**Pilotage Plan from Staten Island, NY to Verplanck, NY****Departure: Staten Island, NY** Your journey begins at Staten Island, a bustling hub of ferry traffic and residential areas. Before departing, ensure your vessel is in good working order, check the weather forecasts, and review navigational charts. Staten Island has several marinas to fuel up or secure supplies before heading north. **Route Overview** This trip offers an exciting navigation along the Hudson River, rich with scenic beauty, history, and wildlife. It's perfect for experienced and intermediate boaters who enjoy a moderate length cruise with opportunities for enjoyable stops and safe harbors.**Key Navigation Points and Hazards** As you set out from Staten Island, closely monitor the heavily trafficked waters of the Upper New York Bay. Watch out for the Staten Island Ferries, commercial vessels, and recreational traffic. The initial stretch along the western shore leads to:1. **The Kill van Kull**: Beautiful views of the Bayonne Bridge. However, be mindful of the strong currents here. 2. **The Arthur Kill**: Veering into this narrower channel, you will find fewer vessels, making navigation easier, but watch for barges and their tows.3. **Corridor Navigation**: Continuing north, the Hudson River widens, providing a more leisurely cruise. Be cognizant of the tidal effects and maintain situational awareness of changing conditions.**Points of Interest and Shelter Bays** - **Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow**: As you approach the Tappan Zee Bridge, the Hudson offers scenic views and historical intrigue. Consider stopping at Tarrytown for some local dining or a historic site visit at the nearby Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. - **Lyndhurst Estate**: Just a short distance from Tarrytown, this beautiful estate is worth a stop. It has stunning gardens and gives a glimpse into the Gilded Age.- **Haverstraw Bay**: This expansive bay is a prime area to take shelter should the weather turn inclement. It’s spacious enough to find protection and offers several marinas and restaurants if you wish to dock for the night.**Navigational Aids** Along your route, pay close attention to the following navigational aids:- **Lighthouses**: Regularly spaced along the river, these will help guide you and are excellent waypoints for positioning.- **Channel Markers**: Keep an eye on Aids to Navigation (ATON) such as buoys and lights marking the safe navigable channel.**Local Regulations** Be aware of speed limits, especially in the areas surrounding marinas and residential shorelines. Many parts of the Hudson have restrictions on wake zones, so be considerate of other boats and shorelines. Always adhere to the rules regarding no-wake zones and local environmental regulations to protect the shoreline.**Arrival at Verplanck, NY** Your destination, Verplanck, is a charming community on the Hudson River. As you approach this area, note the picturesque views of the rolling hills and the river itself. There are marinas to dock and take time to explore local eateries and shops.**Conclusion** This route from Staten Island to Verplanck promises a delightful mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Ensure you are prepared with proper navigation tools, such as charts and apps like Savvy Navvy, which provide excellent waypoint tracking and local insight. By prioritizing safety, you can truly appreciate what the Hudson River has to offer. Whether it’s a quick day trip or a longer getaway, you’ll find ample rewards on this serene journey. Enjoy your sailing!