**Pilotage Plan: Poughkeepsie, NY to Hyde Park, NY****Overview**This delightful trip along the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie to Hyde Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and safe harbors. Perfect for moderate-boating enthusiasts with some experience, this route provides opportunities for scenic stops while keeping navigational hazards in mind.**Departure: Poughkeepsie, NY**Start your journey at the Poughkeepsie waterfront. Before unfurling your sails, take a moment to visit the iconic Walkway Over the Hudson, a bridge featuring breathtaking views of the river. As you set off, be sure to stay clear of the shipping lane; the Hudson River is heavily trafficked, especially by commercial vessels.**Route Highlights**1. **Navigational Aids**: As you head north from Poughkeepsie, keep an eye on the local navigational markers. Look for the Poughkeepsie Light House, which will serve as a great reference point along your journey. The buoys and markers indicate the main channel, and it is vital to follow them closely, especially in low visibility conditions.2. **Social and Natural Landmarks**: After leaving Poughkeepsie, enjoy the views of scenic Hudson Valley and the rolling hills that flank the river. On your left, you’ll soon see the historic Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, nestled among manicured gardens. Feel free to drop anchor and explore the estate, which offers tours and stunning views of the Hudson River.3. **Shelter Spots**: If the weather suddenly shifts, you have a couple of safe havens along the way: - **Esopus Creek**: Just north of Poughkeepsie, this creek provides an excellent shelter option. It’s sheltered from wind and offers good anchorage. - **Rhinecliff Landing and Rhinebeck**: Another option is to continue to Rhinecliff, which boasts a town dock and nearby facilities should you need to wait out unfavorable weather.4. **Points of Interest**: A few miles north of Poughkeepsie, steer towards the historic town of Hyde Park. Here you can stop by the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, where visitors can learn about the life and legacy of this great American president.**Navigational Considerations**- **Water Depths**: Always be sure to monitor your depth; the Hudson can have quite shallow spots, especially in certain areas. Check the charts and follow the designated channels.- **Tides and Current**: Be aware of the tides as the Hudson is influenced by the tide, and currents can run strong, especially after heavy rain. Alignment with the tide can help to provide a smoother and faster journey up or down the river.- **Local Regulations**: The Hudson River is protected under various environmental regulations. Ensure compliance with no-wake zones, particularly near towns and marinas, to protect local wildlife and shoreline infrastructure.**Arrival: Hyde Park, NY**Upon arriving in Hyde Park, take a moment to relax and enjoy the riverside park or visit the local eateries. This destination is not only rich in history and culture, but it also provides a picturesque spot to conclude your journey. The combination of historical sites, beautiful views, and manageable on-water conditions make this route a true gem for boaters.**Safety Tips**1. Always check local weather and tide forecasts before departure.2. Have a proper safety kit onboard, including life jackets, a first-aid kit, and flares.3. Keep your vessel registered and adhere to all boating regulations.4. Utilize apps such as Savvy Navvy for navigation support, ensuring you have access to up-to-date waterway information and navigational charts.This journey from Poughkeepsie to Hyde Park beautifully encapsulates the essence of river cruising, providing both a flavor of history and nature while prioritizing safety for all adventurers on the water. Enjoy your trip!