Pilotage Plan: Seaside Park, NJ to Staten Island, NY
Overview
This cruising plan is designed for mariners wishing to embark on a memorable journey from Seaside Park, New Jersey, to Staten Island, New York. This route balances safety and enjoyment, offering scenic views and notable stops, while also ensuring that you can navigate with confidence should the weather turn sour or unexpected situations arise.
Departure Point: Seaside Park, NJ
As you set sail from Seaside Park, you’ll find yourself in a charming area located on the Barnegat Peninsula. Before leaving the harbor, ensure that your vessel is ready, check the tides, and monitor the weather conditions.
Route and Key Navigational Points
- Barnegat Bay: After departing, head northeast towards Barnegat Bay. This expansive bay can provide shelter from adverse weather. Keep an eye out for navigation markers; be particularly attentive to the red and green channel markers indicating safe navigation paths.
- Landmarks on the Bay:
Island Beach State Park: As you navigate along the eastern shore, you can enjoy views of this natural preservation area, which acts as a haven for various wildlife. It’s a good stop-over point for a picnic or a brief exploration of the sandy beach. - Navigating Out of the Bay: Once you reach the northeastern corner of Barnegat Bay, be prepared for coastal navigation as you round the entrance to the Manasquan Inlet. This inlet can be tricky; watch out for strong tidal currents.
- Traversing Sandy Hook Bay: After passing through the inlet, you will navigate into Sandy Hook Bay. Keep to the marked channels and watch for private moorings and professional fisherman. Sandy Hook offers a sheltered stop, ideal for reassessing your plans or waiting out unfavorable weather.
- Exploring The Hook: The Sandy Hook Peninsula houses interesting sites including the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse. If conditions permit, taking a quick shore excursion can add enjoyment to your trip.
- The Raritan Bay: After passing Sandy Hook, you will proceed into Raritan Bay. Be aware of the vessel traffic in these waters, especially ferries and commercial fishing boats.
- Navigational Aids: Look out for the Burlington and Mercer Counties’ buoysin the Raritan Bay. Trust your chart plotter and always have paper charts as a backup.
- Entering The Kill Van Kull: To reach Staten Island, navigate through the Kill Van Kull. This waterway is busy, with large vessel movements. Aids to navigation are prominent, but exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from them.
- Final Approach to Staten Island: As you approach Staten Island, be mindful of the Staten Island Ferryroutes, which can create congested waters. Adhere strictly to all navigational rules and ensure your radio is operational for communications with other vessels.
Points of Interest Along the Way
Barnegat Lighthouse: A charming lighthouse visible from the Barnegat Bay.
Sandy Hook National Recreational Area: Offers trails, beaches, and a rich history to explore.
Local Regulations and Safety Considerations
- Always check local boating regulations, especially concerning speed limits and no-wake zones in various areas.
- Ensure proper safety gear is on board: life jackets for all passengers, a functioning VHF radio, and basic first aid supplies.
- As conditions can change rapidly, using a reliable weather app like savvy navvyfor real-time updates is essential.
Conclusion
This journey from Seaside Park, NJ, to Staten Island is well-suited for intermediate to experienced boaters. It combines natural beauty with points of interest, showcasing New Jersey’s coast while providing the necessary safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Embrace the adventure, keep your safety at the forefront, and enjoy the countless sights along the way!
