### Pilotage Plan: Port Ewen, New York to Hudson, NY**Departure Point:** *Port Ewen, NY (Long/Lat: -73.96725, 41.91295)* Start your journey from this quaint waterfront village located along the western bank of the Hudson River. Before you set out, ensure your vessel is well-prepared and your navigation systems are functioning, as local weather can shift rapidly, especially in spring and fall.**Destination:** *Hudson, NY (Long/Lat: -73.799, 42.2555)* Hudson presents a vibrant waterfront with a lively arts scene, unique shops, and numerous dining options. It’s a wonderful final stop with much to explore.### Key Points of Interest Along the Route- **Esopus Creek:** As you depart Port Ewen, keep an eye out for the confluence of Esopus Creek. This area presents an excellent opportunity for a quick detour, allowing for some freshwater fishing or simply enjoying the serene surroundings.- **Kingston Point Park:** Just a short distance up the river, this park offers picnic areas and stunning views of the Hudson River and the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. It serves as a popular stopover for both pleasure boaters and larger vessels.- **Saugerties Lighthouse:** Situated at the mouth of the Saugerties Creek, this historical lighthouse makes for a picturesque anchor point. A brief hike to the lighthouse offers historical insights and great photography opportunities.- **Catskill Creek:** This creek can be a delightful shortcut that allows you to duck inland for a quiet and sheltered anchorage. Beautiful trails and camping spots line the creek.### Navigational Overview- As you cruise northward, the navigational channel runs reasonably wide and deep. Be vigilant for the various markers and buoys: look for the seasonal aids that may be altered according to water levels or navigation conditions.- **Navigational Aids:** Pay close attention to channel markers, particularly around Chichester, as the channel narrows in some spots. The markers will guide you through the safest paths of navigation, denoted by red on the right when returning from sea (can buoy) and green on the left (nun buoy).- **Hazards:** Be cautious of shifting sand bars and any submerged rocks, particularly in the shallow areas near the banks. Also, the northern stretch can occasionally see increased current depending on weather and water conditions. The Tappan Zee Bridge, although to the south of Kingston, can influence water flow, especially during peak tidal times.### Emergency Shelters**Bays and Harbors to Consider:**- **Saugerties Harbor:** This harbor provides timely refuge should bad weather threaten your journey. It offers safe docking facilities and is manned during the boating season.- **Catskill Bay:** A lovely inner bay that can provide a well-protected anchorage. Check the local regulations beforehand, as certain areas within the bay may have seasonal restrictions pertaining to anchoring.### Local Regulations and Safety Tips- Always be aware of local boating regulations, especially concerning speed limits and no-wake zones in areas around marinas or residential zones. - As a safety measure, have a float plan shared with someone on land before you set out. It should include your intended route, estimated return, and contact details. - Check for any local hazards, such as aquatic species that may require your attention, and ensure that your vessel has all necessary safety equipment, including PFDs, signal flares, and fire extinguishers.### Recommended Boating AppsUtilizing modern navigation technology can enhance your trip substantially. I recommend having these apps handy throughout your journey:1. **Savvy Navvy:** Great for route planning, weather updates, and understanding local tides.2. **Navionics:** Offers comprehensive nautical charts that detail the water depth and navigational aids.3. **US Coast Guard App:** Useful for emergency precautions, including current regulations and safety alerts in the vicinity.Embarking on this journey from Port Ewen to Hudson will not only allow you to explore the beautiful surroundings of the Hudson River but also provides opportunities for recreation and interspersed history at quaint stops along the way. Bon voyage!