New York & New Jersey Pilot Notes
Waypoints miles of waterways. The approach from Long
Ambrose Light
Island Sound is through Hell Gate and the
East River, where currents are extremely
40 27.0N, 73 48.0W Fl W 5s 18M
strong and hazardous. Consult current
Tower on red square marked AMBROSE. 76ft. tables. The approach from the ocean is about
Emergency light of reduced intensity when main light 17nm through the Lower Bay and the Nar-
is extinguished.. RACON: N (– •). 1, 2s horn every 15s.
rows to the Upper Bay.
Lighted Whistle Buoy A
New York Harbor and associated wa-
terways in New York and New Jersey are
40 28.8N, 73 53.7W Mo (A) W 6M Red/White
extremely busy with commercial and recre-
stripes with red spherical topmark
ational traffic at all hours of the day all year
Hudson Canyon Traffic Lane Lighted Whistle Buoy HA
long. In addition to very strong and inconsis-
tent currents, expect dense traffic, occasional
40 07.6N, 73 21.4W Fl Y 4s 6M Yellow
restricted visibility from fog or haze, and
RACON C (– • – • )
confusing backscatter of city lights making
Scotland Lighted Horn Buoy S
discernment of navigational aids and vessel
running lights difficult. Transit of New York
40 26.5N, 73 55.0W Mo (A) W 6M Red/White
Harbor by those unfamiliar with it should
stripes with red spherical topmark. 1 horn every 30s.
be made only during conditions of favorable
RACON M (– –).
visibility and weather, with due regard for
Lighted Gong Buoy 1
the hazards listed above.
Port of Entry: U.S. Customs 973-368-6100.
40 27.2N, 73 56.3W Fl G 2.5s 4M Green
Coast Guard: Station on Governor’s Island,
Sandy Hook Point Light
plus many other Coast Guard commands.
Dockage/Moorings: Dockage is available
40 28.3N, 74 01.2W Iso W 6s 15M
at numerous marinas in Manhattan and Jer-
NB on skeleton tower, 38ft, 1 bell every 10s.
sey City. Some moorings may be available on
the Hudson.
Sandy Hook Bay
Anchorage: Extremely heavy traffic and
Pilotage: Sandy Hook is a government res-
strong tidal currents make most areas in
ervation, and landing is prohibited as far S,
New York unsuitable for anchoring. The
approximately, as the bridge over the mouth
Hudson above 79th Street has some anchor-
of Shrewsbury River. Vessels awaiting favor-
age on E side of the river, but anchors may
able weather for an outside run can anchor
trip with changes in current.
in Sandy Hook Bay S of a line bearing due W
Fuel: Diesel and gas available at some ma-
from Sandy Hook Light.
rinas. Easy access to fuel can be had in the
Waypoints
Morris Canal in the Hudson River opposite
lower Manhattan, S of the Colgate clock and
Sandy Hook Point Obstruction Buoy 1
N of Liberty Island.
on W side of obstruction
Supplies: There’s nothing you can’t get in
40 28.3N, 74 01.4W Green New York City.
can.
Services: Few marinas in New York offer
repair services or haulouts. All other shore-
Shrewsbury River Lighted Buoy 2
side services are available. Most services are
40 25.2N, 74 00.3W Fl R 4s 5M Red expensive, and transient facilities are geared
Replaced by nun Dec 1–Apr 15.
to megayachts. Most smaller yachts prefer to
refuel and resupply in other harbors. Despite
the difficulties, transiting New York harbor
New York, NY
is spectacular.
Pilotage: New York is one of the world’s
busiest harbors, encompassing about 30
100