for local signage. Observe no-wake zones, especially when near docks and residential areas. Additionally, be conscious of wildlife areas, particularly when navigating shallower or marshy waters, to help preserve the delicate ecosystem.**Safety Precautions** Before you embark, always check the latest weather forecasts, as river conditions can change rapidly. Keep communication devices fully charged, have your vessel’s marine radio tuned in, and know your emergency protocols, including routes to the nearest dock in case of sudden weather changes.This journey from Kingston to Hudson is not just a trip; it’s an exploration of the Hudson River’s dynamic beauty while ensuring a safe and leisurely experience on the water. Enjoy the adventure!