Practical Sailing Summary: Atlantic Highlands and Sandy Hook Bay

The Coast Guard has established temporary navigation restrictions for Sail4th 250 in New York Harbor, the Lower Bay and portions of Sandy Hook Bay. The restrictions are scheduled to apply primarily from July 1 through July 9, 2026.

What This Means for Atlantic Highlands Sailors

• Atlantic Highlands Harbor appears to be west of the main regulated area, but common routes toward Sandy Hook and the Lower Bay may enter controlled waters.
• On July 2 and July 3, local sailing may be possible, but vessels must avoid the Sandy Hook East, Sandy Hook West and Gravesend Bay staging areas.
• Maintain at least 100 yards from tall ships located in staging areas.
• Expect patrol vessels, large wakes, commercial traffic and temporary Coast Guard directions.
• On July 4, do not plan to sail around Sandy Hook into the Lower Bay after 6:00 a.m. unless authorized by the Coast Guard or already positioned in an approved spectator area.
• Any vessel permitted to transit a regulated area must proceed directly and may not stop, circle, fish or loiter.

Required Separation from Participating Vessels

• Remain at least 50 yards from designated tall ships.
• Remain at least 100 yards from foreign naval vessels.
• When within 500 yards of a U.S. naval vessel, operate at minimum steerage speed.
• Never approach within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel.

Anchoring and Navigation

• Do not anchor in Ambrose Channel, Anchorage Channel or any other marked navigation channel.
• Several federal anchorages will be suspended during the event period.
• Authorization to use a suspended federal anchorage may be requested from Vessel Traffic Service New York on VHF Channel 12.
• Maintain a safe distance from other anchored vessels and be prepared to move immediately when directed.

Recommended Operating Plan

• July 1: Expect naval and tall-ship arrivals and moving security zones.
• July 2–3: Local sailing may be possible. Avoid staging areas and monitor Coast Guard broadcasts.
• July 4: Treat the route east toward Sandy Hook and the Lower Bay as restricted after 6:00 a.m.
• July 5–6: Conditions may be less restrictive, but security zones and substantial vessel traffic should still be expected.
• July 7–9: Expect outbound tall ships, naval vessels and traffic controls near Sandy Hook and Ambrose Channel.

Radio Monitoring

All vessels should continuously monitor VHF-FM Channel 16 for Coast Guard safety broadcasts and instructions. Vessel Traffic Service New York operates on VHF Channel 12.

This summary is intended as general boating guidance and does not replace official Coast Guard regulations, Notices to Mariners, Marine Safety Information Bulletins or real-time instructions from Coast Guard patrol vessels. Boaters should verify current restrictions before departure.