Adult & Family Sailing Programs
A variety of programs suited to sailors of all abilities and ages.
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ADULT & FAMILY SAILING
Set sail with an experienced instructor and discover if sailing is for you. This relaxed 2-hour adventure provides the opportunity to steer and participate in basic sailing maneuvers. A perfect first taste of what sailing is all about! Your instructor will guide you through rigging the boat, basic terminology and help you set your course for an exciting sail. Learn to take the helm and trim the sails while enjoying the waters of Oyster Bay aboard a safe and stable 19-23 foot keelboat. Great for families or individuals looking to get out on the water and discover the excitement of sailing.
Schedule: Memorial Day – Labor Day  Sailing 101 provides a solid introduction to fundamental sailing skills. Learn how to read the wind, rig the boat, basic sailing maneuvers and safety. The ideal first lesson and great for families and friends! An instructor will guide you through the basics as you experience the thrill of learning to sail aboard a 23 foot Sonar. Learn step by step how to prepare to set sail, tie basic knots, wind awareness and points of sail. This class will provide a strong foundation and get you on the right track for learning to sail.
Schedule: Memorial Day – Labor Day  |
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ADULT SAILING PROGRAMS
Our new Basic course will teach you strong foundational sailing skills. Combinations of classroom and on-the-water sessions will provide comprehensive instruction. Topics covered: terminology, boat preparation and rigging, knots, wind awareness, boat handling and sail trim. This two-day course will give you a solid start to learning to sail. After completing the Basic course and based on your interest and progress, choose to continue your learning by registering for Learn to Sail – Intermediate. If you are interested in Certification, Basic is the first step!
Schedule: May 18 – Oct 5  Our new Intermediate course builds on the skills learned in Basic. Practice essential sailing maneuvers, safety procedures, and learn basic navigation, rules of the road and sail theory as you prepare for your sailing certification or rental checkout. This two-day course will enhance your progress as a sailor. Hands-on learning with supplemental classroom sessions will accelerate your understanding of sailing concepts and performance of practical maneuvers. Emphasis is placed on practical skills including man overboard recovery, leaving and returning to a mooring, anchoring and reefing. After completing the Intermediate course sailing practical, your instructor will recommend whether or not you are ready to rent on your own or complete US Sailing certification.
Schedule: May 18 – Oct 5  A congenial way to build your sailing skills and meet other people who share your passion! Open to all skill levels, especially those who have recently taken Learn to Sail Basic and/or Intermediate. This program utilizes informal instruction to build your confidence and hone your skills. Join in with new and familiar friends as you practice your skills. A good program choice for all skill levels, this program provides informal instruction as you gain confidence and competence.
Schedule:
Spring: May 4 – May 25, Saturdays 1-4pm
Summer: Memorial Day to Labor Day, Wednesdays, 6-8pm Fall: Sept 7 – Columbus Day, Saturdays 1-4 WFC Regatta: Oct 5
Fee: $45 per night; Summer Seasonal: $450
Ages: 18 and older Registration: For Summer Seasonal, register here. For individual sessions, please call to register.  Ladies, join us for evening sailing aboard our Sonars in a comfortable and fun environment. Appropriate for all skill levels, this program and is designed to boost confidence and skills tailored to meet individual needs. Learn to sail, improve your skills and race while sharing good times with other women on the water! Whether you are looking for a new activity or have been sailing for years, Ladies Sailing provides an excellent and unique opportunity to enjoy evenings on the water. Instructors will help you learn and improve your skills while you take pleasure in sharing the experience with new friends.
Schedule: Memorial Day – Labor Day  Learn rigging, capsize recovery, sail trim and basic boat handling as you prepare to skipper a Sunfish dinghy by yourself! Continue to attend clinic sessions until an instructor certifies you to rent on your own. The Sunfish dinghy is a popular sailboat as it provides a wonderful sailing experience for all skill levels. Easy to rig and straightforward to sail, Sunfish sailing heightens your senses and helps to develop an awareness of what makes a boat work. Our Sunfish Clinic will teach you the basics and allow you to practice under the supervision of an instructor. Eager to get out and explore the bay on your own? Once you’ve mastered the basics, an instructor will certify you to rent.
Schedule:Memorial Day – Columbus Day  Increase your speed downwind by learning the basics of spinnaker handling. Learn to set, gybe and douse a spinnaker while maintaining control and speed. Successful completion of this course certifies you to sail our Sonars with spinnaker in light to moderate breeze. With the wind at your back you’ll reach farther and run faster while learning more about sail shape and design and the physics of downwind sailing.
Schedule:Memorial Day – Labor Day  Want to charter a WFC cruising boat on your own? This new program provides an orientation to our charter boats, with review of systems operation, trouble-shooting, safety protocol and essential maneuvers to prepare you for a Cruising Check-Out Sail. This 4-hour program will review rigging, engine and starting procedures, marine head operation, review of safety equipment and procedures, docking, use of auxiliary engine, troubleshooting, maintenance, fueling and pump-out procedures.
Schedule: See website for dates  |
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ADULT RACING PROGRAMS
Take your sailing experience to the next level and put your skills to the test on the racecourse! Perfect for those new to racing as well as intermediate and advanced racers, with emphasis on basic performance sailing and understanding racing format and technique. Join us in a friendly, fostering environment with on-the-water coaching and a BBQ afterwards. Sailboat racing is an excellent way to improve all of your sailing skills. Whether you’ve just completed Learn to Sail – Intermediate or are looking for a social way to enjoy time on the water, WFC Racing is the perfect choice. Learn from fellow sailors while instructors provide coaching in a friendly atmosphere with emphasis on learning.
Schedule:
Spring: May 4 – May 25, Saturdays 1-4pm
Summer: Memorial Day to Labor Day, Tuesdays, 6-8pm Fall: Sept 7 – Columbus Day, Saturdays 1-4 WFC Regatta: Oct 5
Fee: $45 per night or $500 yearly (approximately 24 weeks)
Prerequisite: Learn to Sail - Intermediate or equivalent experience Registration: For Yearly, register here. For individual sessions, please call to register. 
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US SAILING CERTIFICATION
After completing Learn to Sail – Intermediate, sailors may qualify for certification. After successful completion of an on-the-water practical and written test, students receive US Sailing certification which enables the holder to operate a small tiller-steered keelboat in light to moderate breeze in familiar waters.
Testing Schedule: Thursdays, 6-8pm; Sundays 5-7pm Cruising offers sailors the freedom to enjoy extended stays afloat. This US Sailing course prepares you for destination sailing during daylight hours within the sight of land in moderate wind and sea conditions. This class emphasizes handling an auxiliary engine, docking, anchoring, boat systems, plotting a course and navigation. After successful completion of the course, including an on-the-water practical and written test, students receive US Sailing certification which enables the holder to skipper and crew an auxiliary powered sailboat up to 32' in length. The US Sailing Keelboat Certification system provides the national standard to learning and mastering the various components of sailing. Building upon fundamental sailing skills learned in Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising grants students the knowledge for destination sailing, a popular recreational activity that allows freedom to further enjoy the scope of the marine environment. Topics covered not only boost sailing skills, but also focus on operating under auxiliary power and understanding power, electrical, bilge, head and fresh water systems. Students must successfully complete a written test as well as on-the-water practical for certification.
Schedule: See website for dates 
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GROUP PADDLE TOURS
Ladies, join us for a comfortable and inviting evening of paddling in one of our kayaks or SUPs. Appropriate for all skill levels, this tour is aimed at boosting confidence and meeting new and familiar friends while paddling into the sunset in West Harbor. Schedule: Memorial Day — Labor DayDay & Time: Thursdays 6-8pm Fee: $30 per person Ages: 18 and older Register: Please call to register for this Program  Our SUP tour helps build core strength and balance, all the while soaking in the beauty of our bay and the evening breeze. Pick up some paddling pointers from your guide and enjoy one of the fastest growing sports in our area. Schedule: Memorial Day — Labor DayDay & Time: Tuesdays 6-8pm Fee: $30 per person Ages: 18 and older Register: Please call to register for this Program  Watching your paddle slice through the water under the evening sky is the perfect way to end your day. Join us for a leisurely paddle, meet new people, relax, and enjoy the scenery of the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge! Schedule: Memorial Day — Labor DayDay & Time: Thursdays 6-8pm Fee: $30 per person Ages: 18 and older Register: Please call to register for this Program  |
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PRIVATE LESSONS
One-on-one instruction is the ideal choice for individualized learning. Customized to meet your interests and goals, ranging from introductory to performance sailing in any of our boats. Certifications and Spinnaker Training are also available through Private Lessons to allow for greater flexibility in scheduling. Private Lessons allow for tailored instruction in any area of your choosing. Whether you are looking for comprehensive instruction or want to work on specific skills, Private Lessons are the perfect choice to meet your individual goals.
Schedule: Arranged at your convenience 
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