**Pilotage Plan: Staten Island, NY to Pelham Manor, NY****Route Overview** This itinerary details a delightful cruising adventure from Staten Island to Pelham Manor, culminating in the serene beauty of Long Island Sound’s northern coast. Suitable for experienced boaters seeking a blend of scenic views, safety, and points of interest, this route allows for leisurely exploration while always prioritizing safety.---**1. Departure from Staten Island, NY**Starting your journey at Staten Island, you're positioned conveniently close to the New York Harbor, an area rich with history and bustling maritime activity. As you depart, be mindful of:- **Navigational Aids**: Pay attention to the numerous buoys and markers that delineate safe navigation channels within the harbor. The Liberty Island buoy will be a notable first point of reference. - **Hazards**: The waters around the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge can be choppy, so monitor your speed and be aware of ferry traffic that navigates these currents.**2. Exit the Harbor and head North**As you navigate away from Staten Island, your route will lead you into the Upper New York Bay. It’s advisable to remain well clear of larger vessels and commercial shipping lanes. **Points of Interest**: Keep an eye on the Statue of Liberty on your port side. A quick stop here can provide a unique photographic opportunity or a chance to stretch the legs with some sightseeing.---**3. Entering the East River**Sailing north, you’ll enter the East River. This stretch is crucial, as you’ll begin to feel the currents of the tidal flow. The East River generally runs swift, especially near the Hell Gate, so timing your journey with the tidal currents in mind greatly enhances safety and efficiency.- **Navigational Aids**: Look for the Colgate Clock and the various ranges that line the river to maintain a safe course.- **Notable Hazards**: The Hell Gate area can get turbulent, especially during peak tidal flow. Be prepared for swift changes in direction and speed.---**4. Journey through Long Island Sound**As you exit the East River and enter Long Island Sound, the landscape opens up. Here, surrounding you will be beautiful shorelines, small islands, and the picturesque coastal towns that dot the water's edge.- **Shelter Bays**: The Throgs Neck Bay offers a great opportunity for shelter if weather conditions become adverse. You can drop anchor here, ensuring you're safe while awaiting more favorable weather.- **Recreational Opportunities**: Explore the nearby shores—Pelham Bay Park is situated here, hosting trails and picnic areas. This area is perfect for short excursions ashore.---**5. Approaching Pelham Manor, NY**Your final approach to Pelham Manor brings you into calmer waters. Focus on the various navigational markers that guide you safely to shore.- **Navigational Aids**: As you near Pelham Manor, the markers will direct you toward the entrance to Pelham Bay. You’ll find this to be a tranquil area, with the added bonus of local boaters familiar with the waters.- **Local Regulations**: Be aware of any local boat restrictions once you enter Pelham Bay Park, particularly concerning no wake zones and speed limits in certain areas.---**Safety Considerations** While this trip promises stunning views and enjoyable stops along the way, safety should always be your priority. Ensure you have:- Life jackets for every individual onboard.- A reliable VHF radio for communication, particularly to reach out for weather updates or emergency assistance.- A fully charged navigation app; I recommend using savvy navvy, which will provide real-time updates and facilitate safe navigation with ease.---**Conclusion** This journey from Staten Island to Pelham Manor is not only a great way to experience New York's waterways but also strategically designed to provide safety and opportunities for fun along the way. So prepare your vessel, check your equipment, and set out for an exhilarating day on the water with confidence!