The journey from Staten Island to Brielle presents a splendid opportunity for a boater looking for a blend of scenic views and navigational challenges. This route, stretching approximately 27 nautical miles along the New Jersey coastline, is ideal for intermediate to advanced boaters. The trip promises to be engaging, with plenty of points of interest where you can drop anchor should the weather take a turn.
1. Starting Point: Staten Island, NY - Departure from the southern tip of Staten Island gives you a stunning view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the Brooklyn skyline as you head out into New York Harbor.
2. Initial Leg: Across New York Harbor - Navigate through the busy waters of New York Harbor, where it's crucial to keep a lookout for ferries and commercial vessels. Follow the main channel to avoid shallow spots. - As you pass the Statue of Liberty to your starboard, keep the course straight towards Sandy Hook Bay, keeping an eye on the navigational aids like buoy markers which will guide your way.
3. Entering Sandy Hook Bay - Once inside Sandy Hook Bay, the waters become calmer. The bay is an excellent place for shelter if the weather changes. The nearby Sandy Hook National Park is great for a day stop—hiking trails and beautiful beaches await. - Pay attention to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse to your north, the oldest working lighthouse in the U.S., and make sure to monitor boat traffic around this popular tourist area.
4. Sailing Along the Coast - From Sandy Hook, begin heading south along the New Jersey coastline. This stretch is especially beautiful, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean and the various marinas and beaches dotted along the shore. - Keep your distances from the beaches, as swimmers and jet skis can be common here, particularly on weekends.
5. Navigating to Manasquan Inlet - Continue to the Manasquan Inlet, a critical waypoint on your journey. It’s vital to pay real attention to the tidal currents here, as they can be strong on either side of high or low tide. - Manasquan is a bustling area with a well-marked channel. Check local tide times to ensure passage is safe, and remember to adhere to the posted speed limits.
6. Final Leg to Brielle - After navigating through the inlet, point your bow towards Brielle. This last stretch may involve more local boat traffic, as this is a community hub for recreational boating. - Look for the Brielle River’s entrance, well-marked by significant buoys. Be cautious of shallow spots and avoid shortcuts through unmarked channels.
This adventure from Staten Island to Brielle is not only a journey but also an experience. With proper planning, awareness of local regulations, and attentiveness to safety, you’ll have both a memorable and safe outing on the water. Safe cruising!